As occupational therapists and educators, we understand the importance of creating an optimal learning environment for our students. With the pressures of testing, difficulty with transitions, or the end of the school year looming, maintaining student focus has become increasingly challenging. However, integrating mindful minute activities into your classroom routine can be a game-changer. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of mindful minutes and provide a range of activities tailored for occupational therapists and teachers to help cultivate focus, regulate emotions, and promote a positive classroom atmosphere.
Understanding the Value of Mindful Minutes: Mindful minutes are short, intentional activities designed to bring attention to the present moment and promote self-awareness and emotional regulation. These activities offer students a brief pause from academic tasks, allowing them to reset and refocus their attention. Research shows that incorporating mindfulness into the classroom can lead to improvements in attention, behavior, and overall well-being.
Mindful Minute Activities for the Classroom:
- Mindful Breathing Count: Guide students to sit quietly and count their breaths silently, focusing solely on the sensation of each inhale and exhale, up to a predetermined number.
- Mindful Body Scan: Lead students through a body scan, directing their attention from head to toe, noticing any areas of tension or relaxation.
- Mindful Alphabet Game: Invite students to silently go through the alphabet, thinking of a word for each letter that represents something they are grateful for.
- Mindful Yoga: Guide students through simple yoga poses they can do while seated in their chairs or on their desks, focusing on their breath and the sensations in their bodies.
Find 12 more activities in print, digital, and game format in this Mindful Minute resource.
Implementing Mindful Minutes in the Classroom: Integrating mindful minutes into your classroom routine is simple and can yield significant benefits. Start by introducing one or two activities per day, gradually increasing the frequency as students become more comfortable with the practice. Remember to model mindfulness yourself and create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable participating.
As occupational therapists and teachers, we play a vital role in supporting the holistic development of our students. By incorporating mindful minutes into our classroom routines, we can help students cultivate focus, regulate emotions, and foster a positive learning environment. Try incorporating some of the activities mentioned above and observe the positive impact they have on your students’ well-being and academic performance.
About The Author:
I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and have been working in a public school system for more than 25 years. My resources can be found on TPT, BOOM Learning, Made by Teachers, Classful, and Your Therapy Source. I appreciate your interest wherever you wish to shop.
My mission is to help you find creative ideas to incorporate fine motor, visual perception, gross motor, and social-emotional learning into your lessons.
I hope you consider signing up for my Free Resource Library with your Email. I send out emails about once a week and share resources, tips, and planning ideas for your classroom or occupational therapy needs. Hopefully, these help your students work on building their skills in a fun and engaging way.
