Taking time every week to allow students to relax and calm their minds will result in improved focus, behavior, and schoolwork. It is especially difficult now that most schools remain virtual, and children are surrounded by distractions. This can be overwhelming for a teacher to handle, but it may become less of an issue when children are disciplined to learn how to focus. Teachers are not trained in leading meditation classes for students, and this article will explain step by step how to lead an effective meditation class.
Decide what is most important within your meditation class, and what is possible. This includes the amount of students, whether or not children can lay down, and if the school can provide yoga mats. There are difficulties to consider before planning the class, and solutions to find for students to relax in their environment.
Include both meditation and yoga if possible, but always begin with meditation. Instruct children to be sure they are comfortable, and to lay down if they would like to. Then, continue with a timed breathing exercise. They may practice belly breathing, simply closing their eyes to relax, or visualizing someone or something that makes them happy. Additional meditation strategies include reflection and love meditation. Reflection meditation is when the teacher poses a specific question and asks the children to silently think about this question. Students should be aware of their thoughts and feelings when reflecting on the question. Love meditation is when students will focus on the image of different people, even those they do not particularly love or know well. They can direct good energy and thoughts to oneself and then to those individuals.
After a meditation session, teachers can then lead a stretching exercise. They may follow basic stretches to loosen up the students before yoga and more challenging exercises. It does not have to be complicated, but students should be able to mirror the teacher.
Follow the basic stretches, students will be prepared for yoga. Teachers will lead simple yoga stretches and can even follow videos made specifically for children. Instruct students to focus on their breathing and to not be afraid to allow their mind to wander.
Close the meditation class with kind words and gentle music. This allows for children to calmly re-enter their class and continue learning. Over time, leading meditation classes for students will improve the overall focus of the classroom and teach students how to self regulate when stressed.
To discover more information about student meditation classes, explore Cre8 Space Meditation: https://www.cre8spacemeditation.com/educational-programs. They lead student meditation programs, which can be held virtually.