Mindfulness is the act of being present and aware of the “now”. Here is a helpful 1 minute video to explain the concept further. You might call it a life skill as responsibilities and sudden changes test our ability to stay on course. Students are often coming to school with an inability to stay on course for reasons beyond distraction.
You might consider several new education technology solutions like fidget spinners, integrating chromebooks into classrooms or even flipped classrooms. While these solutions may address the issue of concentration, they may not address the issue of mindfulness.
Teaching mindfulness can help young people learn how to be aware of moments when they are “off”, which helps them prioritize their mental health and take it easier on themselves.
So, how can you do that?
A glitter jar. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a jar of glitter. It has other things in it too, like water, glue and soap. It functions as a way to calm down and focus. When a student shakes the jar, the glitter is all over the place, mimicking how their minds may look or how their emotions may feel.
Watching the glitter settle can settle a student’s breathing and ground their energy. Glitter jars are cheap, mobile (it can be taken from class to class) and an easy way to practice being mindful. It can even be designated to a certain spot in the classroom for people to use, including teachers!
Learn how to make a glitter jar in no time! Comment below and let me know how it worked out for you class or group of students.
NOTE: If the worry is that the glass might fall, make it a tool to take out when needed vs. keeping it on the desk. You can also use a plastic bottle instead of a mason jar.