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Master's Thesis (Action Research Report)
Mindfulness and the Virtual School: Effects of Mindfulness Interventions in the Aftermath of Emotional Trauma and Isolation
Available from: St. Catherine University
Action research, Upper elementary
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Abstract/Notes: This action research studied the effects of mindfulness, meditation, and simple yoga exercises on children in the aftermath of emotional trauma and isolation due to COVID-19. The research further explored how these strategies interact with Montessori philosophy and whether a public Montessori school’s virtual upper elementary environment can accommodate such practices. The study took place over four weeks. Thirty-one upper elementary students in a public metropolitan Montessori school received daily guidance on mindfulness and mediation via Google Meet and instructional videos. The researcher used online pre- and post-surveys, checklists, and students’ journals to collect data. Over the course of the study students demonstrated increased comfort level when expressing emotions. Further study could examine the impact these interventions have if delivered in the non-virtual Montessori classroom.
Language: English
Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2020
Article
Trening mindfulness w edukacji wczesnoszkolnej / Mindfulness training in early childhood education
Available from: CZASOPISMA - Państwowa Wyższa Szkoła Techniczno-Ekonomiczna
Publication: Edukacja Elementarna w Teorii i Praktyce / Elementary Education in Theory and Practice, vol. 18, no. 2 (no. 69)
Date: 2023
Pages: 87-98
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Abstract/Notes: Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia główne cechy praktyki mindfulness i stara się wskazać analogię do niektórych aspektów dotyczących dydaktyki edukacji wczesnoszkolnej. Badania sugerują, że praktyka mindfulness ma pozytywny wpływ na populację dorosłych. Natomiast badania dotyczące wykorzystania mindfulness w pracy z dziećmi są obecnie rzadkie, chociaż są coraz częściej podejmowane przez pedagogów i psychologów ukierunkowanych na poziom szkoły podstawowej i nie tylko. W niniejszym artykule przedstawiamy metody, dzięki którym praktyka mindfulness może być stosowana w nauczaniu dzieci w wieku przedszkolnym i przedprzedszkolnym. W niektórych przypadkach istnieją dowody na to, że aktywności obecne w metodzie Montessori mogą być zapożyczone i rozwinięte zgodnie z zasadami treningu mindfulness. Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia, w jaki sposób typowe zajęcia, takie jak ćwiczenia sensoryczno-motoryczne, ćwiczenia selektywnej uwagi i ćwiczenia z życia praktycznego mogą być prowadzone pod kątem treningu mindfulness. Szkolenie nauczycieli to kolejny aspekt, który należy rozważyć przy stosowaniu praktyki mindfulness w klasie przedszkolnej. / This text presents the main characteristics of mindfulness practice and seeks to draw a parallel among some aspects of didactics for early childhood education. Research suggests that mindfulness practice has had a positive impact on the adult population. While surveys on the use of mindfulness with children are scarce at present, this type of research is increasing among educators and psychologists targeting primary school level and beyond. In this article, we present the methods by which mindfulness practice can be applied in the teaching of nursery and pre-primary school children. In some instances, there is evidence that activities present in the Montessori Method can be borrowed and developed in accordance with the principles of the Mindfulness training. This article outlines how typical activities, such as sensory-motor practice, selective attention exercises and the exercises of practical life can be applied in the mindfulness training. Teacher training is another aspect to consider when applying mindfulness practice in the nursery school classroom.
