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Mindfulness Monday: RAIN Exercise
Since rain has become a recurring theme these days, today we are practicing this RAIN exercise adapted from the work of psychologist, Tara Brach, as a means of processing our emotions. The RAIN exercise is a powerful mindfulness tool that helps students recognize and process difficult emotions in a non-judgmental way. It’s an acronym that…
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Mindfulness Monday: Intention Setting Stars
Today we made paper stars and set an intention while we made them. Once students completed their star, they placed them in the intention box that I left on display in my classroom. Step 1: Prepare Your Paper Strips • Use strips of paper approximately ½ inch wide and 10-12 inches long. • For a…
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The Magic of Mindfulness
As a teacher, I see the effects of mismanaged mental health on a daily basis. Whether its students who turn to social media and vaping because they were never taught how to regulate their emotions, or well-meaning teachers who end up projecting their stress on their students because they have been forced into burnout by…
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Mindfulness Monday: Origami Lucky Clover
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day we are making four-leaf clover origami. I used a YouTube video as a guide.
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Mindfulness Monday: Bring Nature Indoors
For today’s activity, my daughter Maddie and I gathered leaves, pinecones, sticks and rocks from our neighborhood to create a box of nature for my classroom. I had each student take a nature sample to keep on their desk for the remainder of class. Connecting to nature in the classroom is beneficial for students because…
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Mindfulness Monday: Mindful Coloring to Celebrate Women’s History Month
Today we did mindful coloring to celebrate Women’s History Month. Crayola has great free printable coloring pages that I like to use.
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Mindfulness Monday: Bracelet Making
Today’s activity is bracelet making. I provided my students with string, beads, embroidery floss, and scissors so they could choose the type of bracelet they wanted to make. This activity was inspired by a gift I received for Valentine’s Day!
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Mindfulness Monday: Valentine to Yourself
In honor of Valentine’s Day this week, we are making valentine’s with a mindful twist! Instead to choosing someone else to send love to, we are sending love to ourselves. A healthy relationship with oneself builds self-esteem, confidence and inner peace. When we take the time to have a better relationship with ourselves, we foster…
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Mindfulness Monday: Mindful Coloring to Celebrate Black History Month
Today’s coloring pages were in honor of Black History Month. Some of the pages had quotes from famous Black Americans such as Frederick Douglass and Rosa Parks. This was a fun way to kick of an important month!
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Mindfulness Monday: Desk Yoga
Today we tried desk yoga. I’ve included a video for anyone who wants to try it for themselves.