Helping students through break

 

Prior to the pandemic K-12 depression was on the rise. Since the start of the pandemic 50% of surveyed students now report a worsened state of their mental health. 35% of the students reported problems with family relationships and feeling lonely and anxious.

Another study also found that 50% of students feel a loss of connection with their peers

In a review of 61 mindfulness studies it was reported that mindfulness improved students cognitive skills and social emotional functioning. 

As we end the final week before a two week break it is important to take some time to think about what extra resources we want to provide to our students. On my google classroom this week I posted reminders that mindfulness is not something to restrict to school days and should be practiced daily.

Breaks from school can be fun for some students, however, there are those that do not enjoy the time away from school. For some school is the safe place with the adults that care. 

Let's take some time to give our students the skills to help them continue their mindfulness practices on their own. 

During this time at home I have started a yoga practice with many students. I discovered a great set of yoga videos on YouTube. Alo Yoga has a lot of yoga videos and many of them focused on helping children.

Here is one of the yoga practices to try, Be Brave.

The yoga for kids on Alo helps with movement and focusing on things such as being brave, being creative, and being flexible of mind and body. 

Here is a great calendar to share with students. There are great mindful ideas such as; healthy eating, playing outside, and taking 10 deep breaths. Mindfulness at home is not difficult and is not meant to be a challenge. Mindfulness can be fun and easy to accomplish. Encourage your students to find a way to be mindful daily. 

Mindfulness is important for us all. Don't forget to take some time over break to continue your own mindfulness practices. There are many simple ways to be mindful; eating, listening to music, looking at Christmas lights, wrapping gifts, preparing a meal, exercising, gratitude list, kindness acts for others, and many, many more.