Patricia A. Jennings

This volume from the editor of the SEL Solutions Series provides a concise introduction to mindfulness for teachers and others who work in preschool and elementary-school settings. Each chapter includes simple, research- tested, practical activities that can be integrated into the school day to help kids calm down and pay attention.

Stress and burnout are eroding teachers’ motivation, performance, quality of classroom interactions and relationships with students, as well as their commitment to the profession. Principals are leaving in droves and teacher shortages are becoming the new normal. Teachers are underappreciated and schools underresourced. But, as the author of Mindfulness for Teachers and The Trauma-Sensitive Classroom points out, educators themselves have the power to alter this downward spiral. Educational psychologist Tish Jennings presents a matrix of stress-causing factors that lead to burnout and shows how teachers can tackle the sources of stress at each pressure point. From the development of social and emotional competencies—so important to teachers and students alike—to the achievement of systemic change through collective efficacy, she offers hope and practical remedies for overcoming a toxic trend in education.

Understanding the effects of trauma on students, and how teachers can make a real and lasting difference, has never been more crucial. Here, mindfulness expert Patricia A. Jennings explains how resilience can be developed from within the classroom. This Guide offers three keys to compassionate and trauma-sensitive teaching: Helping students build supportive relationships with teachers and peersSupporting student empowerment, voice and choice by creating a safe and equity-centred learning environmentBuilding upon strengths by supporting the development of self-regulation With exercises for staying calm, focused and positive, this Guide helps both students and teachers cultivate resilience—inside and outside the classroom. Each 8.5" x 11" multi-panel guide is laminated for extra durability and 3-hole-punched for binder storage.

Chronic stress and trauma can have devastating effects on children’s development, making it very difficult for them to function well at school. In this new book the author of Mindfulness for Teachers shares classroom-tested, compassionate teaching practices that support students’ healing, build their resilience and create safe places for them to learn.

This book shows teachers how to use the evidence-proven technique of mindfulness to manage the stressful demands of the classroom, cultivate an exceptional school environment and revitalise their teaching and their students’ learning. Drawing on basic and applied research in the fields of neuroscience, psychology and education, as well as the author’s extensive experience as a mindfulness practitioner, teacher, teacher educator and scientist, it provides exercises in relaxation, movement, deep listening, and more, all with real-time classroom applications.