Cultivating Happiness, Resilience, and Well-Being Through Meditation, Mindfulness, and Movement: A Guide for Educators

"The impact of COVID-19, fear, uncertainty, racism, and the quest for racial justice on students, families, and educators has brought us to a point where we need to re-envision the purpose of school. Attending to the mental health of teachers AND students has never been more important. This book provides both the why and the how of using mindfulness, yoga, and meditation to reduce teacher and student stress and increase students' executive functioning, setting the stage for improved memory and attention,increased self-regulation and reduction of impulsivity, and improved cognition and academic learning. This book provides practical yoga, meditation, breathing, and mindfulness activities across ages/grade levels and includes recommendations for family involvement and ways to adapt these practices for special populations, including students who have experienced trauma. It also includes recommendations to teachers and other school staff for their own self-care. Educators will learn how to embed mindfulnessthroughout the academic day in virtual, hybrid, and in-person settings. The book also includes guidelines for using these practices with Restorative Justice programs as alternatives to punitive discipline procedures, and how to set up and operate a district-wide mindfulness program"--
In chaotic times, a deep breath can bring calm to your classroom.As the pandemic recedes and the world gradually returns to “normal,” it’s more important than ever to make your classroom a place that supports mental health and improves overall wellness. With this practical, research-based guide, you’ll incorporate age- and grade-appropriate meditation, breathing, mindfulness, and secular yoga activities into your teaching, in ways that work for in-person as well as virtual and hybrid settings. Features include: Adaptations for special populations, including those who have experienced trauma Recommendations for family involvement in social emotional learning Guidance on self-care for teachers and school staff Data from successfully implemented programs Dozens of illustrations, QR codes, and reflective questions