A really interesting topic to me in education is the integration of a mindfulness program in schools. Currently, many new mindfulness programs are starting in schools as mental health awareness increases. Research has suggested that meditation interventions and mindfulness have many benefits that address behavioral, cognitive, and social-emotional development of young people Evidence from various studies I have read on the topic shows an increase in self-regulation, social understanding, and behavioral understanding for students due to the introduction of meditation intervention. Meditation intervention appears to help students to "center" themselves, put aside their worries, be more in touch with their own and others’ emotions, and focus on the present. More specifically, this approach helps students to focus on the work that has to be done presently.
Do you believe that the introduction of a meditation intervention program is something beneficial for classrooms or is it something that you would prefer to ignore? Have you seen any meditation intervention programs that address the topic of mindfulness when you have been observing in different classroom settings? What kind of student do you think would most benefit from a mindfulness program? Why?
I have attached an article that focuses on a specific school in Syracuse, New York where the students struggle with high levels of poverty and trauma. Experience has indicated that this trauma can cause behavioral problems within the classroom. However, the faculty in the particular school highlighted in this article decided to address the trauma that their students were experiencing outside of the classroom by instituting meditation interventions. They have encouraged their students to practice mindfulness daily. Hopefully, this article can answer questions that you may have and provide an example for you as to how a mindfulness program can be effective. Further, I hope this article helps to give you some background information on the topic!
