Children don’t always express anxiety in obvious ways, which makes it easy to miss. In the classroom, anxiety  can manifest via behaviours such as:

• Avoiding certain activities or lessons

• Frequent complaints of headaches or stomach aches

• Restlessness or irritability

• Difficulty focusing or following instructions

• Meltdowns, shutdowns, or withdrawal

Small environmental changes can make a big difference. Educators who reduce sensory overload and offer spaces for emotional regulation can help anxious pupils feel safer and more in control. 

Key strategies include: 

• Provide visual schedules and consistent routines

• Create designated calm spaces or quiet corners

• Use a gentle lighting scheme to reduce visual stress

• Minimise background noise and sensory clutter

• Make self-regulation tools easily accessible

SpaceKraft products that can help with classroom anxiety include:

• Weighted lap pads - provides calming deep pressure during seated activitiess

• Fibre optic lighting - provides gentle visual stimulation that can help with focus and relaxation

• Chewy fidgets - offers tactile and oral sensory input to support regulation

• Ear defenders - helps in noisy environments like assemblies or transitions

• Tactile cushions and seating options - provides movement or texture variation

One simple but powerful classroom resource is the Anxiety & Worry Kit in a Tin. This compact kit is designed for use in classrooms, SEND settings, or 1:1 support environments and includes:

• Worry dolls

• Fidget toys

• Affirmation cards

• A small notebook and pen

This kit helps pupils externalise worries through writing or play, provides grounding tactile input during anxious moments, and supports emotional check-ins with a trusted adult. Ideal for educators who are wanting to create a classroom calm box.

Alongside sensory tools, classroom practices play a vital role in supporting mental wellbeing.  Some effective approaches include:

• Validating feelings: reassure pupils that their emotions are real and acceptable

• Teaching regulation skills: use grounding techniques like deep breathing, five-senses exercises, or simple body scans

• Use visual aids: calm choice boards, emotion thermometers, or worry scales

• Offer movement breaks: reduce restlessness and physical tensions

• Involve the pupil: ask what helps them and personalise support strategies

Every child will respond differently, so flexibility is essential. The goal is not a  one-size-fits-all solution, but an evolving toolkit that meets diverse needs.

At SpaceKraft, we understand that supporting mental health and wellbeing is an ongoing commitment. We’ve partnered with numerous schools to design and implement bespoke solutions.

Treetops School and The Bridge School are two examples of schools we’ve helped to create sensory-rich environments tailored to their pupils’ needs and their wider goals. 

From full sensory room installations to classroom ready calming tools, we help schools put emotional wellbeing at the heart of learning.

Managing anxiety in the classroom doesn’t require specialist training or major overhauls. The most effective strategies are often the simplest: compassion, consistency and the right resources.

By combining thoughtful routines with sensory-friendly tools, educators can reduce the impact of anxiety and help every child feel calmer, safer and ready to learn.

Explore our full range of sensory equipment and resources, or get in touch to discuss how we can help support your school’s wellbeing goals.