Instructional Strategies for Increasing Protective Factors
Protective factors are strengths and supports that allow children to succeed and reduce the effects of stressful life events. According to the National Center on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments, there are three key factors offered by schools that can protect young children and promote their resilience: 1) caring relationships, 2) high expectations and academic standards, and 3) opportunities for participation and contribution.
These factors also increase an individual’s ability to avoid risks or hazards and promote social and emotional competence to thrive in all aspects of life, now, and in the future. Schools are uniquely positioned to develop and strengthen protective factors by helping students acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to manage emotions, set and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, and establish and maintain supportive relationships.