So I tried something NEW today! Very exciting, I know!
After lunch my students are toast. They are exhausted and unmotivated. I thought to myself, what can I do to re energize them? Taking them for a walk didn't work and listening to different genres of music was a total bust. Although most would say that since my students are "at risk" that is just their "normal" behavior to want to get out of doing their work, but that is not the case for these students. They constantly complained about being tired and that they were having trouble focusing on their independent assignments. I had to come up with a plan of attack and then it morphed into this extraordinary movement.
I had talked to them multiple times about how I meditate in my
personal practice and how it helps me calm my mind and my thoughts,
because I am EXTREMELY energetic and go 90 miles an hour. They started
begging me to allow them to meditate. I was hesitant at first, thinking
it was a ploy to trick me into letting them sleep, but I thought, "what
do I have to lose?" NOTHING...If is works, GREAT, if not, then come up
with a plan B.
And then I happen to mention.....
SPAIN....this is how the idea was presented from one of my students....
I was explaining how I believe in a nontraditional approach to my educational practices and I want to do whatever I can to insure that ALL of my students are successful. With that being said, I started talking about how in Spain they take a siesta in the middle of the day to increase productivity and how I think it is a brilliant idea. One of my students said to me, "Ms. Leigh, if you believe in being different and in us being successful, why can't we just try it after lunch and see if it works?" I laughed really hard because I have taught them to constantly ask questions and question the "why" of EVERYTHING. After that conversation I decided that we could at least try it out, what's the worst that could happen....it wouldn't work, big deal!
Yesterday we did it! We participated in 15 minutes of mediation/quiet time/turn your brain off or whatever else you want to call it. The students and even my building principal ALL participated in the study. Not going to lie, it was one of the most rewarding things I have done in education career. My students took it so serious and when they awoke from their silent time, they were rejuvenated and ready to work. I had them circle where they started after the meditation and then circle where they finished at the end of class. It was CRAZY!!!!! 100% of them did at LEAST double the work that they did the day before. Let's be honest, that is not quality data, but it is a start. I am going to start collecting data daily after mediation and see if the results continue to improve.
I don't know if it truly is making a difference, but I do know that they will not STOP talking about it. Even students that are not in my class keep dropping by and asking if they can meditate. I know it has only been one day, but I am going to continue practicing with them to see if they do indeed improve.
If something makes our students more successful, why don't we do it. It my be unconventional, but it could also turn out to be brilliant!
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