To me, respecting and valuing all individuals centers around acknowledging and respecting all students' individual learning styles and personalities and creating a classroom community that is safe, comfortable, and natural. This includes flexible (student choice) seating, natural lighting, specified centers (reading, math, writing), and helpful posters. Research has shown that students do their best work and focus the best when they are comfortable. I believe that this kind of physical environment can help encourage a learning environment that makes education fun and allows students a safe space to share their thoughts and feelings.
I feel that another important part of respecting individuals in the classroom is emphasizing the importance of mindfulness. This can range from mindfulness meditation to encouraging the growth mindset. Research has proven that mindfulness increases information retention and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improve attention (see Mindful Learning by Dr. Craig Hassed and Dr. Richard Chambers). Additionally, I have noticed that practicing mindfulness in the classroom makes students feel cared for, like their thoughts and feelings are being validated and like they are being given tools to help them be better people.
I feel that another important part of respecting individuals in the classroom is emphasizing the importance of mindfulness. This can range from mindfulness meditation to encouraging the growth mindset. Research has proven that mindfulness increases information retention and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improve attention (see Mindful Learning by Dr. Craig Hassed and Dr. Richard Chambers). Additionally, I have noticed that practicing mindfulness in the classroom makes students feel cared for, like their thoughts and feelings are being validated and like they are being given tools to help them be better people.
I would love to implement a cozy reading corner like this utilized in flexible seating and small group instruction. I like the idea of flexible seating like this because it allows students to take control of their own education and make choices that help them learn better for their individual learning styles.
I have been using mindfulness meditation almost daily in my student teaching experiences, whether using calm.com (guided meditation described above) or just moments of silence and reflection. In addition to asking students to follow along with the mindfulness, I also like to include some sort of daily or weekly reflection on which students can reflect on their own behavior for the day or the week. I have experienced that doing mindfulness and reflections regularly teaches students to be mindful of themselves and take control of their own education. I also believe that the mindfulness practices help to create a calm environment in the classroom, and help students make transitions more easily throughout the day.
Calm Classroom Initiative | |
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