It goes without saying we live in a stressful world. Children in Taiwanese kindergartens are expected to learn a second language, with several books, extracurricular classes (math, piano, etc), perform in biannual dramatic performances, take tests, and with less sleep and little time for free play in nature. Academic stresses accumulate for the student; endure loads of daily homework, midterms, finals, the pressure to please, succeed have their consequences.
Under stress the brain's executive function cannot work properly, directly and negatively affecting academic performance. Fear and anxiety are biologically programmed to shut down the higher thinking process. The optimal flow and retention of information within the pre-frontal cortex happens when the mind is peaceful and calm. Peaceful teachers and parents nurture this state. We all have a social responsibility to facilitate positive brain chemistry, ie be relaxed. Easier said than done- I know! (See Free Guided Meditations).
Teachers and parents tell their kids to pay attention but we never teach them what paying attention means or how to pay attention. There is a place for boredom in my opinion, preferably not in the classroom (parents just learn to deal with it without reaching for the pacifying smart phone or I-pad). Research has already demonstrated that when passively listening students start to actively exchange new concepts with their group they experience a greater level of understanding. On a kindergarten level this means education is fun, engaging, sensory fulfilling. Instinctively good teachers know this and allow for students to share their thoughts on the topic to the class and have plenty of movement and tactile oriented learning activities.
Mindfulness Quiz
Do you savor life or let everyday stresses control you? In other words, how mindful are you?
Take this quiz now to find out.
The Benefits of Mindfulness in Education:
1. Increased Attention
2. Increased Executive Function; Better decision making coupled with an enthusiasm for learning
3. Decreased ADHA behavior
4. Increased emotional regulation
5. Increased self calming and self regulation
6. Increased social skills, social compliance and less peer-to-peer conflict
7. Increased empathy, compassion, generosity and patience
8. Decreased anxiety
9. Decreased depression
10. Increased sound sleep
11. Increased sense of calmness, self acceptance
12. Facilitates healthy blood pressure
In The Classroom:
1. Teach what makes us happy and engaged, like collaborating with peers while being creative in art, drama, singing, and physically active like P.E. and dance as well as participating in acts of kindness and community service. A happy brain works better. Happy brains produce dopamine which readies our brains for peak performance. Make sure the kids engage in happy activities first and then teach them whats on your academic checklist. Flow back in forth depending on your flexibility.
2. Deep Breathing calms the brain down. It is a technique that can be learned to respond to stressful situations. Learn it, practice it and teach it.
3. Yoga is a fun way to combine deep breathing with physical play. It counteracts the negative effects of sitting in chairs for hours, massages the inner organs, cleanses the lymphatic system, regulates the endocrine system, and balances both hemispheres of the brain. It fosters self acceptance in a media driven world of cookie cutter ideal body types. Anything can become yoga from animals, insects and modes of transportation to letters of the alphabet.
4. Show and Tell on a topic related to what was learned is a great way for young kids to use new language and practice public speaking in hopefully a safe space without memorizing lines. The class can help celebrate individual accomplishments (improved foreign language acquisition and speaking confidence) as well as share something personally meaningful and connect on a relational level.
5. Foster a spirit of hope. Hope has the power to change brain chemistry and is a positive reinforcing cycle that fosters successful learning. Being hopeful has the same affect on metabolic states as physical activity. Hopeful kids work harder, don't quit, and ultimately experience success which refuels their hope. That means we teachers have to be hopeful too, embrace the belief system that edifies your wholeness and sustains your hope when life is at it's lowest.
6. Expect and reinforce respectful listening.Everyone has a voice and we need to make space for taking turns and raising hands and giving our full 100% undivided attention to whoever has the turn to speak. Parents have to mirror this at public events, school functions and give our mindful attention to whoever has the mic.
Class activities:
1.The Feelings Wheel
2. Deep Breathing Wand
3. What My Brain Looks Like
4. Eating Chocolate with mindfulness
5. Bag Self Portrait
6. Mind Jar/Calming Jar
7. Zones of Regulation Cootie Catcher
8. Self Regulation Games
9. Make a Mood Bear
10. Make a Stress Ball
11. Feelings dice
12. Worry dolls
13. Worry balloons
In The News:
Schools Rethink Health Class, Incorporate Mindfulness
Why Well-Being Is a Skill That Can Be Learned
Mindfulness As Effective As Pills
Resources:
Mindfulness Guide for Teachers
Mindfulness Teacher's Guide (PBS)
Mindfulness Case Studies
The Greater Good (University of Berkley)
EQ Quizzes
Mindfulness In Schools Project
Association for Mindfulness
How to Teach the Relaxation Response
Way of Mindful Education
The Contemplative Mind K-12 Resources
7 Ways Mindfulness Can Help Teachers
The Mind-Up Curriculum (Scholastics)
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