The most common thing about any class is that it only focuses on academics, but what about the mental preparation? Paying attention in class and teaching enthusiastically are equally crucial as the topic. Regarding this, we present to you 8 Exercises for Students (and Teachers) to Create a Mindful Classroom.
Opening the class
You can do four activities before starting a class to ensure that it begins healthily and pleasantly.
Silent 60: Starting the class with 60 seconds of silence or, even better, meditation will mentally prepare your students for the class. In the beginning, you can start class with 15 or 20 seconds and gradually increase the time with your student’s progress.
Powerful listening: Listening is the factor that all leaders are masters at. This is an essential exercise before class and in life too. Here’s how you do it.
Sixty seconds of gratefulness: This exercise involves being grateful in one way or another. Here’s how it goes.
Morning classroom quote: Starting the class by speaking a motivational quote or writing one down on the blackboard (or through PPTs) inspires students to do best during the class.
Between classes
Students and teachers alike also need breaks in between classes. These are the three activities that are perfect during the time.
Three breaths exercise: The three breaths exercise benefits the students and teachers. It’s a straightforward exercise that removes all the stress and anxiety you may be feeling at the moment. To do this exercise, you must put your hand on your chest or heart and breathe (as in meditation) 3 times.
Body scan: This activity is only for teachers. Since learning to focus on your body can have an extensive effect on your teaching style and personality, you need to ensure that your feet are centralized and you can feel the floor before meeting the students or parents. We at Ideal Education Point (New Choudhary Public School) recommend doing the three-breath exercise if necessary.
Speak your mantra: Having a spirit-lifting mantra in life is essential for students and teachers. It’s simple. All you have to do is have an “I can” type quote for yourself and repeat it out loud or in your mind whenever you need motivation.
Ending the day
Just like we began the day on a positive note at the RBSE English Medium School in Pratap Nagar, we also need to end the first half of our day positively. For this, we have one last activity for you to do at the end of the day.
Concluding reflections: Before the lunch break, take the time to ask the students, “what did you learn, what did you like about today’s first session, etc.” This way, your students will reflect on the day’s positives and get motivated for the next half of the day.
So these were the eight exercises for a mindful class. How many do you use daily? Using these classes frequently will surely bring a change in your classroom regarding student involvement. Ideal Education Point (New Choudhary Public School) wishes you all the best and a bright future. Thank you for reading.
