Ways to Support Learners with Anxiety Disorders

WAYS TO SUPPORT LEARNERS WITH ANXIETY DISORDERS

Anxiety disorders occur on a spectrum and can impact children in a variety of ways. Some children may deal with low levels of apprehension, while other children develop severe and intense anxiety. This promotes an inclusive environment from which all learners can benefit.

Use structure: Incorporate daily and weekly routines to help children learn what to expect. Post schedules in a visible area. This is especially important for older children who have rotating or complex schedules.

Provide a ‘just right’ challenge: Allow students to learn and grow while building their self-confidence. Grade your activities so that they are just challenging enough to stretch the child’s learning.

Offer choice: By using a topic, subject, or medium that is exciting to students, they will naturally gravitate toward engagement.

Teach self-management: Another strategy that students with and without anxiety disorders can benefit from is selfmanagement skills. Talk about self-regulation, brainstorm symptoms of being dysregulated, develop language, and teach strategies.

Eliminate busywork: A child working on fractions does not need to complete 100 problems to master the skill and demonstrate competence.

Identify strengths: Use one-on-one time to reflect on past successes, strengths, passions, and skills. If you want to use an example in a group setting to provide an example of problem-solving skills, ask for student permission beforehand.

Use positive feedback: Positive reinforcement signals to children that they are doing what is expected and can be a great way to boost the confidence of children who have anxiety.

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