•  KEEP CALM AND BE MINDFUL

    According to MindfulSchools, mindfulness is “a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, emotions, sensations and surrounding environment.” Research has shown that mindfulness can be taught to children from a very young age, and can improve concentration, attention, conflict resolution and empathy.

    Bakerville and New Hartford Elementary School are fortunate enough to have educator Ann Sullivan teaching mindfulness to our Kindergarten and First Grade students. I have also been teaching mindfulness to the four First Grade classrooms through the MindUp curriculum. MindUp is a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum with lessons that foster social and emotional awareness, enhance psychological well-being, and promote academic success. It helps to promote and develop mindful attention to oneself and others, tolerance of differences, and the capacity of each member of the community to grow as a human and a learner.

    Each Friday be on the lookout for a “Mindful Message,” “Mindful Challenge,” or “Mindful Resource" on my website and in the Friday Folder. 

  • October 21, 2016

       Mindfulness: 

      being present

      without judgement

     in every moment

     

    October 28, 2016

    Find a place to sit with your child (inside or outside) quietly for 2 minutes. Stop and notice some of the sounds around you right now. The sound of the computer humming away. The car that passes by in the distance. The sound of the television in the next room. The birds outside. All these sounds present you with an excellent opportunity to experience the peacefulness that comes from mindful listening. This simple mindful listening exercise can really open up you and your child’s awareness to a whole new level of silence within you.

    November 2, 2016

    Do a minute of mindful breathing just prior to a task or part of your day that demands your full concentration and focus.

    Sit or lay down in a comfortable position. 

    Close your eyes or look down at your hands.

    Pay attention to your breathing.

    Take calm, slow breaths. Gently breathe in through your nose, then let go of each breath through your mouth.

    Keep your shoulders relaxed.

    Picture the air coming into your body and going out again.

    If your mind tries to think about other things, bring your attention back to your breath.

    Feel your belly rising and falling. 

    -Adapted from MindUp: Core Breathing practice.
Last Modified on November 3, 2016