Managing Stress in the Elementary Classroom
By Kelly Leavitt, MSW, LSW – August 26, 2026 –
Have you ever wondered how stress affects an entire school classroom? What steps can we take to manage stress before it becomes overwhelming? And how can educators recognize stress in students and help them cope?
Students today are influenced by their peers in both positive and negative ways. Because elementary-aged children are still developing the skills needed to identify and manage their emotions, creating a supportive school environment is essential. When stress becomes overwhelming, it can affect a student’s academic performance, relationships, comfort, and overall well-being.
Children may experience stress for many reasons, including academic expectations, extracurricular activities, learning challenges, peer conflicts, and difficulties at home. At this age, many students have difficulty identifying the source of their stress, making it especially important for adults to recognize changes in their behavior and emotional well-being.
Educators can experience significant stress as well. High levels of workplace stress may contribute to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and staff turnover. When teachers are overwhelmed, they may have less emotional energy to provide the support, stability, and structure students need. Supporting educators is therefore an important part of creating a healthy classroom environment.
Recognizing signs of stress is the first step toward helping students manage it. Warning signs may include irritability or agitation, extreme mood changes, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, withdrawal from friends or family, changes in eating or sleeping habits, declining school performance, poor self-esteem, impulsive behavior, or persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. When these changes are noticeable or ongoing, trusted adults need to respond with patience and support.
There are several ways schools can help students manage stress. Physical activity can provide an opportunity to release tension and improve mood. Incorporating movement breaks, outdoor activities, or physical education into the school day can support students’ emotional well-being. Mindfulness activities, such as deep breathing, guided meditation, or brief moments of quiet reflection, can also help students recognize and regulate their emotions.
Creating strong social connections is equally important. A classroom where students feel safe, supported, and connected to their teachers and peers can provide a valuable buffer against stress. Encouraging positive relationships, teaching coping skills, and creating opportunities for students to communicate their feelings can help them develop healthy ways to manage challenges.
Teachers also need opportunities to manage their own stress. Self-care, professional development, peer support, and access to appropriate wellness resources can help educators maintain their well-being. A supportive network of colleagues can provide a space to share challenges, exchange ideas, and learn effective coping strategies.
By prioritizing stress management for both students and educators, schools can create environments that promote emotional well-being and academic success. When stress continues despite consistent support and coping strategies, seeking assistance from a qualified mental health professional may provide additional resources and support.
Kelly Leavitt, MSW, LSW, is a Youth First Mental Health Professional at Highland Elementary School in Vanderburgh County. Youth First, Inc., is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides over 100 highly trained mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers), prevention programs, parent engagement coordinators, and bilingual support personnel to 138 schools across 15 Indiana counties. Over 56,000 youth and families each year are served by Youth First’s school-based social work and community programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.
