Introduction to Mindfulness Supporting Gifted Learners With Mindfulnessbased
Introduction to Mindfulness Supporting Gifted Learners With Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Techniques Dr. Vanessa Ewing www. basevillageforgifted. com
Overview 1. KWLD Know, Want to know, Learned, will Do next- What would YOU like to get out of the presentation today? 2. Why ‘Mindfulness’? 3. What are some mindfulness strategies that work for gifted students? 4. How can I implement some of these strategies?
Why? A Recipe For Anxiety (Byrd- byrdseed. com) We know that gifted kids’ brains pick up on details that others miss. [There is] abundant available evidence that gifted children show enhanced sensory activation and awareness. Gifted brains are essentially “hyper-sensitive”… Eide & Eide, Brains on Fire Self reported levels of stress in teens is on the rise (Milligan & Phillips, 2016) and there are currently increases in anxiety related disorders for children and adults. (https: //www. psychologytoday. com/blog/liking-the-child-youlove/201601/the-rising-epidemic-anxiety-in-children-and-teens)
Stress & Anxiety Gifted kids may dwell on things that may catastrophize things and they also struggle more often with perfectionism Overexciteabilities/Intensities (psychomotor, sensual, intellectual, imaginational, emotional) Intensity and sensitivity may create significant emotional turmoil for gifted kids Asynchronous Development & Executive Function Executive functions of the brain (planning, organizing, self-regulation) may lag behind cognitive development. Affective and academic skills can vary widely and be tremendously different from one another. Social Development Existential angst appears earlier in the developmental process for many gifted kids. Lack of educational fit and peers can increase feelings of isolation and ‘not fitting in’
It is all about focusing attention on the here and now, rather than getting caught up thinking about the past or worrying about the future.
Benefits of Mindfulness: Increased emotional regulation Increased social skills Increased ability to orient attention Increased working memory and planning and organization Increased self esteem Increased sense of calmness, relaxation, and self acceptance. Increased quality of sleep Decreased test anxiety Decreased ADHD behaviors- specifically hyperactivity and impulsivity Decreased negative affect/ emotions Decreased anxiety Decreased depression Fewer conduct and anger management problems From: Mindful Schools. org: Research on Mindfulness
One Minute Mindful Practice
Mind Jar Activity
Teach the Neuroscience Behind Mindfulness (Wizard Brain vs. Lizard Brain) We must use our thinking brain (frontal cortex) to over-ride our primitive brain (amygdala)
Cognitive Behavioral Exercises *Acknowledge your belief and calm self (breath work such as ‘ 4 square breathing’, positive affirmations, and tapping may all be used) ABCDE (Martin Seligman, Positive Psychology) Activating Event Belief Consequence of Belief Disputation of Belief Energization of new belief (and emotional consequences of erroneous belief)
Grounding Exercises: Using our 5 Senses Link to Mindfulness Sense Cards
Calming Stone (‘worry rock’, meditation object) Choose a word, set an intention, carry it for calming effect. Ways to incorporate: office, area for collection, as a small group activity, 1: 1
Mindful and Quiet Spaces in the Classroom
Additional References & Resources ● ● ● ● Mindfulness: A Guide for Teachers PDF Association for Mindfulness in Education Learning to Breathe: Mindfulness Curriculum for Adolescents Mind. Up!: Mindfulness Curriculum for Pre-K through 8 th Mindful Schools: Research on Mindfulness Greater Good Institute: The Science of a Meaningful Life Five Senses Mindfulness Exercise CMind: The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society Using Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practices with Gifted Populations Gifted Education Communicator: Implementing Mindfulness in the Classroom Mindfulness in Education Network: Resources Smiling Mind: Mindfulness Meditation Kindness Curriculum (early childhood- free)
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