{"id":1943,"date":"2018-09-12T10:00:16","date_gmt":"2018-09-12T15:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/teachersfirst.com\/blog\/?p=1943"},"modified":"2018-09-12T12:15:49","modified_gmt":"2018-09-12T17:15:49","slug":"infusing-mindfulness-into-the-school-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/2018\/09\/infusing-mindfulness-into-the-school-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Infusing Mindfulness Into the School Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cThe best cure for the body is a quiet mind.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

-Napoleon Bonaparte<\/em><\/p>\n

Imagine the possibilities – – –<\/span><\/p>\n

What if our teachers approached each day, each class period, with a quiet mind?<\/span><\/p>\n

What if our students began each day, each lesson, with a quiet mind?<\/span><\/p>\n

What if our administrators approached each classroom observation or interaction with a student with a quiet mind?<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>As you ponder your answers to the rhetorical questions above, let\u2019s analyze Bonaparte\u2019s quote. What exactly does a \u201cquiet mind\u201d mean, why is it important, and how can I work to achieve it in my own professional (and personal) life and assist in the development of it in my students? \u00a0That brings me to a conversation about the integration of mindfulness into schools. Kids these days (and probably adults for that matter) are more stressed and anxious than ever. So, how can mindfulness restore a sense of management and control?<\/span><\/p>\n

Mindfulness is defined as a quality or state of being conscious of something and awareness of the present moment. \u00a0Educators know that children learn best when they are in a comfortable, safe, and relaxed environment. However, it\u2019s important to note that structure must still exist. So, how do we integrate mindfulness into our classrooms you ask? \u00a0Read on for some practical and easy ways to focus on social and emotional learning and create a calm and productive classroom at any level.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Lead a \u201cmindful moment\u201d.
    \nStart your day or lesson with a \u201cmindful moment\u201d, where you ask students to focus on gratitude silently. Then, ask students to share what they\u2019re grateful for at the present moment or one compliment about the person beside them. This is an easy and effective way to start the day with a positive and grateful attitude which, in turn, facilitates students\u2019 ability to be present and ready for learning.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n
  2. Try mindfulness through breath or a quiet brain break.<\/strong>
    \nUse this throughout the school day or class period to help with transitions, before assessments, or during difficult situations. A <\/span>quiet<\/span> brain break could be coloring (older kids love adult coloring books!), journaling, drawing, calming music, or sensory fidgets.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Circle up.<\/strong>
    \nClassroom circles can be a powerful practice to promote mindfulness, restorative practices, communication, and compassion. Use circles to conduct a class meeting, for brief check-in, or to start or end the day\/class period. \u00a0Students can sit or stand, whatever works for your space.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    As you start to feel more comfortable with the idea of mindfulness, you can work to incorporate more into your daily classroom routine. We owe it to our students to create a classroom environment that is calm, empathetic and allows students to be ready and present for learning.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Resources:<\/span><\/p>\n