Video edited on: Splice (Info at the end of post)
This week I chose to do another written mindfulness activity; this one includes journaling. I got the idea from another class I am in (Elementary Field Experience Seminar) and I started to see the changes in myself after the first time we did it, and am still continuing to see positive changes in myself throughout this week, so I thought it would be a great exercise to share! At the beginning of every class, we get 5-15min of alone time where we pick a spot to sit outside and journal (written or drawings) any thoughts that arise for us as well as write out our five senses which are (as well as your heart):
- Sight: What are you seeing around you? (Ex: Trees, sky, grass)
- Hearing: What do you hear around you? (Ex: Cars, people talking, generators)
- Smell: What do you smell? (Ex: Wet grass, smoke, fresh air)
- Taste: What do you taste? (Ex: Coffee, gum, food)
- Touch: What are you feeling around you? Or sitting on? (Ex: Wet grass, gravel, soil, seat cushion)
- Heart: What are you feeling in this current moment? What is your heart feeling? (Ex: Happy, content, emotional)
This activity has taught me that being alone with your thoughts is not so scary, and that writing them out can get a lot off your chest. Also, being aware of your five senses allows you to come into a state of being present, and I feel that humans of all ages do not get enough time in this state.
What this activity would look like with your students (any grade):
- Every student would have a pen and a journal that is there’s to keep – this allows them to continue this mindfulness practice at home or wherever makes them comfortable.
- This practice could be done outside, inside the classroom, pretty much anywhere that is a quiet / calm environment as well as at any time of the day!
- Explain what the five senses are and give some examples of them like I did above.
- And let them enjoy being outside or sitting in silence in the classroom where they are alone with their own thoughts and feelings. Allow them to write or draw or both, because some students may feel more comfortable doing one over the other!
Outcome:
Creates calmness amongst the classroom and allows for a fresh start to the day, break in between lessons or a way to wrap up the day before heading home.
* I encourage you to give this mindfulness journaling a try either individually or with your student’s multiple times a week and see what benefits you gain from this practice! 🙂 *
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Oh my goodness Morgan! You have done such an excellent job on your inquiry project! Wow! I love how you videoed yourself going through your mindfulness activity and allowed us participate in your journey. I, too, enjoyed the calming feeling this activity brought when we did it in class. I would have never considered using a mindfulness activity at the end of a day but I would love to dismiss my class feeling calm and gathered. Knowing that you’ve also been an EA, I am certain you are aware of the craziness that begins at the end of a school day as the teacher tries to quickly wrap things up and get kids out the door on time. How wonderful would a peaceful end to the day be?! It would be so different than the norm, but oh so enjoyable.
Keep up the good work! I love the way you are tying mindfulness into teaching!
-Kimberly
Awe thank you so much for your kind comment Kim! 🙂
I too would love to be able to send the kiddos home in a calm state because exactly I always feel like the end of the day is always the craziest. It may not end up working but giving it a try would definitely be worth it, because I feel that all parties involved (teacher, EA’s and of course students) would all benefit from it!