Students Elijah and Romir share their insights into mindfulness practices taught through their school program organized by the nonprofit Space Between.
Teaching mindfulness in schools offers numerous advantages. For instance, it aids both students and teachers in coping with stress, trauma, and feelings of being overwhelmed. One of the most delightful outcomes is seeing children take the lead in meditation teaching.
The nonprofit Space Between, based in Seattle, has been implementing trauma-informed mindfulness techniques in school environments since 2016, enhancing the mental health and wellness of teachers and students alike.
Discover the Zig-Zag Breath With Romir
Romir, a first grader in the Space Between program, describes the Zig-Zag Breath with two easy steps:
- Move your head in a zig-zag pattern.
- Exhale gently.
According to Romir, this technique can not only make you feel warmer but also help soothe you if you’re feeling hurt.
Thank you, Romir! We’ll definitely keep this quick and simple technique on hand for when we need warmth or a mood boost.
Try Square Breathing With Elijah
- Point your finger and close your eyes if you feel comfortable. Get ready to visualize drawing a square with your fingertip.
- Breathe in through your nose and trace the first side of the square with your finger in the air.
- Breathe out through your mouth while drawing the second side.
- Breathe in again through your nose and create the third side of the square.
- Breathe out through your mouth to finish the square.
- Repeat this process three times.
We understand that focused, deep breathing helps to calm the nervous system and enhance concentration. This easy-to-follow method is a fantastic way to harness the power of breath whenever you need it. Thanks for teaching us, Elijah!
Mindfulness Techniques for Kids
If you want to introduce mindfulness meditation to school-aged children in your life, there are several ways to do so. Over time, we have compiled a collection of excellent guided practices for young kids and teens developed by esteemed meditation instructors. Here are a few of our most popular resources to help you get started: