Special Education

Teaching Students with Mental Health Disorders:
Resources for Teachers: Volume 1 - Eating Disorders

Reflection: How are you doing?

Look around your classroom and consider the following questions:

  • What kind of pictures, photographs and other images adorn your classroom walls?
  • What kinds of messages do these pictures convey about diversity of human form and experience?
  • Is there a way to arrange desks or furniture to enhance a sense of participation for all students?
  • Does the classroom’s appearance and decoration create the ambiance of a warm and inviting place?
  • In many ways the classroom is an extension of your personality. How do your own beliefs and values affect the way you approach issues like body shape and self-esteem?

Remember, students may not remember a teacher’s advice, but they always recall a teacher’s attitude.

Reflection Check: Creating a Positive Environment

When designing classroom displays, consider how you might encourage and accomplish the following:

  • Communication that is as quiet and calm as possible.
  • Students know who does what and when.
  • The atmosphere allows feelings to be expressed freely and safely.
  • Healthy disagreements are allowed and allowances can be made to agree to disagree.