{"id":143769,"date":"2021-09-22T12:00:30","date_gmt":"2021-09-22T16:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/truthforteachers.com\/?p=143769"},"modified":"2022-03-30T18:24:59","modified_gmt":"2022-03-30T23:24:59","slug":"teaching-mindfulness-in-the-classroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/truthforteachers.com\/teaching-mindfulness-in-the-classroom\/","title":{"rendered":"Try this ready-to-use mindfulness + meditation mini lesson for grades 3-8"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many teachers realize that teaching students about mindfulness and meditation is important. But, they aren\u2019t sure how to go about it.<\/h2>\n

This article includes an easy-to-follow mini-lesson and materials to begin this important journey with your students.<\/p>\n

But first, why is it important to teach about mindfulness and meditation?<\/p>\n

Why teach about mindfulness and meditation<\/b><\/h2>\n

Mindfulness and meditation practices are needed now more than ever. It\u2019s no surprise that our students are spending an increasing number of hours in front of screens, about 4 hours for tweens and 7 hours for teens according to a study done by Common Sense Media. This large amount of screen time can cause anxiety, depression, poor health, and sleep issues to name just a few concerns.<\/p>\n

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Mindfulness practices and meditation can alleviate the negative impact that screens have on children and adults. These practices can also help you and your students deal with stress in healthy ways.<\/p>\n

How to get started<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you are considering utilizing the introductory mini-lesson below, it\u2019s recommended that you try meditation and mindfulness practices on your own first. This way you learn the challenges and can speak honestly and openly with your students about what\u2019s hard about these practices.<\/p>\n

Sometimes when we discover a new idea we can use in our lives and in our classrooms we become convinced that this new idea will be a cure-all. But, we must always remember there will be challenges throughout your mindfulness journey, and that\u2019s normal! The goal is to practice daily, even when it\u2019s hard. The daily practice will eventually have a positive impact, just like any healthy activity we do long-term.<\/p>\n

Remember, it\u2019s very important not to force students to meditate. The reason for this is that often students can feel very overwhelmed with meditation practices, especially if they are forced to participate. Before any meditation activity you do with your class, explain to students that their participation is voluntary, but during the meditation activity they need to do something quiet such as doodle or read.<\/p>\n

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Introductory mini lessons & materials <\/b><\/h2>\n

3rd-5th Grade Mindfulness and Meditation Mini Lesson<\/a><\/p>\n

6th-8th Grade Mindfulness and Meditation Mini Lesson<\/a><\/p>\n

Daily Routines<\/b><\/h2>\n

After teaching the introductory mini-lesson to your students, you\u2019ll want to establish routines to keep the momentum going. The awesome news is that there are many routines to choose from! Here are just a few for you to consider:<\/p>\n