Mindfulness for children: 5 tips to work it in class

The children of today have little free time, they have a full schedule of activities. During 8 hours they must attend classes, afterwards they have extracurricular activities and when they arrive home, many of them have to continue with their homework for the next day. We must provide children with time for reflection and relaxation to improve their academic performance! They can join the training by searching “mindfulness training near me” on web.
What is mindfulness?
The meditation is translated as “Mindfulness” and unlike other relaxation techniques like yoga, the mindfulness dissociates itself from spiritual concepts and is based on scientific and pragmatic approach. There are even some authors who consider it as something that goes beyond, that is, as a philosophy of life.
Currently, there are a large number of schools that promote mindfulness in the classroom and that is a technique that, well applied, can be very beneficial for children and adults. This method of relaxation allows learning to manage emotions, improve concentration, enhance empathy, reduce stress moments, among many others. Do you dare to put mindfulness into practice in the classroom? Then do not miss these 5 tips!
5 tips for applying mindfulness in the classroom
- Establish a routine. Choosing an appropriate time for the practice of mindfulness is essential. It is recommended that children spend 5 minutes at the beginning or end of a class, thus promoting concentration for the rest of the class or rest, relax and reflect between one class and another. For the older ones, 15 minutes a day can be key to improving their learning. You will see the results during the course!
- Find a quiet place. We must bet on a place or space of tranquility, where there are no interruptions. At the beginning, noises can be a very unhelpful distractor for the practice of mindfulness. Although the students when they have more experience they should be able to practice this technique avoiding the external noises.
- Promotes playful activities. In the first years, above all, it is necessary to address mindfulness through games and attractive activities for children. With which the attitude of humor, calm and confidence will benefit the good practice. Also that adults meditate at the same time as children or young people, promotes their involvement and motivation. It will also help you to channel stress and relax!
- It transmits clear instructions. For the little ones it is necessary to accompany them throughout the process, creating a story or clearly announcing the steps they should follow. As the students are older, more adult and autonomous techniques can be used.
- Reflect on experiences and sensations. At the end of the exercise it is good to verbalize the sensations and feelings that you have perceived or experienced. With the little ones you can guide them with questions: how did you feel? How did you feel before and how do you feel now? What were you thinking? Do you feel more calm?