Written by Allegra Johnson, Mindful Education in Schools Assistant Director + CYT 200 + CYT 95
“When students consistently practice mindfulness during calm moments, they are better equipped to apply these skills during emotional challenges.” ~ Allegra Johnson
This is the final installment in a three-part series on the benefits of mindfulness in the classroom. If you missed the first two posts, you can find them here:
In Spring 2024, Challenge to Change and Yoga Alliance gathered feedback from students, teachers, and parents on our live Mindful Education in Schools Program.
The resulting Yoga Impact Report revealed that:
91% of teachers observed an improvement in their students' ability to handle difficult emotions.
78% of students reported using yoga and mindfulness techniques when feeling upset.
These findings highlight the core of mindfulness as a preventative tool for emotional regulation. When students consistently practice mindfulness during calm moments, they are better equipped to apply these skills during emotional challenges.
How Mindfulness in the Classroom Impacts the Brain
When students engage in mindfulness, they become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This awareness allows them to approach tasks with greater intention and self-control.
Emotional regulation is especially crucial in education, as an overstimulated amygdala can block information from reaching the prefrontal cortex — the brain's center for learning and decision-making. Mindfulness helps calm this system, allowing students to focus, process new information, and engage more fully in learning.
In fact, research shows that regular mindfulness sessions can stimulate the production of myelin, increasing connectivity within the brain. An article from 6 Seconds stated that mindfulness supports academic and emotional well-being.
The Role of Emotional Awareness
When students are able to practice mindfulness, they show up for the task in front of them with more awareness of their thoughts and feelings, and how these things affect their behavior.
Rather than eliminating or controlling emotions, mindfulness teaches students to observe their feelings without judgment. This self-awareness provides valuable insight into how they can respond to challenges. As Jon Kabat-Zinn’s definition of mindfulness suggests, it’s about "being present, on purpose, without judgment."
When students experience emotions with this non-judgmental mindset, they learn to see their feelings as useful data that informs their next steps. This approach not only supports emotional well-being but also creates a pathway for deeper learning.
Mindful Changemaker Program
At Challenge to Change, we’re passionate about bringing mindfulness to students and teachers alike. Everyone benefits from moments of stillness, calm, and intentional choice-making. We are particularly invested in helping educators grow in their emotional intelligence and use the skills of mindfulness to transform the way they show up to their school communities. Our Mindful Changemaker Program cultivates a space for growth, so you can live and educate with more purpose. If you or your school is interested in this work, please reach out. We would love to partner with you!
Yoga and Mindfulness Resource Center
I hope you enjoyed this blog series on mindfulness in the classroom! If you're interested in getting access to all of our best yoga and mindfulness resources in one easy-to-access place, I highly encourage you to check out our Yoga + Mindfulness Resource Center. There are plenty of free resources for you to try with a new free resource added each month.
Full Kids Yoga + Mindfulness Lesson Plans
Digital versions of Challenge to Challenge's card decks (including the Kids Yoga Pose Deck!)
Breathing practice instructional videos and card decks for calming, focus and energy
Movement videos and yoga sequences
Guided mindfulness audio tracks
Mindful games + social-emotional learning worksheet Printables
Teacher self-care practices and in-services
It’s the one-stop shop for classrooms, yoga studios, daycares, and homeschoolers.
With peace,
Allegra
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