

This can help students to calm both their body and their mind and can easily be repeated as a routine throughout the day or before tests. Have them pretend to inflate a balloon or bring a Hoberman sphere toy to class for visual representation. You can place one of your hands on your belly or your chest and feel it rise and fall. Instruct your students to close their eyes and focus on their breathing. Is their arm asleep? Is there body tense? If so, what part and how can we release the tension? What are they feeling emotionally?Ī key tenet of mindfulness is to recognize those emotions and accept them. Mindful MovementĪnother exercise is having students sit quietly, walk slowly, or even do some simple yoga and reflect on what they are feeling in their bodies at that moment. Fill a jar with items of strong and familiar scents (like cinnamon, flowers, coffee, or popcorn), and then have the students close their eyes and guess the items by using their sense of smell. Lastly, create mind jars so students can explore their sense of smell. Have them notice everything around them, from the touch of the trees and ground to the sounds of the birds. Consider taking a small field trip outside for a short walk. This can also be used as a way to teach the five senses and can offer a great tie-in for science lessons.Īnother idea is incorporating nature and the outdoors into your lesson. What does it taste like? What does it feel like? Students can journal these feelings or express their observations in art. Then ask them to think about all of the sensations of the food as they chew. Provide students with a piece of candy or a treat. Teaching Mindfulness in the Classroom Sensory Experiences Here are a few ways teachers can teach mindfulness in the classroom. This focus and acceptance of emotions are why mindfulness is often considered part of social-emotional learning. It not only helps students to focus but also encourages them to identify and address strong emotions so that they don’t inhibit learning. Not only is it being present and aware of the moment but it’s also about accepting your present thoughts and feelings. To begin teaching mindfulness, students need to first understand what true mindfulness is. It also encourages emotional maturity, self-awareness, and helps students better respond and cope with challenges.

Mindfulness has been proven to reduce depression and anxiety as well as strengthen memory and compassion. There are many benefits to practicing mindfulness that can help students in their academic and personal life. Here are a few ways you can incorporate mindfulness in the classroom and why you should. Especially because mindfulness can be extremely beneficial for students and can help them be present despite major distractions.Īlthough teaching students the concept of mindfulness can be difficult, it definitely isn’t impossible. And with the average attention span of students gradually decreasing, teaching mindfulness in the classroom is becoming increasingly popular.
MINDFUL TASTING MINDUP HOW TO
Learning how to be mentally present is a social and emotional skill that will help students ensure success in their future.
