Feedback on Mindfulness In the Classroom of Educators in SJUSD

Feedback on Mindfulness In the Classroom of Educators in SJUSD

"I have been using a one minute heads down meditation in several 
classes for ages 14 to 18. I asked students to put their heads down, 
take a deep breath, let it out slowly, closed eyes not required. 
I practiced this several times alone and then had no problem 
convincing the students. I want to go further now with different 
strategies for grades 9 through 12."

"Mindfulness has helped me be more aware of my impulses. 
It has started helping my class be more aware and be respectful 
listeners." Kristy, Thomas Kelly Elementary, 6th grade

"I use a mindful practice daily. I meet with a group every two weeks
and we practice guided mindfulness. Individual students practice 
breathing in and smiling." (Middle School)

"I decided to take the mindfulness training to better improve my 
personal life and to train my special needs son to regulate his 
behavior. Mindfulness helps him to calm himself, as opposed to 
utilizing timeouts. I feel it has significantly improved our relationship
and time together."

"Positives of mindfulness: energy increased, greater focus, 
more easily move throughout the day. Easy to recognize when 
practice drops off. Class is able and individual students to 
settle into the space. More easily leave the hurdles of life behind. 
Strategies used: belly breath, 4/8 breath, use of bell at beginning 
and end, some movement, trauma-informed language."

"I use it daily with students in crisis or simply escalated. 
Skills have been taught over the years, so it's easy for veteran 
students to access. Breathing practices and guided meditation are 
taught and utilized daily. It help students manage emotions. 
It helps me and other teachers respond to students in crisis. 
Helps me deal with the horrors."

"I have used it in my personal life to send her myself. I also use it 
in the classroom myself to calm and recenter myself when things are hectic."

"Deep breathing is really helpful. I have not tried with students yet, 
but I breathe deeply when the students become too hard to teach 
and keep silent. Then they become calmer. 
I want to try with my students before this session is over."

"Personally I have been using mindfulness breathing to focus myself
 for renewal and refreshing. I, as a special ed teacher, have been able 
to teach breathing and implemented this technique when students have become upset. 
I have found that to quiet them down, help them feel centered, 
they have been able to find control and take a better directions 
than to just respond and act out."

"In my Japanese language class, I teach them zen concept as a part of 
Japanese culture and practice meditation. Personally I practice meditation 
at home to ease my daily stress and I realize that making it as your daily routine 
is really helping me. I can deal with issues in a calm mind, but not quite there yet."

"I think a calmer me has translated into a calmer teacher. I have had 
two different classes of students tell me to "stop yelling at them." 
(Sarcasm) They feel me calmer. I use SPED strategies when my students
 one-on-one only so far say they are not able to let the sounds 
go to ground themselves. I suggest they just let some go, 
and try more next time. It works." --Larry, SPED grades 6 to 10 Math at Encino High

"Mindfulness has improved my personal life by allowing me to be grounded and 
calm in the moment. My teaching by introducing my students to breathing and 
calming their bodies. My students have not reported using it otherwise."

Larry Patterson 5th grade Howe Avenue Elementary: 
"My 5th graders and I practice mindfulness and meditation daily after lunch recess. 
On days we miss, I notice there is more angst and restlessness. 
We close the class down and make it dark. I use the iPhone app Meditation 
and Relax Melodies to guide the students. We usually do this for 5 to
10 minutes per day. 
On Friday mornings, during my extra PE, I teach my students yoga 
using yoga mats and video instruction."