Pupils may be dealing with more worries, thoughts and stress than usual during this time. Mindfulness is a useful skill to help them manage those feelings. Some skills can be practiced as a class, such as breathing exercises. You can also explain to them the importance of learning to focus on what is happening right now – dwelling on the past or speculating about the future can make worries worse.

What to try

• Lead the class in a short breathing exercise and remind them that they can use this (without closing their eyes) to help them focus if they feel worried.

• Have the class think of a list of things they can do when they are feeling worried. This might include “write my worry down”, “think about someone that makes me feel safe” or “notice my senses – what can I see, hear, taste, smell or feel?”

• Use a “timeout” system more flexibly, where pupils can take some quiet time to read or rest or take time away from their screens when they need it. In secondary schools, if you have a quiet space for pupils to use, you might consider making this available to all pupils, more of the time.

• Have a “worry jar” in the classroom or a postbox on your office door where pupils can let you know what’s bothering them.

• Look after yourself – teachers, like many frontline workers, are asked to take responsibility for the wellbeing of others. In these particularly challenging times, this can cause huge strain on your own mental health. To best support your pupils, it is also important that you take care of your own wellbeing. Read the Mental Health foundation's key worker advice and tips on looking after your mental health.

Key Worker Advice 
Tips on Looking After Your Mental Health 

References for the above and for further reading:
https://www.mentalhealth...-pupils-return-to-school