Mindfulness Education
- Dec 19, 2016
- 2 min read
Many primary-aged learners, third through sixth grade, struggling with reading fluency find it challenging due to the lack of anxiety-ridden techniques provided in the classroom environment. Failure to develop adequate Mindfulness strategies in the classroom weakens the potential of reading fluency and academic success for elementary school children. Researchers have suggested a contributive role of Mindfulness Education to enhance academic reading performance for primary-aged students.
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The implementation of mindfulness programs for schools and education are widespread (Bluth et al., 2015, Meiklejohn et al., 2012; Zenner et al., 2014) and using mindfulness-based meditations in the classroom are on the rise with well documentation of positive outcomes (Britton et al., 2014; Klatt, Harpster, Browne, & White, 2013; Mapel, 2012).
Images courtesy of WIX.com
Theories and research have supported the significance in using mindfulness to increase self-esteem, self-worth, and self-efficacy (Felver et al., 2013; Goldin & Gross, 2010) which drives motivation to read (Gambrell, 2011; Morgan et al., 2008, Tarrasch, Berman, Friedmann, Colzato, & Mascaro, 2016) and when children manifest a strong propensity toward reading, it leads to greater development skills for successful reading literacy (Girard et al., 2013; Miller, Topping, & Thurston, 2010).
Image courtesy of Laughterfoundation.org
HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD NOW?
These simple practices done daily before homework can help your child be more mindful. Each exercise may be done sitting down or lying on your back.
Square Breathing - Draw half a square in the air while breathing in and holding for 3 - 5 seconds, then draw the other half of a square while exhaling. Do this at least 3 times.
Deep Breathing - As hard as you can tighten all the muscles in your body, including your face while breathing in for 3 - 5 seconds. Then exhale as your release the tension (so you feel like a wet noodle). Do as often as necessary.
Visualization Breathing - Close your eyes and think of a happy place. Look upwards and SMILE. Take a deep breath in, hold it for 3 - 5 seconds, then release. Do this at least 3 times.
For more ways on how to develop Mindfulness Education in children visit www. MindfullYourLife.org
or write your questions to: DrPattiMartin@gmail.com
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