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Mindfulness, Meditation, and Learning About the Brain
In our Learning Lab, the students are exposed to different forms of mindfulness meditation, and discussion about how our brains operate, in order to help the scientists learn about their own learning processes, how to pay attention, how to calm down in moments of anxiety or stress, and how the different parts of their brain work differently.
We touch upon creating brain pathways early in the year with our Week of Inspirational Math, by Jo Boaler, Professor of Mathematics Education at Stanford University, and the faculty director of youcubed. This week of activities undo previous misconceptions on how a math person is considered to be, and teaches through fun videos, activities and conversations what real mathematicians are: slow but deep thinkers that use images, creativity, more questions than answers, and more problems than solutions to learn about math and discover patterns in nature and in life!
Then, along the school year, the scientists are introduced to short mindfulness meditation breaks that help them focus on their breathing, focus on sounds, learn different breathing and movement exercises, and readings to develop a discussion and learning about our minds, empathy, awareness of oneself and others, and other good qualities to develop in ourselves.
As part of the resources used in our Nature Camp, the MindUp program by the Hawn Foundation, a "classroom-tested, evidence-based curriculum (...) addresses obstacles to productive learning and living by offering children and teachers simple practices and insights that become tools for self-management and self-possession".
With all these resources, along with my own "beginner meditator" experience, I hope to equip my students with the necessary tools to thrive both academically and personally, help them develop positive social skills, and create in my classroom an environment of joy for learning, optimism, kindness, and support for each other.
We touch upon creating brain pathways early in the year with our Week of Inspirational Math, by Jo Boaler, Professor of Mathematics Education at Stanford University, and the faculty director of youcubed. This week of activities undo previous misconceptions on how a math person is considered to be, and teaches through fun videos, activities and conversations what real mathematicians are: slow but deep thinkers that use images, creativity, more questions than answers, and more problems than solutions to learn about math and discover patterns in nature and in life!
Then, along the school year, the scientists are introduced to short mindfulness meditation breaks that help them focus on their breathing, focus on sounds, learn different breathing and movement exercises, and readings to develop a discussion and learning about our minds, empathy, awareness of oneself and others, and other good qualities to develop in ourselves.
As part of the resources used in our Nature Camp, the MindUp program by the Hawn Foundation, a "classroom-tested, evidence-based curriculum (...) addresses obstacles to productive learning and living by offering children and teachers simple practices and insights that become tools for self-management and self-possession".
With all these resources, along with my own "beginner meditator" experience, I hope to equip my students with the necessary tools to thrive both academically and personally, help them develop positive social skills, and create in my classroom an environment of joy for learning, optimism, kindness, and support for each other.