Every morning, I spend some solitude on a meditation cushion. This has been an on and off again routine for many years. Over the past 6 months, I’ve been diligent. The rewards have been palatable:

• I sleep better
• I eat better
• I notice things
• I’m calmer
• I’m much kinder and more tolerant
• I’m less critical of myself
• I’ve mended fences

I add a minute to my practice each week. I’m working up to 30 minutes. I’m currently at 22. If back in October someone would have told me that I could sit calmly for 22 minutes by mid-January, I would’ve dismissed them.

I certainly don’t mean to imply that I bliss-out each morning. Some sessions are a train wreck. My mind resembles a trapeze act. But even on those spastic dawns, I benefit. Perhaps, I need my mind to perform its gymnastics routine in a safe place and then I can move on with my day in a more present fashion.

Recently, I was presenting at a local school district’s professional development day. After my presentation, I had some free time so I thought I’d duck into some breakout sessions. One, in particular, intrigued me. Monica Lewis is a 4th-grade gifted teacher in Pickerington, Ohio. Her session on Mindfulness in the Classroom was at the top of my dance card. After Monica’s fine session, I introduced myself and invited her on my podcast. This episode will mirror her presentation and give me the opportunity to ask questions that many of you may have merely based on the title.

Monica Lewis

In my World Civilization class, we annually do 2 short mindfulness sessions when we arrive at the units on Hinduism and then Buddhism. That adds up to a grand total of 4 minutes of mindfulness for the semester…but it’s a powerful 4 minutes! Many kids hit me up the next day and plead, “Can we please do that again?” Monica’s students do it daily. That intrigues me and certainly makes me want to include more mindfulness.

And finally, some listeners may be reluctant to add such a routine. Please consider these factors:

• Mindfulness is a secular activity
• Mindfulness doesn’t have to be done daily
• Monica is evangelical about mindfulness’ positive impact on student performance and classroom management

Monica suggested these wonderful resources:

• Science Shows Meditation Benefits Children’s Brains And Behavior by Alice G. Walton
• How Mindfulness Empowers Us: An Animation Narrated by Sharon Salzberg
• Meditation 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Apps for Kids

If you’re considering adding mindfulness to your classroom, certainly consult with your principal. There are parents who are terrified of anything outside their life experience. Let your poor principal in on your ideas. You don’t want your administrator to get ambushed by an angry call from a parent. Perhaps, share this episode and Monica’s resources if you think it’ll help.

Episode Template

The Problem:

Our modern existence undermines mindfulness.

The Solution:

Introduce a regular mindfulness practice into your classroom.

What you can do Tomorrow:

• Attempt a personal 2-minute mindfulness session
• Peruse Monica’s resources
• Consult with your administrator
• Plan for a 2-minute classroom maiden voyage

Mindfulness could lead to better classroom management and improved student performance. More importantly, it just may lead to happier kids!

Listen to “James Sturtevant Hacking Engagement” on Spreaker.