MINDFULLNESS IN THE CLASSROOMPRESENTERS: NICOLE BRAZIER,

LESLIE REIF, JAIME TIDERMAN-QUAL

WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?PRIVATE THINK TIME

TURN AND TALK

WHAT RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT MINDFULNESS

“Mindfulness is a flexible state of mind in which we are actively engaged in the present, noticing new things and sensitive to context.” (Langer, 2000)

“There are many benefits to mindful practice like increased self-acceptance and compassion, and reduction in stress and anxiety.” (Collard, 2014)

“Being mindful includes self awareness, self management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making.” ( Hawn Foundation, 2011)

Why Do We Do This?In 2014, one in five (21.8%) children in America were living under the official poverty line, half of all children will be on food stamps before they turn 20. ( U.S. Census, 2014)

As educators we must be sensitive to the effects of poverty on our students state of mind and ensure that we separate their developing sense of self from their living conditions. (Education Equity, December 3, 2015)

MIND UP

In one study, 20% of students who received mindfulness curriculum practiced the mindfulness skills and strategies associated with wellbeing and stress independently once or more per week. (British Journal of Psychiatry, 2012)

DEEP BREATHING

Core practice (connecting to your breath and mindful practice)

Calm the body especially when faced with a challenging situation so that we can be less reactive and more reflective

Trains the brain to respond reflectively

Mindup, 2011

THE BRAINPrefrontal CortexAmygdalaHippocampus

PREFRONTAL CORTEX

“THE MOTHER OF THE BRAIN”

DECISION MAKING

PLANNING

SOCIAL BEHAVIOR

AMYGDALA

“THE SECURITY GUARD”

EMOTIONS (sad, happy, angry, fear)

FIGHT, FLIGHT, OR FREEZE

KEEPS YOU SAFE

HIPPOCAMPUS

“THE SAVER OF MEMORIES”

STORES IMPORTANT INFORMATION

RECALLS INFORMATION WHEN NEEDED

Trauma and the Brain

*TBI Traumatic Brain Injury*Occurs when a sudden trauma damages the brain (violent movement of the body, blow to the head)

*Trauma to any part of the brain can effect the systems that part controls*For example, an injury to the frontal lobe can result in a loss of self control (impulsivity, anger, aggression)

Common Symptoms of TBI

Verbal and physical outbursts

Impulsivity

Apathy

Fixed Mindset

Poor judgement

Risky behavior

Depression or anxiety

http://www.brainline.org/landing_pages/categories/behavioralsymptoms.html

Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Abuse

Experiencing abuse can also lead to changes in the brain effecting emotions and behavior.

Often respond excessively to minor triggers

The amygdala controls emotions (fight, flight, or freeze)

The hippocampus processes information and stores memories

Toxic stress effects the amygdala and the hippocampus

http://www.asca.org.au/WHAT-WE-DO/Resources/General-Information/Impact-on-the-physiology-of-the-brain

BRAIN IN A BOTTLE

MINDSET

FIXED VS

GROWTH MINDSET

Fixed Mindset

Growth Mindset

Mindful Movement