In today’s society, the prevalence of mental health and behavioral disorders among children is alarming. According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 7 children aged 2 to 8 years old has been diagnosed with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder (MBDD), and these figures only reflect those who have received formal diagnoses.
MBDDs are particularly common among boys, non-Hispanic white children, those aged 6 to 8, and children from low-income families. However, they can impact any child, emphasizing the need for collective action in providing them with essential resources, support, coping strategies, and love.
You might assume that schools, where youngsters spend most of their time, are prioritizing these issues. While many educators do indeed treat their students with the care of a parent, is that sufficient? Are schools fully addressing the socio-emotional wellbeing of their students? It seems imperative that learning the values of kindness and cooperation should be integrated into the curriculum just as rigorously as academic subjects like math and reading.
A passionate advocate for this cause is Clara Mason, a kindergarten teacher at Maplewood Elementary School in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. With 15 years of experience, Mason recently made waves with a poignant Facebook post highlighting the importance of mental health in education. She expressed her desire for students to flourish not just academically but as well-rounded individuals.
Mason shared her concern about the current climate surrounding school safety, filled with news of shootings and heated debates on gun control. “What troubles me is the blame game between parents and teachers,” she writes, making it clear that she wants to focus on constructive solutions.
Mason emphasizes the importance of genuine interactions with her students, stating, “I shape children. I am their first step out of the home.” By creating a nurturing environment, she aims for her classroom to be a place where learning is enjoyable. Each day, she greets her students with warmth, knowing that for some, her affection may be the only kindness they receive.
In addition to providing love and care, Mason goes above and beyond to meet her students’ basic needs by supplying extra snacks for hungry children and even clothing for those in need. “These small gestures can have a massive impact,” she insists, as they are just as crucial as teaching academic skills.
Over the years, Mason has encountered students facing various hardships, including abuse, neglect, and family crises. Many of her students struggle with mental health issues themselves, with some requiring regular counseling for anxiety. These scenarios are no longer rare; they have become a troubling norm.
Recognizing that love alone is not enough, Mason advocates for the implementation of mental health programs in schools. Noticing that such initiatives are often overlooked, she took it upon herself to initiate change. Last year, she successfully secured a grant to launch an afterschool yoga and mindfulness program, which attracted over 100 participants. “This was my first step toward making a difference,” she noted.
But Mason wants to go further. “I aim to champion the cause of mental health education in schools,” she declared. She believes concepts like self-management, growth mindset, social awareness, respect, and responsibility should be integral to educational curriculums. However, due to budget constraints, these topics often get sidelined.
In her post, she introduced a mental health reading list designed to serve as a foundation for a mental health awareness curriculum aimed at younger children. This list, which she shared via an Amazon Wish List, includes books covering essential topics such as divorce, grief, and fostering friendships.
The response to her initiative has been overwhelming. Not only has her own school benefited from the fulfilled wish list, but educators across the country have begun to adopt her approach, using the list to support their students. “It’s gratifying to know that others are utilizing my ideas to launch their own movements,” Mason expressed.
The impact of educators like Clara Mason is profound. She has sparked a vital conversation about mental health awareness, driving home the message that nurturing our children’s emotional and mental well-being is crucial. It’s heartening to see teachers taking the lead on such an important issue, advocating fiercely for their students.
In summary, Clara Mason, an inspiring kindergarten teacher, has initiated a movement to prioritize mental health in education. Through her dedication to nurturing her students and advocating for a comprehensive mental health curriculum, she has highlighted the pressing need for schools to address the socio-emotional well-being of children. By creating supportive environments and implementing programs, Mason is paving the way for a brighter future for her students.
Keyphrase: Mental health education in schools
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