May 19, 2016
I have been working on a H.A.C.E unit with my class where it focuses on developing a healthy body, healthy mind and healthy relationships. In building a healthy mind, I have introduced to my class mediation. Similar to “Mind Up” or “Mindfulness,” I have been teaching my students about how to keep a healthy mind.
Working on having mindful bodies and mindful ears, we have been meditating using 3 songs everyday after lunch. In my class, students come back from lunch recess very hyper active, angry, sad, etc. due to fights, disagreements, or losing in a game of soccer. Instead of engaging in these negative emotions, I have been trying to teach my students to first deal with their emotions in a healthier way; one being meditating.
Of course it was a struggle getting students to first close their eyes, practice their breathing, and sitting still for 10 whole minutes. But after the first 2 times, my students have been responding extremely well to the meditation. After a full week of meditating to 3 songs: “Relax Sleep Well,” “Zen Baby Meditation” and “Arirang Piano,” students are a lot more calm, relaxed and ready to learn at 1:10 PM.
I know that as a student it is important to be in a positive head space to work effectively. So through meditations, it has been extremely helpful in achieving this.
What a positive and supportive approach you have taken with your students Meliza. I can just hear the chime and the relaxing music as I sit here. I frequently engaged my students in mindful breathing exercises (ALWAYS after PE!) and often after recess and lunch. I also found providing them with visual journal time as an option, those who needed to share their upset, angst or questions had that opportunity. I am curious as to what you have found when you complete the meditations… do some of the minor concerns just ‘relax or drift away’? How and when do you provide them with an opportunity to voice their worries/problems/disagreements – if at all? Hopefully we’ll have a chance to chat more about this in the summer. Enjoy CFE!