Primary through Middle School students participate in a weekly “Tune In” program which focuses on mindfulness. The program, led by mindfulness educator Erin Galbraith, is in its fifth year at the school and the evidence of its positive impact on the students continues to grow. The sessions help them to assess their stress levels and learn practical breathing and movement exercises to maintain optimal mental and physical health.
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The purpose of the class is to help children to become aware of:
- their bodies- through mindful movement and actively practicing stillness
- how they listen and how they see
- their emotional state and how to self-regulate
- their breath and learn different ways to use breath to change the way they feel
- each other by cultivating kindness, generosity and gratitude
Studies find that learning mindfulness techniques, and making it a daily practice, benefits students in terms of improved:
- attention
- empathy and understanding of others
- emotion regulation
- social skills
- behavior in school
- response to anxiety and stress
