Begin class with a mindful moment to settle students’ minds and bodies in preparation for learning¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

A deliberate pause at the start of class helps students settle their minds and bodies before learning. The brief’s example is to “Begin class with a “mindful moment” where students are guided through either (1) sitting and noticing their bodily sensations” or slow, deliberate movement pairing breaths with arm raises. The stated benefit is that students learn to slow down, quiet their nervous systems, and check in with feelings or thoughts needing attention.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A brief guided pause at the start of class; no full class period required

Constraints¶

• Applies to pre-K, elementary, and secondary settings as described in Figure 1

Target Learners¶

• pre-K students
• elementary students
• secondary students

Target Learning Goals¶

• cultivate focus and attention
• prepare for learning

Related Strategies¶

• Begin remote lessons with grounding and centering exercises to help students focus
• Use mindful listening turn-taking to build communication and constructive feedback between students
• Integrate mindfulness throughout the school day via mindful moments, pausing before reacting, and reflective norms
• Mindful Moment
• Body Scan Meditation Check-In
• Mindfulness Breaks

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Browning, A. (2020). Mindfulness in education: An approach to cultivating self-awareness that can bolster kids’ learning [Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety at WestEd]. San Francisco, CA: WestEd. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED606076