Teach Secondary - Issue 13.2

+ Stress-relieving pre-class breath exercises + EAL support strategies + Have you read your school’s behaviour policy? + Why you shouldn’t ditch those textbooks just yet + The edtech trends set to shape 2024 + Working memory essentials + Could the creative arts boost your students’ STEM outcomes? CAROLYN COWAN Psychotherapist and breathwork teacher ROBIN LAUNDER Behaviour management consultant and speaker LES HOPPER Products, services and digital innovation lead, Pearson MARTHA GIANNAKAKI EAL Specialist, Across Cultures AMANDAWRIGHT Head of Whole School SEND ZEPH BENNETT PE teacher and school achievement leader W ith exam season always looming, seemingly endless amounts of marking to be done and lessons needing to be planned, it’s hardly surprising that many teachers can often find themselves feeling overwhelmed. This inevitably leads to stress and anxiety – and no one can can be expected to reach their full teaching potential under those conditions. But you don’t need to let stress get the better of you. By incorporating a quick and easy-to-master breathing technique into your daily routine, you can override those stressful symptoms, bring positivity back into your classroom and remain calm during those difficult school days. You only need five minutes to feel the benefits, and can practise using the technique while sitting in an upright position on a sturdy chair, cross-legged on the floor or standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. If you want to get the most out of the exercise it’s best to not slouch, so avoid using softer furniture such as sofas or beanbags. Once you’ve found a comfortable, quiet place and adopted a position that suits you, it’s important to begin by doing some light stretching first. Slowly stretch your arms up to the ceiling and then bring them back down again. You might want to also roll your shoulders a few times to help loosen them up further. You’re now ready to try a breath technique that will reset your stress system. Inhale through your nose for three seconds, allowing your belly expand, and then release. Now, suspend the breath for seven seconds before taking three seconds to slowly exhale. Repeat this process at least five times. Don’t worry if you can’t hold for the full seven seconds on your first try. As you continue, your body will relax as your stress system begins to reset, and you’ll soon start to find that the whole process becomes easier. For best results, try taking three minutes out of your day to repeat the process with your eyes closed. Once you’ve completed the process, remain sitting with your eyes closed for a further two minutes. With this quick and handy breathing technique in your back pocket, you’ll be well-equipped to enter your classroom with an air of calm confidence, ready to tackle any difficulties that might spring up throughout the day. Try sharing this technique with your colleagues, or perhaps even your students, and who knows – over time, you might well start to see a shift in your school’s general atmosphere... LEARNING LAB INTHIS ISSUE STRESS CONTRIBUTORS Thinking about… ABOUT THE AUTHOR Carolyn Cowan is a London-based psychotherapist and breathwork teacher; find out more about Carolyn and her work by visiting carolyncowan.com L E A R N I N G L A B 75 teachwire.net/secondary