Section 2: Being Comfortable in School

This section helps students view the classroom as an enjoyable and comfortable place to be. Although effective learning climates involve some tension and anxiety, students should feel comfortable at school and not regularly experience feelings that lead to avoiding school. Students need to learn how to cope with feelings of anxiety about school and should occasionally participate in games and other activities that are intended to be relaxing and to create a calm classroom environment. Although physical exercise, proper diet, and adequate sleep contribute to children's feeling comfortable at school, teachers and children sometimes need to discuss how to relax and feel comfortable. Here are some possible discussion topics for Section 2:

A. Stress and relaxation.

B. Why and how different people relax.

C. What might cause students to feel nervous or anxious at school.

D. What it means to be relaxed at school.

E. Methods of relaxation that students can practice in the classroom and elsewhere.

F. How can teachers help students feel comfortable at school.