Hey there! As a health teacher at Chestnut Hill Middle School, I’ve had the chance to work with some amazing students and watch them grow, learn, and figure out the many things that make up their health—both social, mental and physical. It’s a fun, but sometimes tricky time in their lives, right? With everything going on in middle school, it’s important that we create a space where students feel comfortable asking questions and talking about what’s really on their minds. 

Why Open Conversations Matter 

Middle school is a time when students are starting to deal with a lot—puberty, peer pressure, mental health, breakouts and body changes to name just a few. These topics can feel super awkward, and many students might not know where to go to get answers or advice. That’s why open, honest conversations are key. As a teacher, I want to create an environment where students feel they can ask anything—no matter how weird or uncomfortable it might seem—and know that their questions are valid. When we give students the chance to talk openly about health, they feel empowered to make informed decisions about their well-being. 

Making the Classroom a Safe Space 

It all starts with creating a space where they feel safe, respected, and accepted. 

1. Setting Ground Rules Together: On the first day of class we set up a few simple rules to keep conversations respectful and supportive. Everyone has different experiences and it’s important that we’re all understanding of each other. 

2. Encouraging Respect and Openness: The more we encourage respect, the more comfortable everyone feels. I let my students know that there’s no such thing as a “dumb” question in health class. 

3. Using Kind, Non-Judgmental Language: In our classroom, I always use language that’s inclusive and non-judgmental. 

4. Handling Sensitive Topics with Care: Topics like mental health, body changes, intimate relationships, and substance use can be tricky to talk about, but they’re important. When we dive into these sensitive subjects, I always try to approach them with compassion and understanding. 

5. Anonymous Question Box: Allowing students to input questions anonymously helps them feel confident asking the question that makes them uncomfortable and takes the attention off of them. 

Making Learning Fun and Interactive 

Instead of just reading from a textbook, we use activities like group discussions, role-playing, creating skits, making podcast episodes, and gamifying the classroom to name a few. For example, when we talk about stress management, students play come on six, stress jenga, engage in a stress management choice board, and create their own stress management room. These activities make the classroom feel less like a lecture and more like a space for conversation and collaboration, which helps students feel more comfortable sharing their opinions. 

Beyond the Classroom: Building a Support Network 

Creating an open, supportive environment doesn’t stop at the classroom door. I work closely with school counselors, parents, and other teachers to make sure students have a network of support both in and out of school. 

Providing opportunities for students interested in health topics to join a health based after school club because it is a more laid back environment and allows students to choose what they want to learn more about. This has provided them with opportunities to educate the school on topics like being assertive, the health effects of tobacco, and more. 

I also provide students with resources and bring in local health organizations to guest speak—that they can turn to if they have questions outside of class. Giving them access to extra information helps them feel like they have the tools to take care of themselves on their own. 

A Safe Place for Lifelong Health 

At the end of the day, it’s all about creating a space where students feel like they can talk openly about their health, ask the tough questions, and leave class feeling empowered and confident. Health education is more than just teaching facts; it’s about giving students the confidence and skills to make smart choices for their bodies and minds 

At Chestnut Hill Middle, I’m proud to be part of a community where we’re always striving to make health a comfortable topic of conversation. Here, students are learning not just how to live a healthy life, but also how to be open, respectful, and supportive of one another as they navigate the ups and downs of growing up. 

This microblog post was a featured post in #slowchathealth’s #microblogmonth event. You can search for all of the featured posts here. Please do follow each of the outstanding contributors on social media (including Andrea Kennedy , the author of this post) and consider writing a microblog post of your own to be shared with the global audience of slowchathealth.com.

Pair this post with the following:

Mind Your Language by Andy Milne

The Importance of Creating a Full Value Contract With Your Students by Michelle Rawcliffe

On Being Brave, Kind and Proud by Andy Milne

Considering Gender Combined Sex Education by Betty Barsley-Marra

Have you read the latest Book of the Month recommendation?