The practice of mindfulness in the classroom is not a novel concept for teachers. However, the adverse effects of stress on learning as a result of the pandemic have escalated in these last few years, resulting in a new interest in mindfulness exercises in schools world-wide. Here are eight relatively easy activities that can be implemented in classrooms and schools!
1) Silent 60
Begin your class by asking all students to sit quietly for 60 seconds to prepare themselves mentally for learning. You can also add a focus on a particular sound in the room or provide an image on a projector. You can begin with 15 seconds for early elementary students and slowly increase these intervals, or 20-30 seconds for upper elementary.
2) Powerful Listening
Ring a bell, play a wind chime sound or use any other object that creates a long, trailing sound. Ask the students to listen and raise their hands when they are unable to hear the sound anymore. After all have raised their hands, indicating the sound has stopped, set a time for 1 minute and ask the students to sit quietly. Once the timer finishes, ask the students what they heard during that minute.
3) One Minute For Good
Begin your class by asking students to reflect for a minute about something that they are grateful for. This can be completed in writing, sharing with a partner or facilitating a group discussion.
4) Morning Classroom Conversations
Start your school day with a quote that can help to stimulate brief discussions among classmates.
5) Three Breaths
Ask students to take three deep breaths at regular intervals. Teachers can employ visual reminders and prompting signals to help enhance this breathing technique.
6) Body Scan
Teachers can instruct students on this technique by focusing on a body part such as drawing their attention to their feet on the floor to help feel more centered. You can slowly shift focus to another body part, such as to their arms resting on the desk and even use the Three Breaths technique while doing this exercise.
7) Speak your Mantra
Create a phrase that helps you and your students stay focused and keep perspective. Make sure to repeat it often, or place it in a very visible place. Examples can include:
" I want all students to enjoy well-being, happiness, and peace"
" If at first you don't succeed, try try again."
8) Concluding Reflections
This is a great way to end the school day for the students, as it gives them the opportunity to introspect about their day and decompress. Some examples include:
" Something I learned today..."
" I am looking forward to tomorrow because.."
" I had the best feeling today when.."
" A question I still have is..."
" Something from today that I am grateful for is.."
Hopefully, these 8 easy exercises can help to promote a safe, productive and mindful learning environment for students in the classroom, and perhaps can even encourage them to incorporate these techniques into their everyday lives outside of school as well!
For more information on mindfulness in the classroom, click the link below:
VeronikaL@NU OTECA
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