Research says that mindfulness in school is most effective as a group endeavor. When teachers, students and administrators all support the practice and believe in its value, everyone benefits. Two of the HASD teachers applying mindfulness say they improved their relationship with students after their own committed practice.
“Taking small moments to ground myself made me less reactive in stressful situations and helped me better serve my students,” one says. “Having awareness of my emotions and being able to sit with difficult or painful ones and still have a sense of calm is a new goal in my mindfulness journey,” says another.
They are both grateful that students have had the chance to be introduced to mindfulness, and how it can be used in their everyday lives.
“Each week, the students are presented with a new technique, which they have the opportunity to practice,” says George Maue, a HASD physical education teacher. “While sitting in, and participating, I can see students being actively engaged, and trying to use the techniques described. Overall, the students have had a very positive response so far.”
“After the first few sessions of the program, I can see the usefulness for this across all grade levels. Students are rarely taught these important skills, and I believe through practice this will greatly impact their day-to-day living,” Maue says.