Teaching meditation in the classroom can have numerous benefits for students and teachers alike.
It’s valuable for children to be exposed to meditation early in their life so that they can embrace it as a practice if they wish to do so. More tactically, meditation can help create a positive and focused learning environment, reduce stress, improve concentration, and promote overall well-being. At Astor International School, we encourage students to meditate before starting lessons.
We start with short meditation sessions before class if students are new to the practice. This helps students to settle down by calming their bodies. When doing short meditation sessions, students focus on their breathing and being present in the moment. As students familiarize themselves with the process, teachers gradually increase the duration and introduce different techniques.
Another strategy is to establish a consistent meditation routine with students. It is a great practice to set aside a specific time each day or week for mediation. Students can get used to the routine and know what they need to do when it is time for mediation. Consistency is the key to making meditation a habit and reaping its long-term benefits.
Next, creating a comfortable and conducive environment is another key to support meditation in the classroom. By dimming the lights and creating a quiet space we encourage students to sit comfortably and get themselves ready for meditation. At Astor International School, we have large windows in every classroom that allow natural light to enter the classroom and create a warm space for students to meditate. Students are encouraged to sit together on a carpet and focus on their breathing when doing their meditation. Soft and calming music can also be played in the background while the students are doing their meditation.
Following that, students are encouraged to reflect after each meditation session and share their experiences and what they would like to do for the next session. Besides having a teacher who facilitates the mediation session, here at Astor International School we encourage student autonomy where students can voice out their ideas and teachers do their best to incorporate their ideas in the next few sessions. Some students enjoy incorporating mindful movements such as simple stretches or yoga poses to promote their focus while others prefer doing various breathing exercises. We do a mix of both to encourage students to share their ideas.
Lastly, as an international school, we have students from different backgrounds and beliefs and we consciously respect and value individual choices. Meditation is a personal practice and students may have different comfort levels or preferences. Here at Astor International School, teachers allow flexibility and encourage students to try many different types of meditation for them to find out what works best for them. Introducing mediation in the classroom requires patience and a supportive approach. It is important to be sensitive to the needs and concerns of students and to adapt the practices to fit the unique dynamics of your classroom.
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