Mindfulness Teaching Resources

Teaching mindfulness in the classroom? Explore mindfulness activities for kids, guided meditations, mindful communication strategies, yoga for kids, printables and more teaching resources designed to bring this practice into your elementary school classroom.

Designed by the teachers of Teach Starter, each resource in this teaching resource collection has been created with kids — and teachers — in mind. Each has undergone a rigorous review process completed by a member of our teaching team.

Looking to add mindfulness to your classroom management strategies or social and emotional learning lesson plans? Read on for a primer from our teacher team!

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, without judgment. It is often used as a stress-reduction technique and can be incorporated into various forms of meditation. Mindfulness has also been found to have beneficial effects on mental and physical well-being and is often used in therapy and counseling.

How Does Mindfulness Benefit Kids?

We've seen mindfulness explode in popularity in recent years, and it's only being used more since the beginning of the pandemic. The reason? There's real science behind the benefits this practice provides for our students.

Mindfulness can benefit kids in many ways, including:

1. Improving focus and attention — Mindfulness helps students learn to focus their attention on the present moment, which can improve their ability to concentrate and pay attention in class.
2. Reducing stress and anxiety — Mindfulness can help kids manage their emotions, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.
3. Enhancing emotional regulation — Mindfulness can help our students understand and regulate their emotions, which can improve their ability to cope with difficult situations.
4. Improving self-awareness — Mindfulness can help kids develop a greater sense of self-awareness, which in turn can increase their understanding of their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
5. Enhancing empathy and compassion — Kids who engage in the practice may develop greater empathy and compassion for others.
6. Encouraging healthy habits — Being mindful can also encourage kids to develop healthy habits, such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene.
7. Improving relationships — Mindfulness can be used to help students develop better relationships with others by improving their communication, social skills, and ability to manage conflicts.

How Do You Create a Mindful Classroom?

Creating a mindful classroom involves incorporating practices and techniques that promote mindfulness, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, into the classroom setting. Here are a few steps to follow to create your own mindful classroom:

1. Establish a consistent mindfulness practice for both students and teachers. This can include things like deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation.
2. Create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions.
3. Incorporate mindfulness into the curriculum and daily classroom activities, such as through the use of mindful listening, mindful speaking, and mindful movement.
4. Model mindfulness and self-regulation in the classroom by managing your own emotions and reactions effectively.
5. Encourage your students to take responsibility for their own learning and well-being by providing them with tools and strategies for self-regulation.
6. Encourage your students to practice mindfulness outside of class by providing resources and support for continued practice.
7. Continuously evaluate and adjust the mindfulness practice to better suit the needs of your students and the classroom.