In wellness we are using a program called Feel Your Best Self (FYBS) as part of our mindful moment. FYBS teaches simple coping strategies to promote emotion regulation, all arranged in three categories: Calm Yourself, Catch Your Feelings and Connect with Others. These types of coping strategies are important life skills, and when used regularly, can promote emotional well-being. For more information, check out: Feel Your Best Self.
Students learn and practice mindfulness in wellness classes. One practice we use most often is referred to as "core practice." It begins with a chime. We focus on the sound until we can hear it no longer. From there we focus on our breathing, taking deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. The chime sounds again to end the practice. I have found that after these mindful moments students are more focused and engaged in their learning. I will be sharing mindful resources in future posts, including practices you can do with your child at home.
In wellness, we have been practicing mindful breathing using Alphabreaths. We have tried A - Alligator and B - Butterfly Breath. Today we learned that when all of the parts of our brain are working together we are being mindful. We think before we act. We are focused and our bodies are safe. When we are unmindful we act without thinking. When we are unmindful, others feel uncomfortable and it is harder to learn. We practiced being mindful with a game, cat and mouse.
Today in wellness we had our first lesson from MindUp, a research-based curriculum aimed at helping student focus their attention, improve their self-regulation skills, build resilience to stress, and develop a positive mindset in both school and life. Today students learned about three important parts of the brain, using their two fists as a visual (see drawing below):
I teach mindfulness using the MindUp curriculum. Developed by the Goldie Hawn (yes, that Goldie Hawn!) Foundation, MindUp is evidence-based and built upon four pillars: neuroscience, mindful awareness, positive psychology and social-emotional learning. We begin by learning about the brain and its three main parts:
This year in wellness we are delving into mindfulness. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present; aware of where we are, what we are doing and how we are feeling; and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what is going on around us. While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, it is more readily available to us with practice. Research has proven that there are numerous benefits of regular mindfulness practices. For more on these benefits, check out: I will share more about mindfulness, including practices you can do with your child, in later blog posts.
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Jason StevensonSchool Counselor - Avid Hiker - Reader - Lego Enthusiast Archives
January 2024
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