Slow Down with Tech:

A Morsel of Reflection & Mindfulness in the Classroom

Beth Rajan Sockman Ph.D.

Graduate Coordinator Instructional Technology
Beth Holleger
Early Childhood A.A., Early Childhood B.S.Candidate

East Stroudsburg University of PA

Spring into Technology | ESASD | 2016

Take- Aways
Describe the research supporting mindfulness that is based on medical
studies and the way the brain works
Engage in fun mindful reflection that can be used without technology
Identify key reflective practice for different age groups
Describe the rationale for the use of technology in mindfulness (when it can
be done without:-)
Practice with some free apps/websites that could be useful for various
ages
Have ideas for future growth from resources and to research
What do you hope get From this session?
Problem
&
WHY
 Activity
Did you hear
that?
Part I
I can jump to so
many ideas in 10
seconds! There are
so many great things
to look at!
Ill take a picture,
but I may forget it
faster than in the
past.

I just was answering a

quick text message.

REwiring our brains

 Im with
Whats going Wow -so family but so
Im going tell important!
to happen! stress me
everyone
out.

Im
winning!

Im with
Relationships - friends

can take #2 priority

but feel
alone.
Stress
Choice Today > Relief - Focus - Attention
BREATHE
Agenda 10:15 - 11:30 AM
Background -15 Min (Definition & Research Supporting)

Developmentally Appropriate Mindfulness

Early Childhood - 25 minutes (Learning & Practice)

Middle & High - 25 minutes (Learning & Practice)

Application in Your Settings - 10 minutes

Mindfulness & Reflection
what it means in
Practice & Brain Function
Review- mindfulness & reflection
What IS Mindfulness?
The practice of bringing ones
full awareness to their thoughts,
feelings, and experiences in the
present moment.

With Kindness and Curiosity

Non-judgemental: there is no
right or wrong way to feel.

Turning off auto-pilot!

Roots
of
Mindfulness
Grow into
Many

kinds of
Forests
Research Supporting
Brain > Mindfulness Something >

forms a trigger >

emotions
Brain > Path
Brain takes path Sense
familiar NOT what is
good for you.

Brain takes path

that is the most Emotion -
familiar Amygdala
Stress
What gets your
attention
Some control
of the switch
DNA - Stress >
Gene can be turned on and off
Brain >
Mindfulness
Change the Brain Sense

Path
New path -
Thinking!
Helpful thoughts Emotion -
& emotions Amygdala

Meditation can help ...

Brake the path
Give brain a break
Have helpful emotions
Release endorphins - Feel better
Neuroplasticity
KIds & Schools
Need to focus on a
Standards - Pennsylvania single task
State Standards
English Language Arts(1st Grade):
Standard - CC.1.4.1.O
20 percent of all
Include thoughts and feelings to students have what
describe experiences and events
English Language proficiency are classified as
(1st, 2nd, 3rd grades):
Standard - ELP.1.S.1-3.2.1
behavioral or
Share feelings and emotions, likes emotional problems
or dislikes using visual supports.
at school every year

Higher expectations!
WHY practice Mindfulness & Reflection?
Build attention and self regulation
Connects with Social-Emotional Development
Introverted and Extroverted students
Help students to cope with difficult situations (death of
a loved one, divorce, test anxiety, bullying, etc.) by
identifying their feelings and experiences
Contribute to building a classroom community
Reflective and intentional decision making
Developmentally
Appropriate Mindfulness
Just Breathe!
Early Childhood - Development
Social-Emotional Development crucial during these years

Increasing awareness of their own and others emotions

Developing self-control- Experimenting with and

Implementing strategies

Developing their own identities

Taking ownership and self-regulating

Early Childhood - Developmentally Appropriate Mindfulness(DAM)
Play based

Visualizations: Make abstract concepts concrete!

Breathing buddy

Dragon breaths

Blowing bubbles

Modeling
Early Childhood - Developmentally Appropriate Mindfulness(DAM)

Creative Arts - Music, Movement, Visual Arts

Stories

Listening Centers

Can be used with or without technology!

 Activity
Did you hear that?
Part II
Jaz interview
Theres an App for that!
 Why Use Technology - Phone?

No prerequisite
knowledge necessary
Select what is good
Mobile - Anywhere -
for you and
Anytime
different age groups

A COOL TOOl
Use a current
distraction --> For
Journey
Smiling Mind
Web & App (ED Free)
Middle & High School Development
Powerful Brains - many synapses with less connections

Learn much more efficiently than adults, with less effort

Many synapses so very excitable

Emotional center is strong - Amygdala

Prefrontal lobe is not fully developed - empathy, insight,

cognitive reasoning

Want to know WHY!!!

Middle & High Development Appropriate
Mindfulness(DAM)
Modeling

Share research

May perform better on tests

Improve concentration

Reduce anxiety, stress &

depression

Teach about the brain

Use technology!
 Mindfulness police:
"You have the right to
remain silent!
APPS Stop Breathe Think
- Web & App (FREE)
APPS
Stop Breathe Think - Web & App (FREE)

Smiling Mind - Web & App (ED Free)

Headspace - Web & App (10 Free $)

Muse - App & Device to track brain waves ($)

How To Start in Your Class
Sound activity - Start before class

Listening station

Review brain & brain growth with

students

Stop for 2-5 minutes before an activity

- focus the brain with an app

Before a test - help focus the brain

with breathing

During Transitions
What is important .... your ideas.... How can You
start?
Resources
Summary - WHY?
Higher expectations but less ability to focus!

Students need to focus on a single task

20 percent of all students have what are classified as

behavioral or emotional problems at school every year

May perform better on tests

Improve concentration

Reduce anxiety, stress & depression

BREATHE
Start with You ....
then help others...