Mindfulness in the Classroom, Reduce Anxiety and Increase Attention

We often live our lives on auto-pilot, going through the motions without really thinking about what we’re doing, otherwise known as mindlessness. When we’re in this state of being, we’re not our best selves. Thankfully, there is a way to combat it–by practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness is a conscious, purposeful way of tuning into what’s happening in and around us in the present moment and actively focusing our attention on the present situation. By doing so, we can reduce stress and optimize the learning capacity of the brain.

When educators are intentionally aware of the present moment, we can adopt an attitude of acceptance and openness towards the current experience or event. With mindfulness, teaching and classroom management methods can be improved. Instead of “reacting” in really challenging moments with students, we can instead use the self-awareness that comes from practicing mindfulness to “respond” appropriately for the situation of the moment.

Mindful classrooms nurture a learning communities where students flourish academically, emotionally, and socially and teachers thrive professionally and personally.The goal of this seminar is to offer teachers and students insights and skills that lead to self-regulation of their behavior. With mindfulness, students learn to monitor their own feelings, increase their self-awareness, and better understand how to respond to the world reflectively instead of reflexively.