Connect with nature: GET OUTSIDE! Go on a nature walk, read outside, write outside.

Building a classroom community: this takes time. Students are typically slow to warm when in a new classroom setting. Don't push for all students to share, give them the time to observe others.

Connect to lineage: have them research their names. Bring in a cultural discussion.

Allowing for moments of silence and stillness. Start small and you can work your way up. (We started with one minute for second grade students)

Allowing for a chunk of time for students to work on something, draw, read, or even sleep where there is complete silence. Including the teacher! Establish rules and routines before this. (We taught a few signs from ASL for student emergencies)

Breathing exercises to bring oxygen to the brain

Periods of silent reflection- you can even guide it to set a goal or make a decision.

Quiet wait time.

Goal setting is so important for students

Discussing and writing about what we want to accomplish in life

Providing opportunities to do something within the community. What kind of things does your school or do you implement to promote service learning?

Write letters to our future selves (this can be an alternative to the obituary which would be very difficult for younger students to do)

Class led discussions about the big questions tying into literature, history, language study and even science