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!
I believe that an introduction of a meditation intervention program could be extremely beneficial for students in school. It is important to raise awareness for mental health in our society, considering that many people are affected by this. A meditation intervention program would be helpful because it would allow students to collect their thoughts, release any negative energy, and concentrate on their studies. Additionally, I agree that meditation can benefit all students as it helps them cope with stress and focus on the present.
ReplyDeleteThus far, I have seen quite a few mediation intervention programs that address mindfulness within classrooms I have observed. I was able to see that these were well-integrated into the routine of 2nd, 4th, and 5th grade classrooms. Some examples I have seen included mindfulness meditation videos, deep breathing exercises, and yoga as well. In a 5th grade class, the teacher made sure to incorporate mindfulness within the early mornings as part of their daily routine. I found this to be very effective because the students were even more motivated to work on their assignments throughout the day. They were also able to accomplish a variety of their academic goals.
I think everyone in some way can benefit from mediation. People have different types of stressors, that this kind of practice can be a great way to develop good coping skills. For example, students with ADHD can greatly benefit from a mindfulness program in the classroom. It may help the students focus on the present moment while working on a task, and to not get distracted by any outside factors. Mindfulness meditation can also help students who struggle from poverty. Through constant practice, they will be able to learn new ways to cope with any advertises they may experience. The students can be given an opportunity to take more time to talk about the challenges they may be facing, and get any assistance from the faculty and staff at their school.
-Maria DiSpigna
ReplyDeleteMolly Heller comments
I think meditation intervention programs are a great idea to use in schools! Having struggled with my mental during the end of my high school career up until recently in my college career, I think it is crucial that students learn healthy and proactive coping mechanisms and skills at a young age. These kind of programs can help students manage their anger/inappropriate behavior by teaching them skills to help them calm down, rather than lash out in the classroom. Additionally, it can give them an escape if they become too overwhelmed, whether it be due to stress, anxiety, issues at home, or anger.
I have seen two, very different ways that a meditation program has been implemented in elementary schools. At my elementary school last year, mindful programs were used at teacher discretion. My first grade classroom had a calm-down corner that was accessible for all students to use. It had a comfortable chair, a bike pedal on the floor, and a plastic bin filled with coins, buttons, and other small toys that students could play with to calm themselves down. Some students would be allowed to go take a walk or play games on an iPad as well. The teachers would also include mindfulness in the daily schedule, using meditation or dance party GoNoodles to help students get their energy out or to calm themselves down.
In my elementary school this year, the mindful program is set up through the guidance department. Outside in the hallway, there are lots of pictures and an amazing view of the school's community garden. There are two different tables with chairs set up, where, when upset, students can draw, color, write letters, or whatever they need to do to calm down before they go speak to the guidance counselor. Obviously, this was designed to help students feel better when they've done something wrong, but discipline is given if the circumstances require some sort of action.
I think schools need to include more activities and programs like these, because allowing students to get their feelings and frustrations in a healthy way, and in the long-term, that can only benefit themselves and those around them in a positive manner.
I believe the introduction of a meditation program is something that can benefit classrooms. Meditation programs are intended to calm students and improve their focus on learning. Meditation in the classroom can also be used as a peaceful way for students to rid themselves of frustrations they face at school or at home. The programs may even lower violent outbreaks in school, all the while helping students to focus on their learning better than they were before. Meditating, in theory, is designed to clear the mind of unnessecary thoughts and help the body and mind to calm down-- with a calm mind, students may even be able to perform better in chool than they did before they began meditating.
ReplyDeleteDuring my observations, I have not seen any meditation programs in the classroom. I have seen teachers use the GoNoodle website to give students a brain break throughout the day. GoNoodle is a website with dance videos to get students up and moving and offers them the opportunity to take a break from learning and exercise. Although this does not involve mindfullness, it does offer students the chance to take a break from learning and move/dance. After the GoNoodle break, students have gotten their energy out and are ready to get back to work.
In reality, I think all students could benefit from meditation programs. All students have a million things racing on their minds throughout the day and many may be carrying around a lot of anxiety and stress that could turn into anger during the school day. Meditation programs would offer ALL students the opportunity to destress and refocus their minds while they are in school. Aside from every student benefitting from these meditation programs, students with ADD and ADHD would especially benefit from these programs. Students with ADD and ADHD struggle to focus daily throughout the school day, and a break during the day to meditate and refocus would really benefit students these students and help them continue on with their day in school.
I believe that this is an EXCELLENT idea. Even if students may not suffer from mental health difficulties, a mind break could benefit everyone. It may also be a good idea for the teacher to encourage reflection during this time. It could be as simple as 'how is your day going so far? How do you want the rest of this day to go?'
ReplyDeletePersonally, I am a big fan of these concepts and I think it could be nothing but beneficial for all the students, and the teacher as well. I think is would benefit certain students specifically. Students with ADHD or ADD may have difficulty at first, pausing and taking a break, but as they practice, I think they could benefit greatly to take a moment to pause and reflect. I think it would benefit students who may succumb to stress easily, or students who may have difficulties going on at home. There are many different students this will benefit and I think every teacher should greatly consider this in their classroom. It is a small act that could make a big difference.
Meditation programs could be a benefit to classrooms especially at the primary grade levels. This can improve student focus in lessons through out the day. In the first grade class that I am in I see meditation and I think that it is a real benefit for students learning as well as teachers teaching. Times of meditation occurs after lunch and recess when the children are excited. This helps with calming and getting ready to work. Although it helps students with difficulty focusing, it also helps with those who don’t. The teacher puts it on through the SmartBoard, and the student stand behind their chair. It is usually a breathing exercise that they participate in. I see the students improve in lesson after this active. After this, they are able to sit still and focus on what is being taught. This also makes it easier for the teacher because they are able to regain students attention.
ReplyDeleteAlong with meditation, my cooperating teacher also gives brain breaks. This is on GoNoodle. This could be another form of mediation because it gets off the excitement out of the children. This is done when the teacher sees that she is loosing them and they need a break. She simply just says, “I see that you need a quick break.” At the completion of the brain break she then has the attention from the students. I think that both brain breaks and medication is good for the classroom as a whole as well as individuals. I will definitely take this into my future classroom to promote attention and focus.