Why is mindfulness important in an educational setting?
Mindfulness is an evidence-based technique aimed at improving attention, memory, self-control, and emotional regulation. In our classrooms, we use mindfulness to help children develop an awareness of their internal emotional states, which helps them practice peaceful problem solving. Our use of mindfulness guides children to use words instead of fists and create peace instead of chaos.
Research shows that children who have been introduced to mindfulness in an educational setting experience greater academic achievement and stronger peer relationships throughout life. Mindfulness strengthens the “mental muscle” for achieving focus where and when it is needed, thus leading to higher academic standing. Practicing mindfulness regularly also brings awareness to one’s own thoughts, emotions and senses, which in turn helps form a deeper understanding and compassion for what others are experiencing.
How do we practice mindfulness at Endeavor Montessori?
At Endeavor Montessori, we implement a literary model of mindfulness through an interactive learning process. First, we read books that describe mindful practices using age-appropriate language and images that are familiar and accessible to young children. To further enhance the child’s understanding of mindfulness, we do projects and activities that are built around the concepts that are introduced in the books. Lastly, our skillful teachers guide children through mindful practices, such as breathing exercises, emotion labeling and storytelling.