Mindfulness for Students
An 8-week, 16-week, or year-long course based on Mindful Schools curriculum will establish a regular mindfulness practice for students. A consistent practice can help students build emotional regulation, focus, and empathy. It has also been linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, reduced rates of absenteeism and suspensions, and increased cognitive performance. See results page for more information.
Each short lesson — 15-30 minutes — offers a nugget of wisdom for students to digest and a short mindfulness technique or compassion exercise to practice. Three sessions with the classroom teacher will support building a culture of mindfulness in the classroom.
The wise minds. big hearts. curriculum includes lessons on mindful bodies, listening, breathing, eating, movement, thoughts, and emotions. It also includes lessons on neuroscience, gratitude, and specific skills for managing overwhelm, stress, and test anxiety.
Customized programs are also available.
To learn about mindfulness in schools, please visit the Mindfulness in Education Resource Page.
Students from Deering High School brought their learning about mindfulness to Longfellow Elementary School to teach them about the practice!
Past examples include:
intensive semester-long elective course
6 and 10 week programs, meeting 1-2x/week for 15-30 minutes
one hour workshop for 9th graders focusing on mindfulness and stress
one hour classroom-based workshop for 8th graders focusing on the neuroscience of mindfulness
whole school introduction to mindfulness
Mindful Technology Use Workshop
Just as we teach our students to develop a healthy food diet, we can teach them how to cultivate a healthy tech diet by using awareness and compassion practices. Through this interactive 1-2 hour workshop, students will have the opportunity to share their experience of digital technology, explore their personal habits around technology use, and learn what the research suggests about how digital technology affects us. They will also be asked to explore some of the emotional and physical implications of their own tech use. Then, they will be invited to consider what they might like to create as personal and social norms around their technology, using expert recommendations and their own experience as guidance.
To learn more about a mindful approach to technology use, please explore the Mindful Technology Use Resource Page.
Yoga for Students
Yoga can be an excellent gateway into a mindful way of being and prepare students for learning. Sessions of thirty minutes to one hour give students an opportunity to bring their minds to focus on the present moment and connect to their breathing as they progress through a series of postures. Options range from mini courses of three weeks in length to semester long elective classes.
Students at Frank Harrison Middle School practice during an after school mini course.
Past examples include:
3-week mini course for preschool age students
4-week after school program for middle school students
semester-long elective PE course for high school students
Please contact for more information about how we can customize a program that fits the specific needs of your school!