A weekly half hour chat focused on improving access to education for PK-12 students through the use of Accessible Educational Materials (AEM), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Assistive Technology (AT).
Hi Everyone! Rachel here from the PATINS Project! My areas are AT, AEM and ED! Mindfulness has so many incredible benefits in a classroom setting! Cant Wait to chat! #PatinsIcam
A2: My son, a resource teacher, is in his 5th year, and has been part of a reflection group since he started teaching. I see it really shaping his skills and his attitudes about growth for himself and his students. #PatinsIcam
A1: I think mindfulness implies being present...in the moment, making it count. Reflection is thoughtfully evaluating what has transpired and preparing for the next encounter. #PatinsIcam
A2: In so many ways. Many of our Ss are not given a moment to gather and move forward from what might be a stressful home/bus/hallway etc. situation. Teaching Ss the practice of being mindful gives them time and tools! #PatinsIcam
A2: These techniques/skills can allow Ss & Ts to visualize themselves moving throughout their day & to reflect on what went well and how things could improve for tomorrow academically, socially, emotionally #PatinsIcam
A2: I saw a teacher start her class time with a time of mindfulness. It helped her students to clear their minds of their home time and focus on the safe environment they were in. #PatinsIcam
A2: It’s an opportunity for students to both step back and observe, and to fully engage. This should provide Ss a certain level of control over their own classroom experience.#patinsicam
What a cool group to be a part of! I wold have appreciated being a part of something like this, especially when getting started in the classroom #PatinsIcam
Yes! There are schools in Chicago (and I am sure Indy) that start the day with schoolwide meditation and focusing activities. Behaviors went DOWN and self reliance went UP! #PatinsIcam
A3: feeling control, safety, readiness to engage, getting brains ready to learn and take risks, and smarter risks in the future. It's worth the time! #PatinsIcam
A2: I participated in a study "reflections of a first-year teacher" when I began my teaching career. Forever changed my life and caused me 2 be more mindful and reflective in the classroom! Such a valuable thinking process! #PatinsIcam
A3: I think that innately Ss want to have peace but have no idea how to achieve it. Teaching them how to look at the hurdles and how to jump them each day will increase buy in as it works. #PatinsIcam
A3: If you're trying any type of silence: Students (or anyone) can really panic when faced with silence if they're not used to it, so start with small amounts of time. #PatinsIcam
A4: Transition times are good times to introduce some mindfulness, these are times where some kids struggle with chaos, and it gives them a tool to cope #PatinsIcam
A3: I observed an awesome teacher who simply started dimming the lights, playing etherial music and piped in some calming essential oils. Ss were breathing and focusing without even realizing it at first. A peaceful environment is KEY! #PatinsIcam
My podcast today: boss encouraging employees to join his silent retreat and one of his employees broke down in tears 12 hours in. It's intense! It's definitely a skill to work at #PatinsIcam
A3: If you're trying any type of silence: Students (or anyone) can really panic when faced with silence if they're not used to it, so start with small amounts of time. #PatinsIcam
A4: I have seen where some buildings are starting their whole school day with mindfulness activities. They are seeing a much smoother start to their day.
#PatinsIcam
A4: The key is to be authentic in whatever you are implementing. It must be a seamless and invested practice - one that you believe in and Ss see as meaningful #PatinsIcam
A5: journaling (with all the graphic organizers, language supports, and multiple means of expression we'd give for any other type of activity) can be very powerful. #PatinsIcam
A4: The key is to be authentic in whatever you are implementing. It must be a seamless and invested practice - one that you believe in and Ss see as meaningful #PatinsIcam
A5: By DOING it with them. A wise teacher told me that they ALL need to be mindful at the start of every day...and if a moment is missed, everyone feels it and it is missed. That speaks volumes! #PatinsIcam
A5: By DOING it with them. A wise teacher told me that they ALL need to be mindful at the start of every day...and if a moment is missed, everyone feels it and it is missed. That speaks volumes! #PatinsIcam
A5: Though these skills often require quietness, I think it could be helpful to talk through your thinking when it comes to moving through these skills for yourself- "closing me eyes, concentrating on breathing- breathe in & breathe out..." #PatinsIcam
A6: To be mindful of others, reflect on your actions and decisions in light of their impact on others...well, that's the acid test, isn't it? #PatinsIcam
A5: I also think that it is important to talk to the Ss about WHY mindfulness is such a good tool...empower them to understand themselves better and regulate (Even reflect) #PatinsIcam