Effective Teaching for Anxious Learners

Effective Teaching for Anxious Learners

SEEN

SAFE

SUPPORTED

A Teacher's Handbook

written & illustrated by Lilian Surgeson

much like this trailer....

Before COVID-19

we were experiencing unprecidented levels of classroom anxiety

Since COVID

anxiety levels have risen to crisis point

This has been reflected in attendence

and behaviour ...

Teachers have been left to pick up the pieces

without access to the information, skills and training that they need

Seen

Identify anxious learners in your classroom

Seen

Understand how anxiety affects the brain

Seen

Recognise behaviours that are likely to be rooted in anxiety

Seen

• Primary & Secondary

Case Studies

• Infographics and Illustrations

• Easy to access information

Illuminate key ideas in detail

Lightbulb moments

Fight

SAFE

Understand the connection between Maslow's heirarchy, fight or flight behaviour and your classroom

Flight

Freeze

SAFE

Find out what anxious learners wish their teachers knew

SAFE

Develop a mindset that will help you to anxiety-proof yourself, your lessons and your classroom

Top Tips

SAFE

• Tried and tested strategies

• Relatable quotes and friendly tone

• Practical tips and tweaks

Understand the power of early teacher intervention

SUPPORTED

Consider the learning needs of anxious learners in your planning - both short and long term

SUPPORTED

Employ pedagogical strategies to support and engage anxious learners

SUPPORTED

Reflective Questions

To promote critical thinking

• Pedagogical and behaviourial strategies

• Tools for reflective professional practice

• Suggestions for long term planning and support strategies

SUPPORTED

Lilian Surgeson is a classroom teacher with nearly 20 years experience of working with anxious learners across mainstream, special schools, online alternative provision and residential care settings. This book is about what she's learnt on the way.

She hopes that some of what she has learned might be useful