Stillness Sessions for the Classroom
My experience is that the students that are the greatest distraction, that struggle the most with learning, are the ones that not only benefit the most from these practices, but are the ones that appreciate them the most. This isn't to say that others don't as well, but it speaks to the heart of the issue that so many students face, it is their minds that are the most rampant. Here are some ideas to help you get started;
It is highly recommended that you read through Administering the Practices before you get started. There are some very important contemplations there to understand for those starting out with 'Stillness Sessions' in the classroom. Also, feel free to examine the other Meditative Practices available on this site, as they can prove useful for personal use before guiding others. Also, I truly believe it would help for you to read Why Should Students Meditate and Curriculum Designed Around Meditative Philosophy. This will all help to better prepare you as a practitioner before starting your work with students, there are important ideas included within those writings that will help tie everything within this page together. This is the only way to ensure your own preparation before working with students. What is more, it will build your own confidence the better educated you are on the different aspects of these ideas.
Disclaimer: You know your students best, and it's remarkably important that the practice and guidance you provide is authentic. Make it yours, expand beyond what is provided here.
It is highly recommended that you read through Administering the Practices before you get started. There are some very important contemplations there to understand for those starting out with 'Stillness Sessions' in the classroom. Also, feel free to examine the other Meditative Practices available on this site, as they can prove useful for personal use before guiding others. Also, I truly believe it would help for you to read Why Should Students Meditate and Curriculum Designed Around Meditative Philosophy. This will all help to better prepare you as a practitioner before starting your work with students, there are important ideas included within those writings that will help tie everything within this page together. This is the only way to ensure your own preparation before working with students. What is more, it will build your own confidence the better educated you are on the different aspects of these ideas.
Disclaimer: You know your students best, and it's remarkably important that the practice and guidance you provide is authentic. Make it yours, expand beyond what is provided here.
Video Sessions
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Breath and Body Awareness
Once you familiarize yourself with the practices of BREATH and BODY awareness, then those are the go-to sessions for the students. I mention the video sessions first because they truly help to introduce the students into the idea of still awareness. They are enough to put them into a place of presence, and to have the conversations about the mind, and what it is. They've likely never examined the mind before like this, never discussed mindfulness, so for that introduction 'Video Sessions' are helpful. Beyond that though, it's a great idea to prevent dependance upon the video, and work towards simple breath and body awareness.
No matter the age, I love the idea I got from a Twitter friend to have the students breath in and out colors. Have them pick a color they like that will bring relaxation, and breath that one in. Pick one they think best represents worry, anger, fear, irritation, etc., and breath that one out. Try it yourself, it's amazing how it works.
No matter the age, I love the idea I got from a Twitter friend to have the students breath in and out colors. Have them pick a color they like that will bring relaxation, and breath that one in. Pick one they think best represents worry, anger, fear, irritation, etc., and breath that one out. Try it yourself, it's amazing how it works.