I heard two interesting reports on NPR while driving to work this morning about two issues facing high school students: they are sleep deprived and stressed out.
As educators we are always trying to create a rigorous, challenging academic environment for our students to grown and learn. I am constantly preaching the importance of grit and hard work in my math classroom. Still though I often worry about the pressures we put on our students so I was happy to hear this report this morning. Because we only see our students 40 minutes a day, it is easy to lose perspective. My algebra class isn't their only class. They have at least 4 other academic classes, arts electives, sports, and clubs that often occupy their entire day and into the evenings. As a parent I'm saddened to think about what these commitments do to their family life. Do our students get to spend quality time with their families? The question of how to combat student stress while maintaining high expectations for academic success is and should be a question on the minds of all teachers.
Balance.
Teachers and parents need to work together to teach our students time management skills and to slow down, and breathe when things get stressful.
Tools:
Lists
Planners
Mindful Meditation
Timers
Bedtime
Breaks to exercise and spend time with family
???
Key Quotes:
Because teenagers need eight to nine hours of sleep, waking up at 6 a.m. can lead to a pattern of sleep deprivation. And that puts them at higher risk of a whole range of potential problems, from depression to automobile accidents.
"A little stress is a good thing," Alvord says. "It can motivate students to be organized. But too much stress can backfire."
As educators we are always trying to create a rigorous, challenging academic environment for our students to grown and learn. I am constantly preaching the importance of grit and hard work in my math classroom. Still though I often worry about the pressures we put on our students so I was happy to hear this report this morning. Because we only see our students 40 minutes a day, it is easy to lose perspective. My algebra class isn't their only class. They have at least 4 other academic classes, arts electives, sports, and clubs that often occupy their entire day and into the evenings. As a parent I'm saddened to think about what these commitments do to their family life. Do our students get to spend quality time with their families? The question of how to combat student stress while maintaining high expectations for academic success is and should be a question on the minds of all teachers.
Balance.
Teachers and parents need to work together to teach our students time management skills and to slow down, and breathe when things get stressful.
Tools:
Lists
Planners
Mindful Meditation
Timers
Bedtime
Breaks to exercise and spend time with family
???
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