Language: Polish
DOI: 10.35765/eetp.2023.1869.07
ISSN: 2353-7787
Master's Thesis
A Walk in the Woods: Nature and the Practice of Mindfulness in Early Childhood Education
Available from: MINDS@UW River Falls
Environment, Mindfulness, Montessori method of education, Nature education
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Abstract/Notes: Alongside the growing body of research on nature in education, there is a predilection for the implementation of mindfulness-based strategies in the classroom. The research on mindfulness, however, is notably limited when it comes to mindfulness practices in early childhood education. Moreover, school implementation focuses on the addition of mindfulness-based curriculum, rather than the thoughtful construction of an environment that can best encourage and develop the practice of mindfulness. This action research took place at a public Montessori charter school in a midwestern town. The school's Children's House, consisting of 40 students, 4-6 years of age, hikes and explores the surrounding woods twice a week. In an effort to examine the relationship between time spent in nature, at school, and the possible impacts on children's wellbeing and the classroom environment, this study used both qualitative and quantitative tools. After charting classroom engagement ("focus"); gathering anecdotal evidence; interviewing children and staff; and conducting parent surveys, the collected data indicates that time spent in nature is both beneficial (especially to children who struggle in a conventional school setting) and desired by the school community. This study contends that providing access to nature, instead of a structured implementation of a mindfulness curriculum, might be an important component to consider when designing or espousing educational practices that cultivate mindfulness within early childhood classrooms.
Language: English
Published: River Falls, Wisconsin, 2019
Master's Thesis (Action Research Report)
The Effects of Mindfulness on Students’ Attention
Available from: St. Catherine University
Action research, Upper elementary
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Abstract/Notes: This action research project examined the effects of mindfulness and meditation on concentration among elementary students. The research was conducted at a private Montessori school in an upper elementary classroom for twenty-six children ages nine to twelve. Baseline data was collected for three consecutive days. The intervention was implemented for four weeks. The teacher led the students in mindful movements in the morning and daily meditation took place in the afternoon. The average percent of on-task behavior was collected for baseline data using observational records and journal notes. Observational records included what percent of the class was on-task for specific intervals. Journal notes contained what specific behaviors were observed as off-task. Data collection during the intervention included observational records, journal notes, group discussions and questionnaires. Data analysis showed that concentration did not increase during the intervention. However, students reported meditation and mindful breathing as useful in their daily lives. Further research could include the effects of student chosen mindful activities on concentration and student well-being. A similar study of a longer duration may also yield different results.
Language: English
Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2016
Master's Thesis (Action Research Report)
Mindfulness-Based Practice in an Elementary Classroom
Available from: St. Catherine University
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Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this research was to teach children how to control and deepen their focus through mindfulness practice. The study integrated a daily practice of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) movements, breathing, and focus training. The six-week study involved fourteen children between the ages of 5 and 9 years from a private school in the Bay Area of California. Data collection included a pre- and post-assessment for each child, daily observations, and parent observations. Results of the pre- and post-assessments revealed mixed opinions on the connection between deepened focus and mindfulness practice. Observation data showed an overall increase in the children’s ability to use deep concentration on a task. Parent observations indicated that learners did not consistently show comparable effects in their home environments. The data shows a positive correlation between the MBSR practice and focus in children from ages 5 to 9. Suggestions for further research include a larger sample-size across a wider range of diversity and an extended study period.
Language: English
Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2016
Master's Thesis (Action Research Report)
Mindfulness Intervention: Usefulness In Elementary Classrooms In Regards To Transitions And Collaboration
Available from: St. Catherine University
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Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this investigation was to see if mindfulness lessons based on breathing and meditation techniques would be effective with elementary age students in building community and collaborative work skills. This was done in a classroom of 25 students ranging from nine to twelve years old. I used a pre and post survey as well as observational data to determine the relevance of the meditations on community clean up time. The results showed that there was an increase in participation as well as a decrease in the time it took for the children to clean up. There was also a heightened awareness of community responsibility based on the post survey results. The observational data also showed that the children were communicating more effectively and even leading discussions on how to problem solve. Other interesting reflections came to light such as the teacher’s assumptions on what the students believed about the importance of their work in the community and their ideas about self. The action plan shows the importance of continued work in mindfulness meditation in the classroom to help support the children to focus, be aware of their environment, communicate more effectively and have a greater appreciation of themselves.
