KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Positive Classroom

A new study reported in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior reports that our kids' work environment, their classroom and their teachers' attitudes have a strong impact on their mental health and their ability to learn.  Research from the University of Maryland reports that the classroom environment and the respect that the teachers receive from colleagues really matters when it comes to children's mental health and their ability to learn.  Kids need adequate materials.  They also need a teacher they care about and don't want to disappoint.  They say when the teachers get the support they need, there is a trickle-down effect.  Children in classrooms without the needed supplies and with unhappy teachers scored lower in several categories including learning, stress, anxiety and sadness.  Researchers also say it is important for parents to form a good relationship with their children's teachers.  Those positive relationships can have a good impact on kids as well.