Learning how to be the Classroom - Phoenix, Arizona...The classroom serves as the physical...
22
Learning how to be Socially Emotionally Mindful for Oneself and in the Classroom ECE PROGRAM SPECIALIST, NICOLE PETERSON [email protected]
Transcript of Learning how to be the Classroom - Phoenix, Arizona...The classroom serves as the physical...
Learning how to be Socially Emotionally Mindful for Oneself and in the Classroom
ECE PROGRAM SPECIALIST,
NICOLE PETERSON
Pause & Focus
on a Thought
On a Post-it note please write a
positive thought….
Whether it be winning the lottery,
going on vacation, eating your favorite food, reading a good book,
spending time with family or even celebrating your favorite holiday.
This is YOUR positive thought!!
Agenda
➢Meaning of Mindfulness
➢Actions and Benefits of
Being Mindful
➢ Relationship-Building
*Activities
➢ Social Emotional Mindful
Environment
Causes and Consequences
of Teacher Stress
The Effects Stress on
our Health
➢ 46% of teachers report high daily stress, which compromises their health, sleep, quality of life and teaching performance.
➢ When teachers are highly stressed, students show lower levels of both social adjustment and academic performance.
Programs for mentoring, workplace wellness, social emotional learning and mindfulness are all proven to improve teacher well-being and student outcomes.
*Teacher Stress and Health; Publisher: The Pennsylvania State University 2016
The Meaning of Mindfulness
Close your eyes, breathe in and out, relax your body as I read the following~
Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, Wherever You Go, There You Are:
“Paying attention, in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.”
Ram Dass, Polishing the Mirror:
“You observe your behavior and your thoughts, enhancing your ability to live fully in the moment, to be
here now…When there’s a task to do, you are the task, and the observer of the task. It’s not that you do
it, it’s how you do it, where you are coming from as you act.”
Dr. Amy Saltzman, A Still Quiet Place for Teens:
“Mindfulness is paying attention here and now, with kindness and curiosity, so that we can change our
behavior.”
The Meaning of Mindfulness
Mindfulness won’t get rid of all the challenges in our lives.
Mindfulness will help us figure out how to best deal with life's challenges and how we can avoid doing things that make the situation worse.
*Mindfulness works from the inside out, drawing on the premise that each person has the innate capacity for relationship-building qualities such as empathy and kindness.
Some believe that being mindful is based from your religious or spiritual beliefs or is a state of mind…..it can be what you want it to be but keep in mind what is appropriate.
Benefits of Mindfulness Practice on
the Individual Level
➢ Reduced Stress and Anxiety
➢ Improves Memory
➢ Increased Ability to Focus
➢ More Cognitive Flexibility
➢ Higher Relationship Satisfaction
➢ Improved Overall Well Being
➢ Increased Empathy
➢ Reduced Psychological Distress
*American Psychological Association
Relationship-building
Mindfulness, works from the inside out, drawing on the premise that each person has the innate capacity for relationship-building qualities such as empathy and kindness.
Why is it important?
The relationships that we build with children, families, and colleagues are at the foundation of everything we do. It is important to build these relationships early on rather than waiting until there is a problem.
Children learn and develop in the context of relationships that are responsive, consistent, and nurturing. Helps each child feel accepted in the group
Assists children in learning to communicate and get along with others
Encourages feelings of empathy and mutual respect among children and adults
Activity #1
Reflective Inventory
Activity #2
The Classroom Environment
Environment
The classroom serves as the physical environment for adults and young
children for the most of their waking hours.
The environment influences how you feel about yourself and your job, and
how you as an early childhood professional relate to the children in your
care.
The children in your care experience the environment indirectly through
interactions with you and directly through their own experience with the
physical setting.
Being Socially and Emotionally Mindful of
the Environment
When the adult in the room is transformed, the classroom
climate changes, too.
Without words what is the environment sayings?
Do I belong here?
Do they like me here?
Do I feel welcomed?
What can I learn here?
Do I feel valued, safe and secure?
Classroom Environment
1. Calmer Transitions
When it's time to move on to lunch or PE, get students to take three deep breaths and then listen to the sound of a bell. Have students listen quietly until the sound fades away before moving on.
2. Take 5
Suggested by a CARE participant. For children too young or too restless to do regular meditation. Have them sit and quietly take note of five things they can see; then shut their eyes and count five things they can hear; then notice five things they are touching.
3. Quiet Corner Or Peace Corner
Described in Montessori and the Inner Resilience program. Set up a space in the classroom where children can go to deal with difficult emotions. It might have pillows and be stocked with stuffed animals, calming books or smooth stones. It should be inviting, not feel like a punishment.
4. Mindful Walking And Centering
For teachers, who are always on their feet: When standing, focus on the sensation of the weight on the feet and the pressure of the feet on the floor. When walking, maintain the awareness of weight shifting from one foot to the other.
*Cultivating Awareness and Resilience for Educators
What is Mindfulness Again?
Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-
moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily
sensations, and surrounding environment, through a
gentle, nurturing lens.
On a Post-it note please write
two positive thoughts for you
for the year and for your
environment….
This is YOUR positive thought!!
