Anyone working with young children knows that it can be quite stressful and demanding at times. In this class, we will learn ways to cope with stress and enhance our performance by minimizing the negative effects of stress in our learning environments. Teachers learn an operational definition of stress, study the major research findings on the nature of stress, learn the major theories explaining its impact upon teaching and learning, and conduct a thorough
assessment of stress factors operating in their classrooms. This knowledge is then integrated by applying strategies to identify and address specific sources of stress that undermine effective teaching and learning in the classrooms. In addition to identifying sources and signs of stress, participants will brainstorm ways we can best care for ourselves so that we can best serve the children we care for.