Trees in Classrooms Foster Mental Health

We’re Fundraising to Support Mental Health in the Classroom:

• In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%, according to a scientific brief released by the World Health Organization.

• WRAL's Pandemic Generation: Kids in Crisis' reported that before the pandemic, teachers saw 1 out of 20 students with mental health issues; now, that ratio is 1 in 5 students.

• 60 Minutes recently reported the rising suicide rate among 10-14 year-old students.

• National Association for School Psychologists recommends one psychologist for every 500 students. The average is closer to 1 for 1,200 and reaches 5,000 in some states. The shortage extends to school counselors as well.

• NY Times survey has found 55% of teachers are ready to quit.

Transforming the Classroom to Lower Stress / Anxiety:

Forty years of peer-reviewed research find that photographic images of nature calm students, boost creativity and increase attention span giving teachers more time on task. High-resolution images of tree canopies are printed onto 2'x4' ceiling tiles and pieced together to complete a ceiling mural that fills the classroom and creates a calming environment that further nurtures socio-emotional development. Your tax-deductible donation today will help us keep making a difference in teachers' and students' lives.

Results We’re Seeing:

Last January, Nature in the Classroom installed a tree ceiling in the wellness room at Cesar Chavez Academy in Corona, CA. Positive behaviors were observed in students, like the case of an emotionally overwhelmed fifth-grader who calmed down almost instantly when she entered the wellness room. They witnessed this continued calming effect of the trees over several months and determined its effectiveness, leading to the decision to add tree ceilings to six classrooms.

Telemundo interviews a teacher and students at Gage Middle School in Huntington Park, CA, about how the tree ceilings calm their day and inspire teaching and creativity in this three-minute segment. Watch The Video

What Teachers and Students are Saying About Trees in the Classroom:

Teachers:

“The ceilings have been the difference in getting through the pandemic.” David Manzo, Principal

“The students were excited to see the tree ceiling in their classroom. I can already tell that by having the tree ceiling it has brought a sense of calmness and peace to the students seated underneath them.” Karyn Smolic, Middle School Teacher

“My students are seated on the perimeter of the classroom. I have a handful of seats in the middle of the room, directly underneath the trees. I have students asking me to sit there so they can see the trees better.” Shelley Bellew, Middle School Teacher

Students:

“The trees are so beautiful and peaceful!”

"It feels like we're outside, which is really nice."

"I think it lightens up the room more and make it seem airier"

" I like sitting under the trees. I really like the sunshine peeking through"

"The trees are soothing"

“It calms me up”

Our Fundraising Will be Used to Plant Tree Ceilings and Study Their Impact:

Raising $100,000 will allow us to place 20 ceilings in LAUSD schools and conduct a study led by Dr. Richard Taylor and the University of Oregon. Please give generously to Nature In The Classroom today to help lower stress and anxiety among teachers and students, and make the classroom thrive!