Learning Tool to Increase Student Attention: Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a phenomena increasingly being used in primary classrooms. The idea of mindfulness is based on teaching students to be present in the moment. It encourages students to develop skill to relax, to be silent and to experience quiet time in order to calm them to be in the here and now.
Mindfulness has been a practice I have recently begun to implement. Since integrating this approach into classroom routines I have seen a positive impact on my students. I have noticed students are able to focus better and are calm so they are able to engage in new learning tasks and activities.
There a range of benefits for incorporating mindfulness into the daily routines of a busy classroom. Mindfulness assists students:
To become calm particularly after entering the classroom from lunch times.
Ease easily between lessons and transition times.
Focus on a new task.
Understand the importance of being relaxed and quiet.
Learn to have self-discipline to be still and to listen to their inner voice.
Possibly reduce anxiety by giving students a chance to relax and distress during a school day.
To have an outlet to experience quiet in their lives.
Gain more energy and confidence to tackle new challenges in their day.
Learn to be present in the moment of their lives and appreciate each moment as it arises in their lives.
Connect with their spirituality and sense of self.
Ways Teachers Can Incorporate Mindfulness into a Classroom
Meditation: Have students sit or lie down with their eyes closed. Have quiet instrumental music playing. Have students listen to the music and allow their imagination to take over.
Guided Meditation: Youtube has many guided meditations which can be used to assist students to visualise different places and situations. Alternatively, use a meditation script and read it with a soothing voice to students with quiet instrumental music playing in the background.
Colouring in Sheets: Provide students with a range of colouring sheets of intricate designs and have students spend time colouring in the pictures. You could also create a colouring sheet mindfulness booklet that students can use throughout the day as they feel they need to. (This may benefit students with anxiety issues).
Mandalas: Have students colour or design their own mandalas. There are many resources available on the internet or in adult colouring books dedicated to mandalas.
Yoga: Teach students basic yoga movements. This can help to relax their bodies and ease any stress, tension or anxiety.
Sketching: Take students outside to a quiet place and have them sit by themselves. Have students sketch images of nature like tress, birds, flowers, grass or clouds. Students could also sketch from their imagination.
When To Use Mindfulness
After lunch breaks for 5-10 minutes to calm students after a playful lunchtime.
During lessons transitions as a brain break or signal a new lesson is about to begin.
When students appear to be restless, unsettled or not demonstrating positive behaviours.
As a part of a teaching and learning program that is being taught, for example, in Health to promote well-being.
As a reward for a hard day of learning.
As part of daily routines and schedules as a standard teaching and learning practice.
