Being a teenager can be such a difficult time. As a person that observes teenagers both in my personal and professional life, I have seen them struggle with out of control emotions, changing bodies that can cause physical pain or discomfort, negative self-talk, and a general inability to focus on what is important. Why not give them the tool to help them deal with these changes: mindfulness.
It is amazing how something as simple as taking a few moments each day to focus on your breath can have such a profound impact on the learning environment in your classroom. Why aren't we all teaching mindfulness?
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Mindful Eating
Getting "Buy In" From TeensWhen I first began a mindfulness practice in my class, there were (and still are) some students that just didn't "buy in" to it. They would giggle, goof around while my eyes were closed, fidget and make noises that distracted others who were sincerely trying to focus on the sit. After teaching some of the following lessons, I have buy-in from almost %100 of my class. I am still working on that last student; it seems like the students that are most resistant to practicing mindfulness are the ones that need it the most. I am also still working on my teens (at home) as well.
March Madness isn't just for basketball. I don't know what it is about March; the impending doom of standardized testing, the clock running out on a school year with so much left to teach, or too much time without sunshine after a long winter. The problem with all of these thoughts is that they are past thoughts and future thoughts.
Rethinking the Time Out Chair: |
AuthorI am a lifelong learner and have had the privilege of also being called a teacher for eighteen years. Archives
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