Henry Zavala slowly expanded a plastic rainbow-colored sphere in front of his classmates at Davis Elementary School. The first-graders sat in a circle at the front of the classroom with crossed arms and eyes closed as they all took a deep breath in sync with the colorful expanding toy.
The "breathing ball," as it's known among the students, is one of several mindfulness techniques the Carrollton school has adapted within the past three years. Lisa Williams, the school's principal, said she became interested in self-regulation after reading several articles on the subject.
"We are at a high poverty school and the students can have lots of trauma," Williams said. "I know that can make it difficult to learn."
Classrooms at the school are equipped with "breathing balls" and "glitter jars" that are used at least once a day.
The glitter jars are made with a plastic bottle, water and glitter glue that students shake when they become distracted. The students will then sit and wait until the glitter falls to the bottom of the bottle to help them regain their focus before returning to their work.
Lynsi Christiansen, a fourth-grade math teacher, said her students will ask her to start a mindfulness session for the whole class when they feel they all need a few minutes to regain their focus.
"It's a language we can share and it helps build a sense of community," she said.
To read more of Elvia Limon's article please click here.
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