Education Assistants play a vital role in the promotion of mental health. As an education assistant, there are some crucial things you can do to promote positive mental health inside and outside the classroom. This blog post highlights ways to promote positive mental health as an education assistant.

Create a Welcoming Classroom Environment as an Education Assistant

Nothing lifts students’ spirits more than a classroom where they feel welcome or valued. That’s why, as an education assistant, you must actively cultivate a welcoming classroom environment. Use specific techniques, such as greeting students by name and acknowledging their efforts.

As an education assistant, those little acts like acknowledging your students, greeting them by name, and showing kindness to them will matter more than you know. If they feel safe and seen in the classrooms and know they have the respect of their peers, an average student is more likely to have a positive attitude about school.

If students feel vulnerable without the fear of judgment, they are encouraged to open up to their teachers and speak out when facing learning or personal challenges.

Support Emotional Learning and Create Awareness

Emotional learning can help students properly appreciate and manage their emotions. It can teach students how to cope with their feelings and manage any adversity they face in their personal and academic lives. This is why proper education assistant training can make a difference in the classrooms.

The subject of mental health should be openly discussed in the classroom. Teaching assistants can transfer positive mental health practices like mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques while encouraging students to process and talk about their mental health struggles.

Promote Physical Activity and Healthy Habits per Your Education Assistant Training

Research has shown a connection between regular physical activity and positive mental health. Since providing mental health support for your students is part of your brief as an education assistant, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of physical activity. For best results, carry out simple stretches between lessons to stimulate students or engage them in short group workouts.

Some schools incorporate sports programs, yoga classes, and other activities that help their students exert themselves physically. While these activities sharpen the body, they also sharpen the mind. Apart from physical activities, teach students about the value of building healthy habits. Remind them regularly to sleep well and eat healthy.

Be a Supportive Listener

Often, your students only need someone to talk to to feel better and to break that ice. Let your students know you are available and can be approached as much as possible. Show that you care, listen attentively, and give them your time and any helpful resources.

This way, students who are facing any learning or personal challenges that are straining their mental health can reach out and get the much-needed help. 

Launch Your Education Assistant Career With DCC!

Discovery Community College’s Education Assistant Training Program offers a comprehensive blend of practical “on-the-job” training and flexible learning options to fit diverse student needs.

With nearly 35 years of success, Discovery Community College has a solid reputation for preparing students for rewarding careers, just as graduate Jennifer Sinclair can attest. In her words, “The staff at the college was friendly and helpful, and the course teacher had a lot of experience in the field. I was satisfied with course content, and pleased with the number of qualifications I ended up with”.

Our institution’s longstanding history is marked by solid alliances with numerous community partners, ensuring students gain valuable, real-world experience.

Are you Interested in our education assistant course?

Contact DCC for more information.