10 Minute Mindfulness Sessions

You may be thinking, “How can I run 10 minute mindfulness sessions in multiple classrooms in my local schools?”

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.

With the crucial need to address mental health and social-emotional learning (SEL) in our classrooms, incorporating yoga and mindfulness feels challenging.

But with the right approach, it can be quick, fun, and beneficial for both teachers and students.

To learn more, I sat down with my fabulous colleague Abigail Wilber, who worked in multiple classrooms per day in New York, offering short mindfulness sessions.

In the interview below, you’ll find Abby’s three essential tips inspired by her experiences and insights as a contractor kids yoga teacher to various schools.

Her tips also demonstrate practical ways to weave mindfulness into your daily routine, helping children easily transition throughout their day so they can be ready to focus.

3 Tips to Teach 10 Minute Mindfulness Sessions in Classrooms

1. Establish Clear Expectations Early On

Setting the stage for a short mindful session in a classroom begins with clear expectations. Abby emphasizes the importance of establishing these from the very first class.

During her lessons, students are taught to sit up straight, close their eyes, and listen to a singing bowl. This simple practice sets a mindfulness tone and removes distractions, preparing students for the activities ahead.

Quick Tip:

Implement a structured start with a mindful practice like listening to a singing bowl or practicing Belly Breathing. It not only calms the children but also sets a respectful and peaceful environment where learning can thrive.

Mindful Session Example:

During the first week, dedicate time to explain and practice these mindful routines. Reinforce the expectations consistently, ensuring that students understand the importance of self-regulation and respect for their peers.

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2. Engage Through Theme-Based Mindfulness Activities

In the interview below, Abby explains how her 10-minute class structure includes a daily theme combined with one movement and one mindfulness practice.

This framework keeps activities varied and engaging, drawing students’ interest through relatable and fun themes. Her tried-and-true practices can range from community-connecting activities like “Cross the Line,” where children stand based on shared experiences, to calming exercises like Belly Breath.

Quick Tip:

Create theme-based mindfulness sessions to keep the activities fresh and relevant. This could even include incorporating current events, holidays, or seasonal changes.

Mindful Session Example:

Plan a “Mindful Monday” where the theme revolves around gratitude. Students can start with a quick belly breathing exercise followed by a sharing circle, where they express something they are grateful for. Use relatable topics and connect them to mindfulness practices.

3. Address Resistance with Kindness and Curiosity

Not all children (or teachers) will immediately embrace mindfulness practices.

Abby discusses facing resistance from students and occasionally from other school staff members. She stresses the importance of responding with kindness and curiosity, which helps in understanding the root of the resistance and addressing it constructively.

Quick Tip:

When encountering resistance, approach with empathy and a solution-focused mindset. Encouraging open communication and collaboration can ease the integration of new practices.

Mindful Session Example:

If a child is disruptive during a mindfulness exercise, gently guide them back by asking how they feel and what they need. This acknowledges their emotions and helps redirect their behavior positively. For teachers, offer brief workshops or share resources that highlight the benefits and simplicity of mindfulness activities.

Key Takeaway: Creating a mindful classroom begins with foundational practices, engaging themes, and a compassionate approach to resistance. The benefits, as Abby notes, include improved behavior, stronger focus, and a general sense of calmness, making the school environment more conducive to learning.

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Abby’s mindful sessions, whether they are 10 or 15 minutes long or extended classes, offer a blueprint to successfully integrating mindfulness and yoga into daily school life.

For educators seeking a balance between curriculum demands and the mental wellbeing of their students, these tips provide a practical and inspiring starting point—either introduced by you or a hired kids yoga teacher.

By integrating mindfulness and yoga into our classrooms, we’re not only helping children navigate their emotions but also equipping them with life skills that extend beyond the school walls.