Mindfulness Strategies for Teachers and Students Aaron and Kathy Dang

Aspects of Mindfulness What is mindfulness? Mindfulness strategies for teachers and students.

What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with an open, curious and non-judgmental mentality.

Mindfulness in the classroom: Teacher Practice Then teach your students: Breathing exercises Mindful movement Mindful procedures How the brain works How to regulate emotions using mindfulness

Teacher Practice Self care Self Compassion Your mindful practice Yoga Gardening Reading Quieting the mind (breathing exercises.)

Integrate your knowledge into the classroom: Model it! `How do we take a breath in this classroom? How do we walk in this classroom? How do we treat ourselves and others?

Breathing Exercises Using the bell How to “take a breath”: Belly breath Wave breath belly→ candle → wind → throat → lion lion→ throat → wind → candle → belly

Mindful Movements Linking breath and movement Brain break Whole group “Open the door”

Mindful Procedures Paying attention to the task at hand Mindful walking

Teaching about the BRAIN Parts of the brain How the brain and breath works together.

Teaching how to manage emotions: When difficult emotions arise: Recognize that you’re having a difficult emotion Identify which emotion it is Comfort yourself in knowing that everyone suffers Accept and soothe who you are at that moment, just as you would to a close friend in need “Right now I am…” “We all struggle in our lives…” “May I be kind to myself and give myself what I need.”

Resources MindUp Curriculum (textbook) Mindful Schools (website and facebook) Sitting Still Like a Frog (guided relaxation-audio and book) I Am Peace and I Am Yoga-Susan Verde and Peter Reynolds (picture books) GoNoodle (online resource) Teach, Breathe, Learn (teacher resource and practice)