My younger students had their turn with the 'breathing sphere ' and were captivated. This visual was used to demonstrate slow breathing and to notice the pause between the inhale and exhale. Each child led the group in our 5 count STAR breathing using the sphere. We shared what we noticed and experienced when attending to the sphere and our breath. All shared relaxed & calm. 'Steady' one boy shared. We then compared the bell with our breath and I pointed out that our breath is always with us unlike the bell. This seemed to be a surprising thought to a few and one boy said, "Thank Goodness." They noted the bell was shorter but easier. Once we finished the boys started their digital Mindful Book. The advantage of going digital with this book is that while we can still write with a 'pen' ( stylus) we can also type , add drawings or photographs and videos. Their covers had a picture of them in their mountain bodies and several put themselves holding the sphere or their short teaching video. | |
What is Mindfulness? There are many definitions for Mindfulness. Mindfulness is “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experiences moment by moment.” John Kabat Zin Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program at the University of Massachusetts, Mindfulness is paying attention to your life, here and now, with kindness and curiosity. One of the primary ironies of modern education is that we ask students to “pay attention” dozens of times a day, yet we never teach them how. The practice of mindfulness teaches students how to pay attention, and this way of paying attention enhances both academic and social-emotional learning. Amy Saltzman What does it mean for children? Learning how to be mindful helps children in numerous ways; attention, listening, self regulation & awareness, which leads to less impulsiveness & more emotional awareness . They are more able to learn with a decrease in distracting & impulsive behaviors. They learn to develop more positive relationships with others by noticing their thoughts, feelings and reactions /emotions that eventually lead to more thoughtfully responding not just reacting. It does takes time and daily practice. I use many different children's books, songs, arts and crafts and movement to keep it fun, interesting and meaningful. Let the children explain... |
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