The Way of Mindful Education: Cultivating Well-Being in Teachers and Students

The Way of Mindful Education: Cultivating Well-Being in Teachers and Students

Rechtschaffen explains what mindfulness is, the science behind its benefits for students and educators, and the inspiring work that is already underway in the Mindful Education movement.

by Daniel Rechtschaffen —

With attention spans waning and stress on the rise, many teachers are looking for new ways to help students concentrate, learn and thrive.

This book is a practical guide for cultivating attention, compassion and well-being, in both students and teachers.

Packed with lesson plans, exercises, and considerations for specific age groups and students with special needs, this working manual demonstrates the real-world application of mindfulness practices in K-12 classrooms.

Rechtschaffen explains what mindfulness is, the science behind its benefits for students and educators, and the inspiring work that is already underway in the Mindful Education movement.

He offers simple exercises to help manage stress, focus attention, develop compassion and savor positive experiences in everyday life.

Then he explores the qualities of a mindful teacher, the ingredients of a mindful learning environment, and gives helpful skills for appropriate work with cultural diversity, student stress and trauma, and varying age groups and developmental stages.

He also gives 18 ready-to-use mindfulness lessons for use in schools.

These practical exercises, designed to foster skills like embodiment, attention, heartfulness and interconnectedness, can be readily adapted for any age group and population, and the author draws from his extensive personal experience to offer a wealth of tips for introducing them to students in real time.

$24.95 hardcover — W.W. Norton & Company Inc., 500 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10110.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 34, Number 2, April/May 2015.