Mental Health Resources For Junior French as a Second Language Classrooms
What is the goal of this site?
The purpose of this site is to provide educators with French resources to support and teach students about mental health and well-being. The tools found on this site are geared towards students in grade 4-6 and can be used for face-to-face (f2f) as well virtual learning. Throughout my career and particularly this past year with the pandemic, I have always been looking for digital resources to support the physical, mental and emotional health of my students. At times I have found it challenging to find material geared towards FSL learners. My vision is for this site to serve as a hub for resources. Please feel free to visit the contact page and make a suggestion to add to the platform!
Why is it important that educators talk about mental health with their students?
According to CAMH, it is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder. "Given the likelihood that classroom teachers will encounter students with mental health challenges, they will be more prepared and successful if they have workable strategies to promote the well-being of all their students and avoid exacerbating existing problems"Klorinek, 2021, p.2). Even if a student is not living with a mental illness firsthand, they may have a friend or family member who does and learning about it can allow students to build empathy. As teachers, it is our job to ensure we have the tools we need to support our students as well as educate them about social-emotional well-being, healthy coping mechanisms and how to get help. Digital tools can be an excellent avenue for teachers to learn more about mental health as well as find resources to implement in the classroom.