HRE (Happy, Relaxed and Engaged) in Schools: Why No One Uses It And Why It Matters More Than Ever

Over the past few weeks working in multiple school there has been one pattern i have seen across all classrooms and its not the teachers fault, its that most teachers have never heard of HRE — Happy, Relaxed, and Engaged.

It’s surprising.

It’s frustrating.

And honestly, it’s a huge missed opportunity.

Because HRE isn’t just a catchy phrase. It’s one of the simplest, most powerful approaches for helping students learn, behave, and thrive.

Yet almost no one in schools uses it.

What Is HRE (Happy, Relaxed, and Engaged)?

HRE is exactly what it sounds like — a state where students feel:

• Happy in their environment
• Relaxed enough to learn without fear or stress
• Engaged in what they’re doing

When students feel safe, calm, and interested, learning becomes natural.

• Brains open up.

• Motivation increases.

• Behavior improves.

But despite how effective this is, it’s rarely talked about.

Why Don’t Teachers Use HRE

1. Most have never heard of it

I’ve been in many schools, and when I mention HRE, teachers look at me like I’m speaking another language. They’ve simply never been introduced to it during training or in their workplace.

2. Schools focus on behaviour, not wellbeing

Many classrooms rely on strict rules, consequences, and pressure. But none of that actually creates engagement — it just creates fear or compliance.

3.Pressure to “get through the curriculum”

Teachers are so overwhelmed with targets and deadlines that they don’t feel they have time to build a calm, positive atmosphere, even though it saves time in the long run.

4. Misunderstanding of what engagement really looks like

Some people think “engaged” means quiet, still, and focused.

But in reality, engaged can mean active, curious, playful, or collaborative.

5. No one teaches them how

Even when teachers want calmer, happier classrooms, no one provides training on how to make it happen.

Why HRE Is So Important

1. Students learn better when they feel good

A stressed brain cannot learn.

A happy one can.

2. Behaviour improves naturally

When kids feel relaxed and connected, they don’t need constant correcting. They behave better because they want to participate.

3. Engagement reduces boredom and acting out

Many behaviour problems come from kids being bored, confused, overwhelmed, or disconnected. HRE solves all four.

4. It supports mental health

School anxiety is rising. Pressure is rising. Expectations are rising.

HRE creates a space where children feel grounded and safe.

5. It makes teaching easier

Teachers spend less time managing chaos and more time doing what they love — teaching.

What Happens When Schools Ignore HRE

• Students shut down.
• Anxiety increases.
• Teachers burn out.
• Behaviour escalates.
• Creativity disappears.
• Learning becomes a battle instead of a joy.

All because basic wellbeing is being overlooked.

Why This Needs to Change

We don’t need more punishments.

We don’t need more strictness.

We don’t need more pressure.

We need HRE classrooms where students feel:

• Happy
• Relaxed
• Engaged

It’s simple. It’s human. And it works.

The fact that so many teachers have never heard of it isn’t their fault — but it is a sign that schools need to rethink what learning truly requires.