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Mindfulness in Schools Project
We are delighted to announce a new course for KGS pupils: .b This exciting course was developed and is supported by the Mindfulness in Schools Project. |
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What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is:
- Paying attention to things as they happen
- A life-skill
- For some, a whole way of being
What is .b?
‘.b’ stands for ‘stop’ and ‘be’: simply, step back from the busy-ness of habitual activity and the relentless chatter of the mind. This simple act of mindfulness provides the kernel of the ten-session .b course.
What are the aims of .b?
.b aims to give pupils a taste of mindfulness that they can return to later in school or in life. In particular, .b aims to help young people:
- To experience greater well-being
- To improve their concentration and focus
- To cope with the everyday stresses of adolescent life such as exams, relationships and sleep problems
What .b is NOT
- Fluffy, hippy and dippy
There is a solid evidence base for teaching mindfulness in an educational context.
For more information, please refer to ‘Evidence for the Impact of Mindfulness on Children and Young People’ by Katherine Weare, Emeritus Professor, University of Southampton. - Religious or Spiritual
Mindfulness was developed from a Buddhist base but it is totally secular and can be engaged in by anyone of any faith, or none. - Relaxation
Calmness, a release from tension in the mind and body, can be a welcome side effect of many types of meditation, including mindfulness, but this is not the prime goal of mindfulness, which is to be with whatever is happening, including (if necessary) tension and anxiety.
THE .b CURRICULUM
The .b curriculum consists of an introductory class followed by a set of nine lessons, each teaching a distinct mindfulness skill.
What happens in a .b lesson?
The lessons include a presentation by the teacher with the help of animations, film and sound images, followed by practical mindful exercises, demonstrations and discussion.
Each lesson ends with an invitation to do some practices at home during the week. These guided practices can be found at dotbe.org and pupils on the .b course have been given their passcodes. If any pupil misplaces their passcode, please see Ms. MacDonald (.b teacher, room GO47).
For further information, please refer to:
- Mindfulness in Education
- What is Mindfulness? and What is .b?
- Why Introduce Mindfulness?
- How will Mindfulness Benefit our School?