Professional Inquiry Project: Professional Semester III
HOW CAN MINDFULNESS STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES BE USED TO PROMOTE A MORE TRAUMA SENSITIVE, EMOTIONALLY REGULATED CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT?
Mindfulness has the potential to help students regulate both their behaviour and emotions by calming their mind and focusing their attention on one thing at a time
rATIONALE
Due to the unique circumstances, the school day looks quite different to what it did the previous year. COVID protocols have required students to cohort in small groups, physical distance and wear masks while interacting close to other students. It is important to recognize that due to this shift in what we are now considering "normal," student's capacity to regulate (social, emotional and behavioural) may be more difficult than ever.
Building on the professional learning of Park Meadows for the 2020-2021 school year, I decided to focus my professional inquiry project on how mindfulness strategies and activities can be used to promote a more trauma informed, emotionally regulated classroom environment. Now, more than ever, it is critical for students to see their classroom as a safe space in order for them to engage in meaningful learning of curricular content.
Building on the professional learning of Park Meadows for the 2020-2021 school year, I decided to focus my professional inquiry project on how mindfulness strategies and activities can be used to promote a more trauma informed, emotionally regulated classroom environment. Now, more than ever, it is critical for students to see their classroom as a safe space in order for them to engage in meaningful learning of curricular content.
In Alberta, approximately 1/3 of students reported 1-2 Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and 1/5 reported 3 or more ACEs.
What is trauma informed practice?
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One quarter of all students have experienced trauma that is affecting their ability to learn and interact with others |
The Benefits of mindfulness
Attention & Learning Skills
Social & Emotional Skills
Resilience
- Attention & focus
- Cognitive development
Social & Emotional Skills
- Behaviour in school
- Empathy & perspective taking
- Social Skills
Resilience
- Emotional regulation
- Reduced anxiety & stress
- Provides coping strategies for post-traumatic symptoms & depression