Mindfulness is an essential practice at every stage of life, but it's particularly important for our lower school students as they learn to self-regulate on a daily basis. By helping students become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, mindfulness offers them the tools to recognize what they need at any given moment. This awareness is the first step toward emotional regulation, which can reduce stress and foster a calmer baseline. As a result, students are less likely to experience the physical and emotional effects of stress. In addition, practicing mindfulness can enhance social-emotional competence, which often leads to better academic performance.
At Lang, we strive to weave mindfulness practices throughout the day, encouraging students to notice when they might need a moment of pause or reset. As teachers, we are intentional about integrating mindfulness into our routines. From the moment students arrive, we begin the day with mindful practices that help them transition into school mode.
We know that the journey to school can be unpredictable. Whether it's a long bus ride with the sounds of honking cars, the bumps of a rough road, or a crowded train or walk filled with the voices of strangers, the transition from home to school can be overwhelming. To counter this, we start our school day gently. To create a calming atmosphere soft lofi music plays in the background and the lights are dimmed. This environment sets a positive tone and helps students ease into their day.
Another key mindfulness practice is the "mindful minute" — a brief, intentional pause that helps students reset between classes. This gives their brains a chance to catch up with their bodies and vice versa, as transitions can be mentally and physically draining. We also incorporate mindfulness after highly stimulating or unstructured social periods, such as recess. During this time, students engage with calming activities: listening to lofi music, completing mazes, reading quietly, or using a fidget. To support them further, we provide a set of mindfulness practice cards, which are always accessible in the nook or cozy corner of our classroom for students to use as needed.
These mindfulness practices can be easily adapted to your own home routines to help create more mindful, centered days. While every child and household is unique, experimenting with these strategies will help you find what works best for your family. When practiced regularly, mindfulness helps students feel more independent, confident, and capable of managing their emotions and daily challenges.
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