Elementary mindfulness

What does mindfulness look like as elementary students age?

Betsy Hanger, an instructor with the nonprofit Mindful Schools who works as a community mentor in several Los Angeles USD classrooms, describes two scenarios:

Kindergarten: Children in a mindfulness circle take three deep breaths. The teacher guides them in imagining they are dolphins riding waves. Students can also discuss how they used mindfulness the previous day.

LINK TO MAIN ARTICLE: Meditation at school leads to better behavior and more focused learners

Sixth grade: Older students, especially those learning English, need extra time to talk. After three minutes of quiet breathing, the teacher starts a discussion of a current event. All students should have the opportunity to express themselves.

Matt Zalaznick
Matt Zalaznick
Matt Zalaznick is a life-long journalist. Prior to writing for District Administration he worked in daily news all over the country, from the NYC suburbs to the Rocky Mountains, Silicon Valley and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He's also in a band.

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