https://padlet.com/ncharwood364/HarwoodHomeroom en-us 2019-01-15 19:22:32 UTC 2019-02-14 04:07:09 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Apple.png ncharwood364 https://padlet.com/ncharwood364/HarwoodHomeroom/wish/327076155 Within the past five years, there has been a large amount of research exploring the practice of mindfulness and whether or not it should be used in the classroom. With my background in teaching yoga, I strongly support integrating mindfulness techniques into the classroom and educating my students to tune into the present moment.

To begin, what exactly is mindfulness? I personally describe it as an ability or skill that we all possess which allows us to be present, taking in our surroundings as well as recognizing our thoughts and feelings within us with acceptance. The research predominantly discovered by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn has found that practicing mindfulness improves memory, empathy, emotion regulation, stress management, and an increased focus. Although there are many other benefits, each of these hold significance within the scope of the classroom.

In order to practice mindfulness, students are encouraged to engage in the following activities:
- Be aware of your breathing, especially when you are very angry or very sad.
- Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, possibly write them down in a book or draw a picture about them.
-Observe the world around you in detail. What do you see? Smell? Taste? Hear?
 
Students,
What methods do you use everyday to stay clam or release stress? What practices do you find successful at home that you wish to bring into our classroom?

For more tips and tricks on mindfulness please check out the following website: https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/benefits-of-mindfulness.htm]]> 2019-02-03 17:03:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ncharwood364/HarwoodHomeroom/wish/327076155