Let’s first take a few deep breaths before we jump into my next blog post. Yes… you too, trust me you’ll thank me later!
Ready… In……..Out…….In……Out……In….Out.
Feeling relaxed already? Great! Well think about how much stress that gets bunched up under us each and everyday. Between recording enough data, communicating with parents, and making all of the MANDATORY staff meetings. We as teachers often for get to breath. Well.. I am here to shine some light on our kiddos. Yes, they may be “young” and “haven’t lived long enough to know what stress is.” (Yes, I have actually heard these comments from teachers) however, they do indeed suffer from stress just like you and me. Therefore, we must help them manage this stress in order for them to be in a “learning brain” mindset.
Mindful.org
Today throughout my blog, I will be analyzing Mindful.org’s article about the research of “Why Mindfulness Belongs in the Classroom”. Mindful.org states, “While childhood trauma is sadly nothing new, science now better understands its impact on brain function. During stressful experiences, the amygdala essentially hijacks the pre-frontal cortex impeding its ability to come online. In other words, the part of our brain responsible for the fight, flight or freeze response takes over and blocks the part of our brain which processes complex thoughts, anticipates consequences and inhibits behavior.” (See my blog: “The children who need love the most will always ask for it in the most unloving ways” -Russel Barkely……. The Trauma Informed Approach for more information in regards to Trauma within the classroom)
Mindfulness and Academic Performance
According to Mindful.org,
“Science tells us why this works. Research shows mindfulness shrinks the amygdala and thickens the pre-frontal cortex. According to Dr. Richie Davidson, mindfulness strengthens connectivity between areas of the brain that support attention and concentration, thus weakening the amygdala’s capacity to hijack the thinking parts of the brain. With this understanding, it is easy to see how mindfulness and self-regulation can translate into improved academics. This is true for all kids, but especially important for our most vulnerable kids coping with multiple ACES.”
Hence, why we must not turn a blind eye to this research. As we know from being involved with the education world. Our principals and Superintendents want these higher academic performances. So, I look at this as a win-win situation. The end goal of incorporating mindfulness benefits the students, the administrations, and you, the teacher.
What does this look like in the classroom?
As if you need anymore convincing after reading about the overall higher academic performance. I get that it might seem like an overwhelming shift to make. Let me be the first to assure you that if does not cost you anything (it can, if you want it to). I will provide you a list of Abby’s Top Five Ways to Incorporate Mindfulness in the Classroom.
- Yoga- check your local yoga studio as sometimes they are looking to get rid of old yoga mats. These are great to have in the classroom.
- Mindful Library- surround your classroom with mindful themed stories and books to help promote mindfulness and kindness.
- Cool-down Cubes- **disclaimer ** I found this idea on pinterest but made it into a version of my own. A bowl of calm colored “ice” cubes that have mindful practices on them. Students are welcome to utilize these at anytime.
- Mindful Breathing- starting each morning during morning meeting to take a few mindful breathes. (There are also great resources online to have guided mindful mediations)
- The Peace Place- this is a place (NOT A TIME-OUT OR PLACE TO GO AS A PUNISHMENT) for students to remove themselves and to take a “breather” to return their brains and bodies to a mindful state. They are able to utilize this place at anytime of the day. It is filled with calm mindful activities, such as coloring or Play-Dough.
Photographs by Blake Farrington
Photographs by Blake Farrington
I hope that this is enough to convince you to incorporate mindfulness activities and practices within your own classroom. I am always here to help!
Until next time, happy blogging!
~Abby
