Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to the present moment without judgment, says Amy L. Eva, an education content specialist for the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California—Berkeley. Over time, individuals develop the ability to detach from whatever they are dealing with so they are not coming down on themselves often, she says. That could be especially important for students who worry about grades.
Educators interested in incorporating mindfulness into their high schools can follow these three steps to get started.
Step 1. Explore mindfulness: Teachers need to experience mindfulness before they can pass on techniques to students, says Eva.
One option is Mindful Schools, which offers online courses for teachers, she says. In addition to the Greater Good Science Center at UC—Berkeley, the University of California—Los Angeles Mindful Awareness Research Center and the University of California—San Diego Center for Mindfulness offer resources for teachers, Eva says.
Step 2. Consider how to bring mindfulness into class: Quick, the Virginia yoga and mindfulness educator, says teachers can incorporate mindfulness through regular formal one- to three-minute guided sessions.
Step 3. Establish a mindfulness program: Eva says that mindfulness works best as a sustained experience. Beyond the classroom, she says schools could establish formal mindfulness program in advisory periods, study hall, standalone courses or health classes.
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