Michele M. Rivers Murphy – författare

In chaotic times, a deep breath can bring calm to your classroom.

As the pandemic recedes and the world gradually returns to “normal,” it’s more important than ever to make your classroom a place that supports mental health and improves overall wellness. In this book, you’ll discover the why and the how of using techniques to reduce stress, improve executive function, and set the stage for increased memory and attention, better self-regulation, and improved cognition and academic learning.

With this practical, research-based guide, you’ll incorporate age- and grade-appropriate meditation, breathing, mindfulness, and secular yoga activities into your teaching, in ways that work for in-person as well as virtual and hybrid settings. Features include

Adaptations for special populations, including those who have experienced trauma Recommendations for family involvement in social emotional learning Guidance on self-care for teachers and school staff Data from successfully implemented programs Dozens of illustrations, QR codes, and reflective questions

Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword-it’s a time-tested, teacher-tested technique for reducing anxiety and improving you students’ outcomes. Incorporate it into your classroom and see for yourself how much good a deep breath can do.

With foreword by Paul Liabenow

Build compassionate classroom environments and mindful schools that prioritize high levels of achievement and high levels of well-being. Based on the latest neuroscience research, Mindfulness Practices details how mindfulness in schools can lead to new, improved ways of educating, learning, and living. The book''s mindful education exercises are easily adaptable across grade levels -- from prekindergarten through high school -- as well as across urban, suburban, and rural school settings.

Mindfulness exercises and trauma-informed practices for a positive learning environment:

Explore the theory behind mindful education, including the interrelated nature of physiology, cognition, emotions, and mindfulness for students.Learn how mindfulness in schools contributes to a positive mindset, alleviates the impact of toxic stress, and takes advantage of neuroplasticity.Understand the effects of trauma and ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) on student behavior and the ability to learn, and discover trauma-informed practices that support healing.Acquire research-based mindfulness practices, including breathing exercises, yoga for the classroom, meditation for students, and cognitive reflection and awareness.Reignite the passion that first drew you to education and prioritize self-care for yourself and your students.Discover how to build a heart-centered learning community in classrooms and create mindful schools.

Contents:Foreword by Paul LiabenowIntroduction

Part I: The Urgency of NowChapter 1: The Need to CareChapter 2: The Journey--Healing Along the WayChapter 3: Our Brain and the Mind-Body Connection

Part II: Mindfulness Practices--Getting PracticalChapter 4: A Deep BreathChapter 5: Move and Stretch--Yoga and Meditation BasicsChapter 6: Mindful Sensation, Presence, and Emotion

Part III: Mindful and Compassionate Classrooms and School CommunitiesChapter 7: Mindful Instruction--Paying Attention to Your StudentsChapter 8: Executive FunctioningChapter 9: Mindful Leadership From Within--A New Mindset

EpilogueReferences and ResourcesIndex