Language: English
Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2016
Master's Thesis (Action Research Report)
Mindfulness Activities in Teacher Spiritual Preparation
Available from: St. Catherine University
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Abstract/Notes: This action research project examined the effects of mindfulness activities on teacher spirituality. It was conducted during a two-month Early Childhood Montessori teacher training course with eight female teachers between the ages of 25 and 50. Data was collected with the use of attitude scales, self-reflection journals, field notes and conversations. Conclusions showed participants perceived an increase in spirituality and gained inner peace, patience, kindness, humility, self-respect. They also showed they gained the ability to let go of negative energy, achieving calmness and positivism. Further research could be conducted to see the effects of teacher spirituality on the classroom environment and learning outcomes of students.
Language: English
Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2016
Master's Thesis (Action Research Report)
The Effects of Mindfulness Practices and Activities on Student Attention and Work Engagement in a Multi-age 4th to 6th grade Montessori Classroom
Available from: St. Catherine University
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Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this research was to test whether the implementation of mindfulness exercises would increase focus and work engagement of students. This study incorporated breathing and visualization exercises three times a week. The 5-week study involved 44 children between the ages of 9 and 12 years in a private Montessori school in Northern Michigan. Data collection included daily tallies of on and off task behavior, daily observations of work engagement, pre and post questionnaires about mindfulness completed by each child, and oneon- one discussions with each participant. Results showed an increase in the number of students on task and more students engaged in work over time. The pre and post questionnaire showed an increase in the number of students who liked mindfulness exercises and thought they were helpful, but expressed mixed opinions related to statements regarding focus and distraction. Eighty-two percent of students responded that they found mindfulness exercises helpful. Thirtysix percent mentioned the words “focus” or “concentrate” in their descriptions of how the mindfulness exercises were helpful. Eighty percent responded that they would use the mindfulness techniques independently. The data showed a positive correlation between the implementation of mindfulness exercises and focus in children ages 9 to 12. Suggestions for further research include increasing conversations about ways students can practice mindfulness exercises independently and an extended research period.
Language: English
Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2016
Master's Thesis (Action Research Report)
Using Mindfulness to Self-Regulate in the Upper Elementary Classroom
Available from: St. Catherine University
Action research, Upper elementary
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Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this research was to determine the effects on students’ ability to self regulate while learning about daily mindfulness lessons. The study took place over the course of six weeks in an upper elementary class of 20 students, including four fourth graders, nine fifth graders, and seven sixth graders. The study was conducted in a rural public Montessori school in the Midwest. Students participated in a six-week mindfulness unit from The Mind Up Curriculum (The Hawn Foundation, 2011). The researcher collected data through a pre-and postassessment, students’ self reflections and graphs, researcher’s observation, and researcher’s daily journal. The data suggested students, when given mindfulness lessons, could become more selfregulated. From pre and post assessment, there was a 170% growth in the number of students who would like to use mindfulness techniques in their future. Although the numbers increased, further research could demonstrate effects of mindfulness lessons for on-task behavior and selfregulation over a longer period of time.
Language: English
Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2017
Master's Thesis (Action Research Report)
Breathing and Behavior: The Effects of Mindfulness Practices on Work Completion and Self- Regulation in the Upper Elementary Montessori Classroom
Available from: St. Catherine University
Action research, Three-hour work cycle, Upper elementary, Work periods
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Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a mindfulness curriculum and practices on student self-regulation and work completion. The study took place in a large suburban school in western Canada with 19 participants in a grade four, five and six Montessori classroom. The intervention took place over a period of six weeks, during which the researcher led mindfulness lessons using the MindUp curriculum. Additionally, students took part in mindfulness and yoga practices daily and weekly, respectively. Data was collected using student journals, an observational tally, student work cycle folders, and student pre and post surveys. The data shows an increase in mindful and self-regulated behavior as well as improved work completion rates. It is recommended that future studies focus on a broader subject base as well as a more longitudinal period of intervention and data collection.
Language: English
Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2020