—Yvette Jackson
In the production of this book, several interns and colleagues reviewed drafts at various stages of development. Thanks to Meghan Wenzel and Effie Cummings for their assistance with editing, and the following interns who assisted with background research: Mahnaz Ahrary, Sheri Brick, Rachel Kelly, Morgan Grant, Tess Renerie, Joanna Marzano, Andrew Davis, Madison Rogas, Dana Asby, and Marah Barrow. Thanks too to Linda Clearly, Cheryl Karoly, Melissa Patschke, Jillayne Flanders, and Nancy Phenis-Bourke for their early reviews. Additionally, Paul Liabenow was instrumental in making recommendations to ensure that our practical examples were embedded throughout; Paul also provided support for our research and helped us maintain a network of principals who learned with us, as we put the pieces of this puzzle together. Midway through our writing process, we also met Maud Schaafsma, a brilliant strategist, who helped us connect some of the dots between trauma, mindfulness, and community building.
While writing this book, we engaged in related research. Our thanks particularly to Melissa Patschke, Jillayne Flanders, Sue Mullane, Kate Retzel, Chris Dodge, Brian Aikens, Matt Bergey, and the teachers at Royersford Elementary School, Lee Elementary School, and Orange Elementary School for the hours spent in meetings and classrooms piloting many of the recommendations that are included in our approach to mindfulness.
We are also grateful to our editors at Solution Tree, particularly to Amy Rubenstein, for her editorial eye and how she helped us weave our insights into a powerful plan for schools, and to Tonya Cupp, who led us through the final editorial production process.
Solution Tree Press would like to thank the following reviewers:
Cathy Alland
Mathematics / Options Teacher
Twin Groves Middle School
Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Lisa Borowski
Mathematics Coach and Interventionist
North Greenville Elementary School
Hortonville Area School District
Greenville, Wisconsin
Terese Brennan-Marquez
Director of Counseling and Student Wellness
Castilleja School
Palo Alto, California
Vicky Galloway
Counselor
West Middle School
Sioux City, Iowa
A. Blaine Hawley
Principal
Red Pump Elementary School
Bel Air, Maryland
Diane Langworthy
Guidance Counselor
Woodland School
Warren, New Jersey
Sarah Trevino
Professional School Counselor
Mason Crest Elementary School
Annandale, Virginia
Kylie Warner
Second-Grade Teacher
Truman Elementary School
Kansas City, Missouri
Visit go.SolutionTree.com/behavior to download the free reproducibles in this book.
Table of Contents
by Paul Liabenow
Education of the Heart Through Mindfulness
Mindfulness Practices: About the Book
With Mindfulness, Imagine Compassionate Communities
2 The Journey—Healing Along the Way
Through Mindfulness and Compassion Comes Healing
This Is a Conscious Shift to Reach All Students
Mindful Reflection
3 Our Brain and the Mind-Body Connection
Function Junctions of Our Brain
Emotional Toll of Stress Responses
Brain Health and Classroom Implications
Mindful Reflection
Part II: Mindfulness Practices—Getting Practical
Breath—A Natural Means to Handle Stress
Practical Exercises
Practical Applications
Mindful Reflection
5 Move and Stretch—Yoga and Meditation Basics
Body Awareness From Sports and Yoga
Yoga in the Classroom
Practical Exercises: Yoga
Meditation—Calming and Quieting Moments of the Mind
Meditation in the Classroom
Practical Exercises: Meditation
Practical Applications
The Impact of Meditation Over Time
Mindful Reflection
6 Mindful Sensation, Presence, and Emotion
Mindfulness: What It Is and What It Does
Considerations as You Begin Mindful Sensation, Presence, and Emotion Exercises in the Classroom
Practical Exercises: Sensation
The Complexity of Emotions for Students Ages Eleven and Older