Mindful Classroom Tips
"Funny enough actually I was going through a pretty tough battle with anxiety in the past couple of months but practicing mindfulness that Mrs. Straight introduced to me and the team really helped me get through it. I definitely took it for granted at the time but It’s amazing how things like that can carry through. I am so thankful. "
Former student, '19
Benefits of introducing mindfulness into the classroom
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Improves student and teacher focus and decreases mental "transition time" between classes.
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Lowers cortisol levels which:
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Improves memory.
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Improves mood, emotional regulation, and resiliency.
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Improves immune system functionality.
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Best practices
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REPETITION IS LEARNING. Frequency and consistency are the most important factors in receiving the benefits associated with mindfulness.
- Start every class with a few moments of mindfulness to allow students to mentally switch gears and help regulate their nervous systems. ​
- For the same reasons, signal a switch to a new topic with a cue of "Take deep breath in and let it out."
- Don't expect students to "parachute in". In other words, teach mindfulness and calming techniques before students need them. Not on the day of a test.​
- Stick with the. same mindfulness practice for several weeks before adding in something different.
- Know that the feedback we get from most students is they are grateful for the chance to learn this new skill. Some students will be more open to it than others. That is okay.
- Practice regularly yourself so you can testify to the benefits of a regular practice.
- Practice leading mindfulness on your own. Practice makes "good enough."
- Eventually, ask if students would like to lead a mindfulness practice.
- Check out some of the resources from March Library. Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics is a great option for beginners.
Introducing mindfulness to your class.
It will be helpful at the beginning of the year before you offer a mindfulness practice to give students a definition of mindfulness and explain why/benefits of the practice. The most popular definition of mindfulness is:
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Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.
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When working with teens, you might replace the word non-judgementally with the words kindness and curiosity.
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You might hear some students say things like "I'm terrible at mindfulness." This is an opportunity to remind them that it's a practice. The goal is never to "clear your mind" but to notice without judgment (kindness/curiosity) what thoughts arise and bring yourself back to the anchor/present moment.
Formal mindfulness practice
Generally, a formal mindfulness practice offers an "anchor" or a place for your mind to focus. An anchor could be your breath or any of your senses. When your mind wanders from that anchor (totally normal!), you notice without judgment, and bring it back to the anchor.
It's a simple practice, but not necessarily easy.