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Mindfulness at Maize Yielding Positive Results
October 15, 2021 -- Elementary students at Maize Elementary are learning to recognize and manage their emotions, thoughts, and actions through the practice of mindfulness. That’s a practice where you focus on the present and get in touch with the sensations, thoughts, and feelings you experience. In the classroom, the students are being taught to practice mindfulness to help ground them with their surroundings and identify stressful or overwhelming experiences.
“There’s been a difference in the behaviors of my students. We use mindfulness before testing, in the mornings, during the day to help the students throughout the day," said Nick Wright, a third-grade teacher at Maize.
Mindfulness is a practice that psychologists began using to treat disorders like depression and anxiety. They found that patients who completed mindfulness programs were better equipped to handle challenges in their daily lives.
“Teaching our students about mindfulness allows them to gain greater self-awareness while also learning practical strategies to support social and emotional well-being,” said Danita Thornton, a District School Psychologist Supervisor.
In terms of curriculum, mindfulness falls under the umbrella of Social-emotional learning (SEL). School Psychologist, April Kantz, is leading the SEL program at Maize Elementary School. Social-Emotional development is crucial to student success.
“I encourage the teachers to use some of the same language that we use in mindfulness exercises in the classroom to help the students,” said Maize School Psychologist April Katz. “Educators have recently begun to apply mindful principles to address the emotional needs of students and have seen profound results so far.”
“I’m extremely proud of April Kantz for continuing to offer hands-on tools, such as mindful listening, mindful breathing techniques, and mindful movement to nurture positive mental health growth for our students,” Thornton added.
In April Wright’s classroom, mindfulness is a regular part of every school day. Students and the teacher focus on words and actions. When Wright asks her third-graders how they feel after their mindfulness moments, in unison, they often respond, “good and calming.”