Teachers are being asked to fit more and more into the school day, but studies are showing that a single-minded focus on academics isn’t necessarily the best way to improve student learning and well-being. According to Time, schools that have experimented with mindfulness or meditation programs are seeing positive results.
Some of the studies Time cites found the following.
- Third-graders who took part in an eight-week mindfulness program experienced fewer ADHD symptoms and less hyperactivity.
- After nine mindfulness lessons, 12- to 16-year-olds experienced lower depression scores, less stress, and better well-being compared with students who did not take part in the program.
- Forty-one percent of middle school students who meditated gained at least one math level on a state standardized test.
Has your school implemented a mindfulness or meditation program? If so, please share your experience in the comments.
