A Mindful Classroom Community

As the school year approaches, and has begun for many, you may be considering ways in which you can foster a community of mindfulness. I believe in mindfulness as the foundation of a classroom community. We can build this foundation by weaving mindfulness into everything we do. But how?

Once you establish mindfulness as an integral part of your classroom community, you will see the results and beauty of this proactive approach to student well-being and behavior. Does mindfulness fix every issue in your classroom? Absolutely not; but a mindful approach to teaching and learning will bring you and your students more moments of peace and has the potential to enhance students' well-being, focus, and emotional regulation.

Here are 10 ways to make mindfulness a part of your classroom community.

1. Teach Mindfulness From Day 1:

On the first day of school, dedicate time (as little as 5 minutes!) to explain the concept of mindfulness to your students. Define it as the practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgment. Help students realize that mindfulness involves observing their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without getting caught up in them. I find that when I also explain why mindfulness helps us, my students are more inclined to want to participate. You can say something like, "we practice mindfulness in this classroom because I care about each of you and want you to feel safe, loved, and happy in our classroom and beyond." Show them that it matters to you, and in time it will matter to them, too.

2. Lead by Example:

As a teacher, modeling mindfulness is essential. Demonstrating a calm and focused presence can inspire your students to adopt similar behavior. Share your personal mindfulness experiences and how they have positively impacted your life. When you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed in the classroom, model how you can use mindfulness to calm yourself. Invite your students into your practice and show them the immediate benefits. Mindfulness in the classroom is just as much for the teacher as it is for the students.

3. Breathing Exercises:

Teach simple breathing exercises that students can use to anchor themselves in the present moment. Simple practices like belly breathing or the 4-7-8 breath can help students manage stress and anxiety. For littles, I recommend Breathe Like A Bear, a colorful book that teaches fun breathing practices. I always had my 1,2,3 breathing posters hanging in my classroom for students to refer to in times of need. Teaching breathwork is one of the simplest and quickest ways to teach mindfulness. You only need to set aside 1-2 minutes each day to teach a breathing practice. I always loved to do so while in line before leaving the classroom or upon returning. Again, it doesn't have to be an additional part of your schedule - make it a part of something you already do.

4. Mindful Listening and Observing:

Engage students in activities that enhance their ability to listen attentively and observe their surroundings. Encourage them to listen to sounds without labeling them or making judgments. This cultivates a heightened sense of awareness. This might look like pausing a lesson when students are off-task, asking them to pause and notice one thing they see, smell, hear, and feel. This simple grounding practice offers students an opportunity to connect with the moment which can help them refocus during a lesson. Teaching mindful listening is an essential lesson for students. Check out my mindful listening bulletin board to see how I approach this with students.

5. Body Scan:

Guide students through a body scan exercise, where they focus their attention on different parts of their body, noting any sensations without reacting. This practice promotes self-awareness and relaxation. Here's a free download of my chakra rainbow meditation which guides students through a body scan meditation.

6. Mindful Eating:

Organize a mindful eating session where students savor a piece of food (try a goldfish or an m &m), paying close attention to its taste, texture, and aroma. This activity teaches them to engage their senses fully and appreciate the experience of eating. If you cannot have snacks in your classroom, you can instead to this activity as they drink water.

7. Gratitude Journaling:

Incorporate gratitude journaling into your classroom routine. Encourage students to write down things they are grateful for each day. This practice shifts their focus towards the positive aspects of their lives. I always encourage students to think about something they're not exactly excited about and to identify something good in it, if possible. Check out my gratitude journals that can be printed or used digitally with students.

8. Mindful Movement:

Introduce gentle movement practices such as yoga or stretching. These activities help students connect with their bodies, release tension, and promote physical well-being. I always encourage movement with breath... guiding students to do simple movements as they inhale and exhale. An example of this is inhale: raise your arms over your head, and exhale, fold forward. Continue inhaling and exhaling as you sway side to side. This variation of ragdoll pose is a perfect brain break before moving onto the next activity or lesson.

9. Mindful Conflict Resolution:

Teach students how mindfulness can aid in conflict resolution. Encourage them to pause and take deep breaths before reacting to challenging situations. This empowers them to respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively. Check out my bulletin board for how I teach this here.

10. Make it a Daily Practice:

Allocate a few minutes each day for mindfulness exercises. Consistency is key to experiencing the benefits of mindfulness and for building a solid foundation in your classroom. Over time, students will develop the skill of incorporating mindfulness into their lives beyond the classroom.

Teaching mindfulness in the classroom offers students valuable tools for self-awareness, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. By fostering a mindful environment, teachers can help students navigate the challenges of academic and personal life with greater resilience and clarity. My Yoga & Mindfulness Curriculum (complete with student journals and a teacher manual) Journey to Peace is the perfect way to teach mindfulness to students in grades K-12. It guides students through a 10-unit journey of discovering mindfulness, self-regulation, and peace. There is also a homeschool version you can find here.

For more mindfulness for children and families, follow along on instagram @withlaurensullivan and at @educationoftheheartwithlauren for classroom content.