💛 Helping Students Through the Mid-Semester Slump: A School Counselor’s Guide to Helping Students (and Teachers) Stay Grounded in October

The middle of the semester can test everyone’s energy and emotions. Students start to feel the pressure of grades, teachers are balancing endless to-dos, and classrooms can begin to feel a little heavier.

As a school counselor and teacher, I see it every year—the “October slump.” It’s that point where motivation starts to fade, small frustrations feel bigger, and stress levels rise for both kids and adults. But here’s the good news: with a few intentional strategies focused on emotional wellness, you can help your classroom feel calmer, more connected, and ready to finish the semester strong.

🌿 Step 1: Start with Simple Emotional Check-Ins

You don’t need to plan a big lesson to make an emotional impact. A few small, consistent check-ins can make a world of difference.

• Try a Feelings Thermometer where students rate how they’re doing when they walk in.

• Begin class with a quick Mood Morning Check—ask students to share one word about how they’re feeling or let them show it with a color, emoji card, or short phrase.

• Give students 3–5 minutes to journal or draw about how they’re feeling before diving into academics.

School Counselor Tip: Keep it consistent. Check-ins work best when they become part of the classroom routine. A minute or two every day helps students feel emotionally grounded and ready to learn.

💬 Step 2: Build Connection Through Conversation

When students feel connected, they feel safe—and that safety fuels learning. Connection doesn’t require big projects or long conversations.

• Greet each student by name each morning or at the door.

• Ask fun or lighthearted questions: “If your mood were a color today, what would it be?”

• Celebrate effort, not just achievement—maybe even pass out positive post-its with kind words or encouragement.

School Counselor Tip: When you notice a student is quieter or more withdrawn, check in privately. A gentle “I noticed you seem a little off today. Want to talk?” question can open the door for trust and support.

🧠 Step 3: Teach Emotional Vocabulary

Many students act out not because they want to misbehave, but because they don’t have the words to express what they feel. Helping them name emotions can reduce frustration and build self-awareness.

• Post a Feelings Word Wall with a variety of words—joyful, nervous, discouraged, curious, proud.

• Talk about emotions when reading stories or watching class videos.

• Model your own feelings: “I’m feeling a little rushed right now, so I’m going to take a deep breath before we start.”

School Counselor Tip: Normalize emotions—especially the uncomfortable ones. When students see that everyone feels stress, worry, or sadness sometimes, they learn to manage emotions instead of hiding them.

🪴 Step 4: Rebuild Confidence Through Small Wins

By October, grades and academic pressure start to weigh on students. Some may begin to shut down or feel like they’re “bad at school.” Help them rediscover confidence through progress-based goals.

• Offer quick, achievable tasks where everyone can succeed.

• Create a Wall of Progress or a “Growth Tracker” to celebrate effort and improvement.

• End each class with reflection questions: “What’s one thing you learned or did better today?”

School Counselor Tip: Focus on growth, not perfection. A student who feels capable—even in small ways—is much more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

🕊️ Step 5: Bring Calm into the Classroom

October often feels busy, loud, and full of interruptions. Intentional calm moments can reset the entire atmosphere.

• Start class with 30 seconds of mindful breathing or stretching.

• Play instrumental music during independent work.

• Dim harsh lighting or use lamp lighting to create a soothing space.

School Counselor Tip: Predictability reduces anxiety. Keep transitions consistent and expectations clear—especially for students who struggle with sensory or attention challenges.

💖 Step 6: Care for the Caregivers (That Means You!)

Teachers, your well-being matters. Students learn emotional regulation by watching you.

• Take your lunch break away from your desk at least twice a week.

• Keep a “feel-good folder” with thank-you notes or kind messages from students.

• Partner with a colleague for weekly “teacher check-ins.”

• Give yourself permission to rest—you don’t have to do it all perfectly.

School Counselor Tip: When teachers model balance and self-care, students learn that taking care of themselves is part of being successful, too.

🗣️ Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Discussion Starters for October

Sprinkle these prompts into morning meetings, writing time, or group discussions:

• “What helps you calm down when you’re stressed?”

• “What’s one goal you want to reach before winter break?”

• “How can we show kindness as a class this week?”

• “What’s one thing you’re proud of lately?”

• “Who’s someone at school you can talk to when you need help?”

School Counselor Tip: Rotate these prompts weekly or post them in a “Feelings Corner” so students can reflect anytime they need to.

At Reach Your Peake Tutoring, we know that students thrive when both academic and emotional needs are supported. Whether it’s helping teachers integrate SEL practices or guiding students toward confidence and growth, we’re here to make the journey easier.

Visit ReachYourPeake.com for tutoring options, SEL-friendly classroom tools, and creative resources to help your students—and you—thrive this school year. Contact me at kim@reachyourpeake.com! Wishing everyone great luck on getting re-energized!