School Tools & Resources

Evidence-based resources to support neurodivergent students and promote mental wellbeing in your classroom. Quick packs, teaching strategies, and practical tools for educators.

Supporting Every Student

1 in 7

Children have a mental health condition

15-20%

Students are neurodivergent

80%

Improvement with early intervention

You

Make a difference every day

Teacher Quick Pack

Ready-to-use resources for immediate classroom application. Print, share, and implement today.

ADHD Classroom Guide

Quick reference for supporting students with ADHD. Includes seating strategies, attention breaks, and behavior management tips.

✓ Attention & focus strategies
✓ Classroom accommodations checklist
✓ Movement breaks guide
✓ Positive reinforcement tools

Autism Support Guide

Essential strategies for creating an autism-friendly classroom. Sensory considerations, communication tips, and transition supports.

✓ Visual schedules & supports
✓ Sensory regulation strategies
✓ Communication alternatives
✓ Meltdown prevention & response

Anxiety Toolkit

Practical tools for helping anxious students. Breathing exercises, worry management, and classroom accommodations.

✓ Quick breathing techniques
✓ Grounding exercises (5-4-3-2-1)
✓ Test anxiety strategies
✓ Safe space guidelines

Dyslexia Interventions

Reading support strategies and assistive technology recommendations. Multi-sensory approaches and assessment tools.

✓ Reading intervention strategies
✓ Font & formatting guidelines
✓ Assistive technology tools
✓ Assessment accommodations

Mental Health Awareness

Recognizing depression, low mood, and emotional struggles. When and how to refer for additional support.

✓ Warning signs to watch for
✓ Supportive conversations
✓ Referral pathways
✓ Crisis response protocols

Stress & Self-Regulation

Teaching students stress management and emotional regulation. Mindfulness, breathing, and coping strategies.

✓ Classroom breathing exercises
✓ Sensory regulation breaks
✓ Emotion identification tools
✓ Coping skills curriculum

Printable Classroom Posters

Breathing Techniques Poster

Visual guide to 4-4-4 Box Breathing and 4-7-8 Technique

Emotion Zones Chart

Help students identify and regulate emotions

Grounding Exercise (5-4-3-2-1)

Quick anxiety relief technique for classroom use

Comprehensive Teacher Resources

In-depth guides, strategies, and professional development materials organized by condition and topic.

Breathing Exercises for Classroom Use

Simple, evidence-based breathing techniques to help students regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve focus.

Box Breathing (4-4-4-4)

Best for: Focus, test anxiety, transitions

Breathe in for 4 counts
Hold for 4 counts
Breathe out for 4 counts
Hold for 4 counts
Repeat 3-5 times

4-7-8 Breathing

Best for: Anxiety, calming before rest time

Breathe in through nose for 4
Hold for 7 counts
Breathe out slowly through mouth for 8
Repeat 4 times

Belly Breathing (Younger Students)

Best for: Elementary, simple calming

Place hand on belly
Breathe in through nose (belly expands)
Breathe out through mouth (belly deflates)
Imagine belly is a balloon
Repeat 5 times

Implementation Tips

When to Use:

• Start of day/class to set calm tone
• Before tests or stressful activities
• After high-energy activities (recess, PE)
• During transitions
• When class energy is dysregulated

Best Practices:

• Model the breathing yourself
• Use visual cues (hand gestures, timers)
• Keep it brief (1-3 minutes)
• Make it routine (same time daily)
• Optional participation (never force)

Crisis Response for Educators

What to do when a student is in crisis. Know your school's protocols and these general guidelines.

If Student Mentions Suicide or Self-Harm:

DO NOT leave student alone
Take it seriously—always (even if you think it's "attention-seeking")
Stay calm, listen without judgment
Immediately notify: School counselor, psychologist, administrator, or designated mental health staff
Contact parent/guardian (typically done by counselor/admin)
Follow school safety protocol

⚠️ You are not expected to be a therapist. Your role is to notice, listen, and refer.

Other Mental Health Concerns:

Panic Attack:

• Move to quiet space if possible
• Reassure it will pass (usually 5-20 min)
• Guide through breathing (4-4-4)
• Don't leave student alone
• Contact school nurse/counselor

Suspected Abuse/Neglect:

• All educators are mandated reporters
• Report suspicions to designated person (principal, safeguarding lead)
• Document observations factually
• DO NOT investigate yourself

Autism Meltdown:

• Reduce sensory input (lights, noise)
• Give space, remove audience
• Use calm, minimal language
• Safety first—prevent injury
• Debrief after student is calm (not during)

Crisis Hotlines (Share with Students/Parents)

United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Samaritans
📞 116 123 (24/7, free)
✉️ jo@samaritans.org

Childline (under 19)
📞 0800 1111 (24/7, free)
💬 Online chat available

SHOUT Crisis Text Line
📱 Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7, free)

United States 🇺🇸

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
📞 988 (24/7, free)
💬 Chat at 988lifeline.org

Crisis Text Line
📱 Text HELLO to 741741 (24/7, free)

Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth)
📞 1-866-488-7386
📱 Text START to 678-678