The mindful classroom
Raising the Human Spirit
Infuse mindfulness practices into the classroom to elevate the collective human spirit. Utilise yoga during discussions, encourage active listening, promote critical thinking and foster individual and collective growth through conscious learning.
These were my initial hopes for my first class, just some wholesome dreams. But, let's be real, the reality inside that classroom was quite different – a lot less Zen and a lot more human messiness. Still, it was perfect in its own chaotic way, and I'll always remember that first bunch. They were this fantastic mix of quirky and complicated souls, and I've got so much love and respect for them.
Foster a conscious learning environment that promotes group well-being, individual growth, and collective problem-solving. By embodying presence, love, and mindfulness, both teacher and students can connect to their true selves and greater life purpose.
Mindful Morning Routine:
Incorporate mindful activities like colouring sheets and mindful listening exercises. Introduce a 2-minute transitional exercise to help students transition between tasks.
Mindfulness Table:
Create a dedicated mindfulness area with items like rocks, a flower tablecloth, framed art, a class photo, a photo of a serene setting, zen books, picture books related to art, colouring sheets, plants/flowers, etc
Casual Morning Meeting:
A morning meeting sets a positive tone for the day. Students gather on the carpet after putting away their belongings. This fosters a sense of community while allowing students to share about their evenings and discuss any classroom concerns.
Mindfulness Breaks:
Incorporate three 10-minute mindfulness breaks daily—9:25 AM, 12:50 PM, and at the end of the day. During these breaks, students can engage in mindful activities like drawing, colouring, and crafting, while also having opportunities to discuss interesting content casually.
Yoga in the Classroom:
Introduce yoga during floor discussions to enhance mental and physical well-being. Focus on rules like listening, quietness, stretching, and personal space. Model and teach rules explicitly, highlighting their importance and benefits for personal and collective growth.
