As the new school year begins, elementary educators face the exciting, yet often overwhelming task, of welcoming a new group of students. We are always trying to launch the best school year ever and the challenge becomes – How?

Year after year, studies prove that mindfulness in education is the how. Integrating mindfulness practices from the first day can create a calm, focused, and compassionate classroom environment. Here are practical activities and strategies that elementary school educators can use to bring mindfulness to their students as they begin school.

Creating a Mindfulness Routine

Morning Emotion Check-In and Mindfulness Practice Begin each day with a short mindfulness practice and an emotion check-in to help students settle in and prepare for learning. This routine not only fosters self-awareness but also encourages students to acknowledge and share their feelings in a supportive environment.

Tip: Use the “Five Finger Emotion Check-In” method: invite students to close their eyes if they’re comfortable, feel their body’s sensations, and then open their eyes. Ask them to rate their stress level using their fingers: one finger for feeling very calm and five fingers for feeling very stressed. They can share their number or keep it private. 

Follow this with a simple breathing exercise where students sit comfortably, close their eyes if that feels right, and take three deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of the air entering and leaving their bodies. This combination helps students transition from the busyness of the morning to a focused state ready for learning.

Mindful Moments Throughout the Day Incorporate brief mindful moments during transitions or when you notice students becoming restless.

Tip: During this time, students pause what they are doing, take a few deep breaths, and notice their surroundings. This practice can help students refocus and reduce classroom disruptions.

Establishing a Mindfulness Corner

Create a dedicated space in your classroom where students can go to practice mindfulness if they need a break or feel overwhelmed

Tip: Set up a “mindfulness corner” with comfortable seating, calming visuals, and mindfulness tools like a breathing ball, eye pillow, stacking stones, and noise canceling headphones. Explain to students that they can use this space whenever they need a moment to reset.

Incorporating Mindful Movement

Integrate mindful movement activities into your daily routine to help students release energy and improve concentration.

Tip: Lead the class in simple stretches. Encourage students to pay attention to how their bodies feel as they move. These short breaks can enhance students’ focus and engagement.

Teaching Mindful Breathing Techniques

Introduce simple breathing exercises that students can use to manage their emotions and stay present.

Tip: Teach the “five-finger breathing” exercise. Students trace their fingers up and down while breathing in and out slowly, focusing on the sensation of their breath and the movement of their fingers. This technique can be particularly helpful during stressful moments.

Mindfulness Through Storytelling and Reflection

Use storytelling to teach mindfulness concepts and create opportunities for students to reflect on their experiences. We have a curriculum built around this concept. 

Tip: Read a story that incorporates mindfulness themes. After the story, discuss with students how the characters used mindfulness to navigate their challenges. Encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings.

Encouraging Mindful Communication

Foster a classroom environment where students practice mindful communication, listening to each other with attention and respect.

Tip: Implement “circle time” where students take turns sharing their thoughts and feelings while others listen attentively. Use a talking stick or another object to indicate whose turn it is to speak. This practice promotes empathy and respectful communication.

Reflective End-of-Day Practices

End each day with a reflective practice that allows students to process their experiences and set positive intentions for the next day.

Tip: Invite students to write or draw about something they enjoyed, something they found challenging, and something they are looking forward to. This practice helps students develop self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Conclusion

Starting the school year with mindfulness can set a positive tone for the months ahead. By integrating these practical activities into your classroom routine, you create a nurturing environment where students feel calm, focused, and supported. Remember, mindfulness is a practice that benefits both you and your students, fostering a joyful and compassionate classroom community.

For more tips and resources on mindfulness in education, visit Mind Body Align.

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