These days, we’re inundated with information, noise, and news from the minute we open our eyes. Sometimes it can be hard to take a break from the daily rush and truly be present. Learning how to practice mindfulness is not only a great lesson for educators and caregivers, but for our students as well!
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the act of taking intentional notice of what is happening in the present moment inside your body and in the world around you. It can help your students tune in to their minds and calm racing thoughts. A practice of mindfulness can also help when a student is feeling strong emotions, such as stress, anxiety, or even anger.
Taking a few minutes to tap into their body and mind when they’re feeling overwhelmed can help regulate their system and bring them back to a more neutral state, where problems may not feel as impossible to solve.
Teaching Mindfulness
Start by teaching this five-step mindfulness practice:
- Still your body – sit with arms and legs relaxed. Unclench your muscles.
- Close your eyes.
- Stay quiet and listen. What do you hear around you?
- Take deep, slow breaths. Focus on your breathing.
- Now focus your mind. What thoughts are crossing your mind as you’re sitting still? Are you drifting to a certain topic? Are you able to let your thoughts go and refocus on your breathing?
Teach your students mindfulness and give it a try along with them!
These special education resources for practicing mindfulness were authored by Andee Morris, M.Ed.
Power Point Presentations:
I Can Practice Mindfulness PowerPoint
I Can Practice Mindfulness Facilitator’s Guide
Resource Materials:
I can Practice Mindfulness Magnet Cards
I Can Practice Mindfulness Activity 1 – Sound Signal
I Can Practice Mindfulness Activity 2 – Deep Breathing Exercise
I Can Practice Mindfulness Parent Note
I Can Practice Mindfulness Mini Schedule
This week I might try to practice mindfulness
I Can Practice Mindfulness Teacher Note
I Can Practice Mindfulness Outline
Pre/Post Assessment
A pre and post lesson assessment is included in each lesson. Use of the assessment is an instructor preference. Many of the ‘homework’ pages for a lesson can be used as a pre/post assessment device alone or as part of the provided assessment. Each homework page can be checked by the instructor as well as the student.
Review all included pages of the lesson to determine what ‘assessment’ method will meet your needs. If the student is able to achieve a + in the majority of items of the pre-assessment, or if the student has been observed to display the skill topic of the lesson often, then the lesson may not be introduced or can be taught with a group as review and/or reinforcement.
I Can Practice Mindfulness Pre-Post Assessment
If you have questions or concerns about the Watson Institute’s use of this information, please contact us.