So how can I implement mindfulness in the classroom, you ask? There's no time! History/Philosophy: As a History teacher I've only taught it during my East Asia unit. We start the unit with "3 teachings" Buddhism, Daoism & Confucianism. Because I too don't feel that I can take too much class time, a few years ago I added an optional early morning before school practice during the unit with the hopes of creating a club at the school throughout the year. What kind of student can benefit? High Performing Student: Stress relief I was and teach seriously stressed out AP students. As 9th graders thankfully there is no test to teach to. In addition to the world history curriculum, I focus on study skills and along with that comes time & stress management. I feel that mindfulness practices can be extremely helpful for these high performing students. At risk and disruptive student: Mindfulness practices, even just a couple of minutes at the beginning and/end of each class, can benefit students emotional health and help teachers with classroom management. If you start your class 5 minutes "late" in a calm and present manner you will accomplish much more than 45 minutes of disruption. If such practices are used across the district or grades then individual teachers wouldn't have to invest the initial time to teach the practice which is what Australia is doing with Smiling Mind. Forget about across districts they're looking at the whole country. Deans and Guidance Counselors can use mindfulness to help disruptive or anxious students become better functioning school citizens. Please let me know your ideas in the comment section below. |
Ms. Twomey
High School Social Studies teacher and mindfulness practitioner. ArchivesCategories |