The Analysis of Mindful Meditation in the Elementary Classroom

Overview

Objectives/Goals Our initial study examined the effectiveness of therapeutic breathing on brainwave testing. We decided to apply the technique of diaphragmatic breathing in combination with mindful meditation, to a classroom setting. Our question was, does mindful meditation improve a student's attention and ability to focus? The goal of this study was to instruct students and teachers on a practical way to reduce stress and improve focus. Methods/Materials Word searches for 5th and 3rd graders, online mediation educational video "Just Breathe# and "Stunning Aquarium and Soothing Music," Teacher Behavioral Log. A 5th grade and 3rd grade class was selected for this study. Each class was given an initial word search, then instructed on breathing and meditation. They were given a post test after the initial mediation session. The classes participated in meditation 2 times a week for 3 weeks, 10 minute sessions. Behavior Log 1 hour before and after mediation. After the final meditation session, students were given a post test Results Both classes had improved focus testing after 3 weeks. In the 5th grade class, 66% of the students had improved test scores after the first mediation session and 79% of the students improved after 3 weeks. In the 3rd grade class, 42% of the students improved after initial meditation session and 62% had improved scores after 3 weeks. After the last meditation session, 58% of the 5th graders and 50% of the 3rd graders reported feeling relaxed after 10 minutes of meditation. By the last session, both teachers documented zero disturbances 1 hour after meditation. Conclusions/Discussion The findings of this study were significant because more than 50% of the students in both classes were able to benefit from 10 minutes of meditation. The documented feedback from the teachers was that there was a noticeable decrease of disturbances after meditation. The 5th grade teacher also identified 5 students with learning disabilities, and 3 out of 5 of the students had improved focus test scores. We presented our study to the administrators in our school and we plan to train teachers as well as set up a mentorship program, with specific focus on kids with ADHD.

Awards (1)

• Honorable Mention

Competition history

• CSEF 2017 Behavioral & Social Sciences · Entry J0415

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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