Headspace –Mindfulness in Classrooms

Course Objectives

• What is headspace?
• Mindfulness and why?
• Ways to integrate mindfulness into the classroom – a simple and concise way
• Mindfulness in the classroom – the simple tutorial using animations
• Mindfulness in classrooms – Meditation sessions
• Feedback
• Quiz

WHAT IS HEADSPACE?

Headspace is a global leader in mindfulness and meditation through its app and online content offerings. They believe that mindfulness should encompass every aspect of life, not just when you’re sitting to meditate. They provide unique tools and resources to mindfulness rooted in authentic expertise dating back 2,000 years and backed by proven scientific research. They also offer inspiration, guidance, and support to living a mindful life in the pursuit of improving the health and happiness of the world.

What is MINDFULNESS and why Mindfulness in classrooms?

Ways to integrate mindfulness into the classroom – the simple and concise way

The best ways and times to practice mindfulness within the classroom are: 

• at the beginning of class
• after lunch/recess
• in between class transitions
• but you are more than welcome to practice it anytime
• When introducing meditation and awareness to kids, follow these simple rules
• keep it short maybe a couple of minutes 1 – 2 minutes until they are ready for longer
• it shouldn’t feel like a task or a punishment, more like a game or an activity
• do it together with them so they feel loved during the process

Mindfulness in the classroom – the simple tutorial

These animations introduce students to different mindfulness themes and skills in a playful, yet informative way.  These are the links and the videos are shown below:

1 – Changing perspective

2 – Underlying calm

3 – Training the Monkey mind

4 – Brilliant things happen in calm mind

Mindfulness in classroom – meditation sessions

1. BREATHE

2. UNWIND

3. LET GO OF STRESS

4. FIND YOUR FOCUS

 

The most common distractions you might encounter during your sessions are:
=fidgeting when instructed to sit still
= eyes open when invited to close them
= giggling during the meditation

FEEDBACK
At the end of the session, teacher should have everyone talk about how they feel.
Please note that the results may not be immediate but during the interaction most students will feel some level of calm.