Mindfulness in the Classroom: 3 Tips to Get Buy-In

Incorporating mindfulness in the classroom may seem like a daunting task, especially given the already busy schedule filled with the demanding curriculum and diverse student needs.

But what if integrating mindfulness practices could actually enhance learning environments, improve student behavior, and foster a sense of calm amid the chaos?

Please join me in welcoming the lovely Kailey Leftko, the co-founder of Educalme, a mindfulness program from Canada.

3 Tips to Get Buy-In to Practice Mindfulness in the Classroom

In our interview chat below, Kailey, a seasoned teacher and mindfulness advocate, shares practical tips on how to bring these quiet moments of reflection into your students’ lives without overhauling your entire lesson plans.

1-Find Time for Mindfulness:

One of the biggest concerns for teachers might be finding the time to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine.

As a teacher herself, Kailey understands this challenge well and suggests weaving mindfulness seamlessly into your day. It doesn’t need to be an elaborate session; even a few minutes can make a difference.

For example, my daughter’s third-grade teacher introduced two minutes of silence after recess from the first day of school, and they continued this ritual each day of the school year. He played gentle, soothing music from YouTube, and the children chose a comfortable seat.

This simple practice allows students to transition peacefully from playtime to learning time, and it could be easily incorporated into any classroom.

2-Make Mindfulness a Habit:

Creating a routine is crucial if mindfulness is to take root in your classroom’s culture.

Kailey recommends setting clear expectations about the purpose and procedure of the mindfulness practice right from the start. Repeating these expectations regularly helps students internalize them.

Also, making mindfulness about the students and their experiences puts them in the center of this practice, increasing buy-in and participation.

As Kailey illustrates through her story of a once-reluctant student who grew to embrace mindfulness, consistent practice not only benefits classroom dynamics but can extend into students’ homes and personal lives, as well.

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3-Embrace the Coach’s Mindset:

Perhaps the most significant takeaway from Kailey’s insights is the importance of adopting the mindset of a coach rather than striving for perfection.

This perspective encourages both teachers and students to engage in trial and error and to view mindfulness as a journey rather than a destination.

As a teacher, by practicing mindfulness yourself and sharing your observations with your class, you create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable discussing their feelings and experiences.

Kailey’s approach of simply asking, “What did you notice today?” can help validate students’ diverse responses to mindfulness exercises, thereby fostering a culture of openness and self-awareness.

Integrating mindfulness into the classroom might seem intimidating at first, but as Kailey shares, the key lies in simple, consistent practices that create meaningful impacts over time. By finding the right moments to introduce mindfulness, establishing a daily practice, and nurturing a supportive and experimental environment, teachers can provide their students with the tools they need for emotional regulation and focused learning. In turn, these peaceful moments can elevate the overall atmosphere of the classroom, enabling both students and teachers to thrive amid the demands of the school day.