Blog, I do not know where the time went but we are already at the end of my free inquiry project!

For my summary post, I created a slideshow presentation on Canva that highlights what mindfulness is, various techniques I researched, benefits of mindfulness, ways to integrate it into the classroom, and resources for classroom mindfulness strategies.

Conclusion:

Over the past six weeks, I have really enjoyed this deep dive into mindfulness techniques. This was my first time pursuing a personal interest project as a part of my schooling, and it was such a rewarding experience. I absolutely hope to offer my future students similar opportunities to engage in inquiry-based projects, allowing them to pursue their own interests and ignite their passion for learning!

 As I stated in my first post, mindfulness is certainly not something I have ever felt I excelled at, but after practicing these strategies, I think I am finally getting the hang of it. I have maintained my gratitude practice throughout the duration of the project, but rather than a list it has evolved into longer passages, exploring the “why” of what I choose to be grateful for. This helps me really be appreciative and starts my day on the right foot, allowing me to meaningfully focus on the good in my life. My breathing practices have by far become my most utilized mindfulness practice. I actively turn to this strategy several times a day to regulate myself in times of heightened emotions, with the Box Breathing method becoming my my used. At first, mindful movement felt challenging. It was difficult to anchor my attention throughout the practice and even more difficult to prioritize exercise over homework. I am finding that mindful movement takes time to practice and doesn’t come easy for my busy mind. That being said, I really enjoy practicing this strategy as the post movement endorphins have really boosted my mood. The toughest mindful practice for me has been affirmations. Although I do not want to admit it, I often find myself reverting to negative self-talk. Until positive self-talk becomes my new go to, I will be continuing to push through the uncomfortableness of this practice!

After completing this project a key takeaway I’ve gathered is that although practicing mindfulness sounds simple in concept – it really does not feel that way, at least on a personal level. Practicing mindfulness is really challenging when it consists of unwinding and unlearning old, not so mindful, habits. This is why I am so grateful to have found the tools and strategies I can pass down to my future students at an early age. As Psychology Today points out, habits learned during adolescence have a major impact on long-term behavior. In my future classroom, I will ensure that I am modelling mindful behavior for my students, setting the tone for a mindful classroom environment. Additionally, I will teach various mindful techniques along with implementing a routine around these strategies so my students can practice these skills and start forming positive mindful habits that they can carry with them throughout their lives

All in all, this project left me with a toolbox of strategies I will be continuing to work on and will pass down to my own students one day! Thank you for following along with me on my mindful journey and I hope I was able to provide you with some strategies for yourself or your students along your teaching journey!

Bye for now ♡