For week 10, I wanted to learn more about mindfulness in the classroom. I chose to do this through a YouTube video from the Child Mind Institute on middle-aged students’ thoughts. I posted the video below if you want to listen!
As I watched this video, I got goosebumps just hearing these middle-aged students talk about what goes on inside their minds. Sometimes, it can be easy to think that because they are young and have fewer “big things” or “adult stressors” in their lives, they can’t possibly be going through it, or there is no reason for them to have to worry about anything. Yet, that is far from the truth. No matter the age, we are all humans, with human brains that sometimes wonder and make us believe things about ourselves that may not be true. Watching this video made me realize that our students have things going on inside their minds that we may know nothing about. We may not see the frequency with which their thoughts consume them or how much their thoughts prevent them from participating in the classroom.
So, how can we make a difference in the classroom?
This is where teaching about mindfulness and implementing mindfulness tactics within the classroom could benefit students. When I envision my future classroom, I want mindfulness to be embedded within the routines and environment. I think in order to achieve that, it would need to be a conversation from day one and practiced/modelled just like teaching expectations and procedures. It would hopefully become a class norm to practice mindfulness and be modelled throughout the year. One of the first conversations I would have when introducing mindfulness is that their thoughts are not facts and that the entire purpose of mindfulness is not to eliminate thoughts but rather to let them pass by without judgment. I also think creating a safe space where we openly talk about our thoughts and feelings at a young age would help reduce many children and adolescents’ negative thoughts and worries as they would learn that all emotions are valid and allowed.
Mindfullness in the classroom is very important, and I like that you pointed out that teens are dealing with a lot of stress and situations that we as adults like to think they don’t. It is very important to put ourselves in their shoes and understand what they are going through. Good post
I always try to achieve a growth mindset and mindfulness daily! However, I have never considered it from an educational perspective, and students have a lot on their plates. I will watch the video and provide a better worldview of my aspiration to one day have a safe space for all students, not just middle school students. Keep up the fantastic and mind-provoking posts!