Connected Classroom for Middle School and High School Students
Overview
This collection provides tools to support middle and high school teachers in developing student wellbeing and resilience in classroom settings. This collection provides guides to teaching key skills for emotional regulation, effective communication, goal setting, and stress reduction.
Courses
Cultivating Compassionate Schools
Hear from educators, mental health professionals and former students as they share firsthand accounts of the challenges and successes of creating a nurturing school community. Watch this video to explore the importance of building a school environment that is sensitive to trauma and promotes resilience.
Recognizing and Managing Anxiety in the Classroom
This course is designed to help educators navigate the nuances involved with recognizing and addressing anxiety and stress in K-12 students. John Piacentini, PhD, ABPP, Director, Center for Child Anxiety Resilience Education and Support (CARES) joins his colleagues, Monica Wu, PhD, Kate Sheehan, LCSW, and Emily Ricketts, PhD in discussing common manifestations of anxiety. Video vignettes engage the learner to better understand various ways in which anxiety may thwart a child’s academic, emotional, and social development. Practical strategies for individual and classroom use are offered ...
Printable Tools
Abdominal Breathing Script for Middle School and High School Students
When emotions are intense it can be difficult for students to focus, think critically, and problem solve. Practicing deep breathing helps reduce stress and promotes a sense of calm. Use this script to help students practice abdominal breathing during times of stress.
CALMR Worksheet
Communication challenges arise when interacting with others. The CALMR strategy is a simple reminder of how to respond during difficult or even combative situations. The strategy focuses on calming down and staying aware of non-verbal communication to help ease tension and reactions. Use the printable tool with students to help them navigate their responses to challenging interactions.
CALMR Worksheet (Poster Version)
Communication challenges arise when interacting with others. The CALMR strategy is a simple reminder of how to respond during difficult or even combative situations. The strategy focuses on calming down and staying aware of non-verbal communication to help ease tension and reactions. Use this poster in your classroom or another visible area to help everyone at school navigate their responses to challenging interactions.
Effective Communication in the Classroom
A critical aspect of adolescent social development is the ability to effectively communicate with peers, teachers, and family members. Use this handout in class to introduce students to effective communications skills, including reflecting openly, making clarifying statements, and asking for more information when needed.
Videos
Creating Healing Spaces for Teachers
Teachers have the enormous task of facilitating learning while also impacted by trauma, burnout, and grief. This video focuses on how schools can create policies and spaces for teachers that are centered in healing and racial justice principles.
Examples of Relaxation Techniques for Anxiety
Dr. John Piacentini, the director of the UCLA Center for Child Anxiety Resilience, Education, and Support (CARES), demonstrates some simple ways to relax the tension that anxiety creates.
Using the Feeling Thermometer in the Classroom
Being aware and open about feelings in the classroom allows students to grow and develop essential life skills, such as honesty and self-reflection. Watch this video demonstration to learn more about the Feeling Thermometer.
Mobile Tools
UCLA MARC Mindfulness App
Mindfulness is the practice of training the mind to be present through moment-to-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and the environment. Download the MARC Mindfulness app to participate in mindfulness meditation practice at work or home.
Websites
Back-to-School Mental Health Resources
Going back to school can be stressful. Access resources for youth, parents, family, friends, schools, and teachers how to get help when it is needed.
