Mindfulness in Schools

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Cathleen Perkins
School Site
Tahoe Lake Elementary
Donner Trail Elementary
Alder Creek Middle School
Grant Date
2016-11-01T12:00:00
Description

To teach children the art of being mindful; thus creating an inner locus of control. They are responsible for their bodies and thoughts. Mindfulness teaches self regulation skills and more mental clarity and focus skills. Taking time to breathe deeply, slow down the mind and focus on the moment can lengthen attention spans and promote emotional control , and some schools are beginning to fold mindfulness training into the school day. Dr. Amy Saltzman, director of the Association for Mindfulness in Education, says that schools in all 50 states and around the world have started to teach children mindfulness.

Benefits of Program

Research is being done on how mindfulness programs affect the academic performance of children in 30 Chicago schools. The research is following 2000 students in K-2nd grades. They are looking at how programs meant to teach calming strategies -like meditation or mindful drawing - could help academic achievement. I would like to use this with k-8th  grades and use pre and post evaluations with teachers on students cognitive ablilities and look at the impact of teaching the mindful practice focusing on students self reflections and the teacher pre and post tests. 

Success of Program

Success of the program would be determined by the increase in desired behaviors in students. Increase in academic success, focus skills and  from students self reflection on their own ability to use mindful strategies in the classroom setting.

Implementation

Mind-up program would be taught by the counselor in small group setting and or to an entire class on a weekly or biweekly basis through out the school year. Teachers who are interested could use the curriculum in their own classes daily. More materials may have to be purchased at a minimal cost. Perhaps by the school or with teacher funds and or PTO funds. 

Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

This could be shared with any teacher interested and with other schools and school counselors Kindergarten through 12th grade. A similar  program has been implemented by the school counselor at Kings Beach elementary. 

Sustainability
This program is something that could be used on going and continue to grow through out schools in the district. It doesn't take a great deal of time and can be implemented in the classroom and with small groups as well as on an individual basis in the counseling setting. It is a life long skill to benefit all who practice it.
Amount Funded
$200.00
Budget Notes

The funding would be for the initial materials. More materials may be needed but a a minimal cost. There should be minimal shipping cost when purchased through Amazon Prime. 

Shipping
$0.00
Taxes
$11.00
Other funding sources

Other funding sources could be PTO and classroom teacher funds.