Mindfulness in Schools
Mindfulness is a scientifically-based approach to developing focused attention and emotional regulation. Mindfulness means paying attention in the present moment to our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and our surrounding environment without trying to change it, run, or hide from it. Whatever arises, welcome it in with a sense of curiosity and kindness. We can learn so much about ourselves from being present with our body, breath and emotions.
Why is mindfulness important in schools? Having a group of peers all sharing their unique experiences helps create the sense that we are not alone – fostering greater social intelligence. Some known benefits of mindfulness can be: increased attention and focus, cultivating resilience, emotional regulation, self-awareness, decreased test anxiety, and a deeper compassion for self and others, just to name a few. Teachers also benefit from taking a pause for their own health and well-being. Mindfulness creates space for both students and teachers to replace impulsive reactions with thoughtful responses.
Research shows that mindfulness practice can increase attention, improve interpersonal relationships, and strengthen compassion.
“Mindfulness is paying attention to the here and now, with kindness and curiosity, so that you can choose your behavior.”
Amy Saltzman, MD
“Erin has been such an asset to our school! Her passion and approach for mindfulness and wellbeing has brought such inner strength and peace to our staff and students alike. She has compassion and flexibility to reach all where they are at. She is a beautiful soul who helps others find their light from within. We have been so grateful for her!”
Theresa A. Schroeder, MSSW School Counselor/School Social Worker at Lake Mills Elementary School
Mindfulness in Schools Kind Words
When introduced to mindfulness, I quickly decided to read as many books as I could. I was convinced that drowning myself in the literature would be enough for me to share the benefits of mindfulness with my students. But when I met Erin, she transformed my thinking in this regard. Erin radiates compassion; merely being in her presence is enough to bring you to the present moment—a sort of character that I believe truly has been a derivative of her personal practice. After a short session with Erin, I knew her expertise, patience and kindness, were exactly what my high school students needed to begin a transformational journey within. So together, Erin and I planned a course for 15 high school students, where I would teach the biology of stress and Erin would introduce mindfulness as a way to self-care and compassion. With every co-planning session we had, I would leave wanting to know more, inspired to think of new and creative ways to share not only the science, but the practice as well. In fact, it was Erin that encouraged me to begin my own practice. Erin’s preparation was impeccable. She created highly detailed lesson plans, each focusing around an elemental theme. The classes had a beautiful balance of introspective journaling and reflection, group discussion, mindfulness practices, yoga, and creative expression. The students quickly began to admire the process, as well as the journey, as Erin planted the seeds to a healthier mind, body and spirit.
Another one of the classes that really made an impact on me was where you taught us how to send love out to others and to ourselves. I think most of us know how to love other people but find it harder to love ourselves sometimes. Giving myself a hug felt pretty good that day. I remember thinking "Wow, I hope the kids just got the same feeling that I just got." I just want to thank you for sharing mindfulness with us. It was truly a wonderful experience and I feel that it is something that I finally understand better and will be able to use and practice.
Erin’s respect for children is incomparable. I believe that a child learns best when they are understood and respected. Erin models this in her everyday interactions with the students in her classroom, even in the short amount of time she is allotted. She truly listens in order to understand what is going on in their world. Her voice is soothing, and her words are intentional. She speaks to each child with love and respect, and she trusts them to grow into the fully capable people they are. She is continually modifying her practice based on the interests and needs of the students that day.
My first-grade students had eight weeks of mindfulness training in the fall of the 2018 school year. The students looked very forward to their time with their teacher, Erin Frey. Erin was able to teach valuable strategies that allowed my young students to be mindful of the present moment, how to be curious in the present moment, how to be aware of their surroundings in the present moment, and how to carry-on with their day using compassion and kindness. Erin gave my first graders tools to learn how to be mindful. These tools brought self-awareness for the students and allowed them to slow themselves down enough to focus on the here and now and the important needs at any given moment. We continue to use many mindfulness terms and phrases Erin taught us such as; "Puppy Mind", Flip Your Lid" and "Find your anchor spot", etc. We look forward to bringing Erin back to ur school so we can learn more tools that allow us to build our mindfulness! Thank you, Erin!