Mindfulness Practices ― Cultivating Heart Centered Communities Where Students Focus and Flourish (Creating a Positive Learning Environment Through Mindfulness in Schools)

With foreword by Paul Liabenow

Build compassionate classroom environments and mindful schools that prioritize high levels of achievement and high levels of well-being. Based on the latest neuroscience research, Mindfulness Practices details how mindfulness in schools can lead to new, improved ways of educating, learning, and living. The book's mindfulness exercises are easily adaptable across grade levels -- from prekindergarten through high school -- as well as across urban, suburban, and rural school settings.

Mindfulness exercises and trauma-informed practices for a positive learning environment:

• Explore the theory behind mindful education, including the interrelated nature of physiology, cognition, emotions, and mindfulness.
• Learn how mindfulness contributes to a positive mindset, alleviates the impact of toxic stress, and takes advantage of neuroplasticity.
• Understand the effects of trauma and ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) on student behavior and the ability to learn, and discover methods of healing.
• Acquire research-based mindfulness practices, including breathing exercises, yoga for the classroom, meditation for students, and cognitive reflection and awareness.
• Reignite the passion that first drew you to education and prioritize self-care for yourself and your students.
• Discover how to build a heart-centered learning community in classrooms and schools.

Contents:
Introduction: Imagine Flourishing With Focus

Part I: Recognizing the Urgency
Chapter 1: Why Mindfulness; Why Now
Chapter 2: Mind and Body-Brain Connection
Chapter 3: Executive Function

Part II: Getting Practical
Chapter 4: Breath
Chapter 5: Yoga
Chapter 6: Meditation
Chapter 7: Sensation, Presence, and Emotion

Part III: Changing School Communities
Chapter 8: Mindful Instruction for Teachers
Chapter 9: Mindful Leadership for Administrators

Epilogue: Sharing Vision and Leadership
References and Resources
Index