My experiment began in January,
when I was frustrated with classroom behavior.
The crying, tattle telling, and physical aggression toward each other
was at a point of over ruling the classroom environment. And how was I going to
bring peace to the classroom. I discovered my students were filled with wonder
about my own mindfulness journey and were daily asking me if I was going to my
yoga class. They opened this closed door of creating calm, soothing learning
environment. I simply began my journey
on introducing yoga breaks to the classroom and teaching the class to breathe.
To focus on their breathing, not what their neighbor was doing,
themselves. Next, we began focusing on
mentor text which taught a life lesson—compassion, respect, listening to
others. I talked with the class about
“centering themselves”, taking time throughout our day to sit calmly, quietly
and picture ourselves listening to others, thinking about what words would we
use with others to show appreciation or problem solve. We would begin each morning and afternoon
with quiet time thinking about those interactions. The students quickly assimilated this new
routine. Our only light was that of the
sun shining through our classroom window, gentle music from a relaxation CD
would be playing, and as I walked around this tranquil room I would repeat
several statements to the students:
“Picture yourself listening to others”;
“How are we a family”; “Think about the kind words you use with others”;
“Picture how you want to be listened to by others”; and “Think about how you are in charge of
your own day”.
The
results of my plan…5 year olds talking to one another; children seeking others
to discuss activities/share their work; and 5 year olds reminding other 5 year
olds to work through situations in the classroom. The greatest reward however was hearing from
parents about the carryover at home. My
plan made a difference. You can also
create this Mindfulness in your own classroom.
Take the small step of teaching your students to listen to others from
their heart. Take 5 minutes each morning
for a yoga break. I highly recommend GoNoodle
online. How do you implement
Mindfulness in your classroom?
