Mindfulness in an Elementary Classroom What presentmoment awareness

Mindfulness in an Elementary Classroom

What? …present-moment awareness, an open and friendly willingness to understand what is going on in and around you… Enil Snel Sitting Like a Frog

What? Teaching kids to pay attention to what they are experiencing without judgement. Teaching kids to tap into their parasympathic nervous system. Teaching kids to be aware of their feelings, thoughts and behaviours. Teaching kids loving kindness, compassion and gratitude

What?

What? Teaching kids to pay attention to what they are experiencing without judgement. Teaching kids to tap into their parasympathic nervous system. Teaching kids to be aware of their feelings, thoughts and behaviours. Teaching kids loving kindness, compassion and gratitude

Definition? “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non judgmentally. " Jon Kabat Zinn

Definition? “Mindfulness is the ability to know what’s going on in your head without taking the bait and acting on it. ” Dan Harris

Why? Social / Emotional Learning – outside in Mindfulness – inside out

Why? Teaches/Practices/Develops 1) Attention 2) Emotional Regulation 3) Self Soothing

Why?

Why? Mindful Schools Trainees

Mindfulness in the Classroom Keep it simple Keep it short Make it Sequential Use metaphors (i. e. anchor) Accept all attempts Routine, routine Let go of expectations Rely on your personal practice

In the Classroom Always give kids opportunity to reflect. TEACH them how to reflect.

Where to start? Mindful Bodies http: //www. mindfulschools. org/resources/exploremindful-resources/#resources-starter-lesson

How? Mindful Bodies • • Feet on the floor Hands in our lap Straight Spine Stillness / Deep breath

Teaching Anchors

Teaching Anchors 1) Sound 2) Breath 3) Body

Teaching Anchors 1) Sound

Teaching Anchors 1) Sound http: //www. mindfulschools. org/resources/healthy-habits-of-mind/

How? Teach Breathing § § Belly Breathing Peanut Breathing Expanding Breathing in – Breathing out (Science)

How? Expanding Breath C: Usersbbezanson. AVRSBDocuments1 Files2 Mindful Schools2 ActivitiesExpanding box to b reath with. gif

Teaching Anchors Mindful Bodies

Mind Jar *Jar – tight fit *Glitter – combo of fine to med *Hot water *Light corn syrup or glycerine or glitter glue *Dish soap

Labeling Feelings Visiting Feelings encourages children to treat their feelings like guests — welcome them in, get to know them, and learn why they are visiting. Through this purposeful and mindful exploration, Visiting Feelings harnesses a young child's innate capacity to fully experience the present moment and invites children to sense, explore, and befriend all of their feelings with acceptance and equanimity.

Difficult Behaviour Accept all attempts http: //www. mindfulschools. org/resources/healthy-habits-ofmind/

Continue with Skills Mindful Walking Mindful Eating Gratitude Loving Kindness

Why not? ?

What kids say…. http: //www. mindfulschools. org/community/justbreathe-julie-bayer-salzman/ “… it stops the moveities…” “… my imagination pops up…. . ”

Loving Kindness