How can a substitute teacher support students who are anxious or stressed?

Providing reassurance and creating an inclusive environment is essential for supporting students who are anxious or stressed. When students feel anxious, they often benefit from a safe and supportive atmosphere where they know they are valued and understood. By offering reassurance, a substitute teacher can help reduce their feelings of anxiety, letting them know it is normal to feel nervous and that they are not alone in their experiences.

Creating an inclusive environment involves fostering a classroom culture where all students feel accepted and comfortable participating. This can include using positive language, encouraging collaboration among students, and being attentive to their emotional needs. Such an environment helps students build trust with the teacher and fosters a sense of belonging, which can significantly alleviate their stress.

Approaching anxious students with empathy and understanding allows them to express their feelings more freely, ultimately enabling them to focus on learning rather than their anxiety.