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Cultivating Mindfulness in the Classroom

 

Cultivating Mindfulness in the ClassroomThe following tips are designed to assist you in applying the latest research in tangible ways in your classroom, school, or district.

 

 

Why is practicing mindful attention important for students?

When students can mindfully pay attention and focus for longer, they are more engaged in school and can attend to instruction for sustained periods. They are less likely to get distracted and miss important information. Mindfulness also helps moderate extreme attention tendencies such as obsessiveness, hyperactivity, lack of concentration, and apathy (pp. 35–36).

How does stress negatively impact the body?

Breathing exercises reduce stress and lower one’s heart rate. They also increase blood flow, which brings more oxygen to the brain, increasing one’s ability to learn (pp. 21-24).

How does the glitter jar activity help students visualize nonstop thinking?

The glitter in the water represents nonstop thinking; it swirls around and obscures the water like intrusive thoughts obscure clear thinking. When the glitter settles to the bottom of the jar, it represents times when the mind is calm and clear (pp. 24–25).