“We encourage students to be exceptional learners and independent thinkers of vision, integrity and courage.”

These words are written all over the walls of PNA.  They are not just a motto or a slogan; not just a fleeting thought.  They are our guiding principle.  We educate our students as a whole person so that they can achieve this goal; not just as a reader, writer, mathematician or scientist.  And in doing so, we must take their whole person into account.   We recognize that in order for our students to achieve success academically, they must first be prepared and ready to do that socially and emotionally.  Learning is only possible when the student’s mind and body are in a state ready to accept new ideas, thoughts and challenges.  This is why fourth grade students have been introduced to the practice of Guided Meditation this week. 

Times are stressful for kids; after-school activities, academics, COVID protocols and mitigation.  PNA is a safe space for kids and  we want them to feel relaxed but also engaged.  In the last 18 months, students everywhere have been under enormous stress simply learning a new way that school looks and is.  Ignoring that stress would only do a disservice to them and make learning even harder.  Through guided meditation, fourth grade students are learning to listen to their bodies, connect with their thoughts, stresses, fears and goals and learn how to get themselves to a social-emotional state where they are ready to tackle the newest challenges.  

Once a day, lights are dimmed, students are invited to get comfortable, close their eyes and listen to a guided meditation for kids.  Guided meditations cover topics such as breathing techniques, anxiety, relaxation, school, home and many more. It offers them an opportunity to unplug from the demands of their day.  Meditation allows students to take a break in a purposeful way and this can help them function better throughout the rest of their day. 

Studies have shown that guided meditation can help students increase focus, build self confidence, regulate emotions, help form better connections with others and lower stress to name just a few benefits. Some research has shown benefits for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, school performance, sleep, behavior problems, and eating disorders.* (Taken from healthychildren.org, Just Breathe: The Importance of Meditation Breaks for Kids)

Our daily practice helps the students learn which strategies help them calm their own minds and how to develop new strategies that work for them.  By teaching each student to have their own personal “tool box” they are armed with what they need to help regulate how they are feeling throughout the day.  While this is a new practice in fourth grade, these philosophies are not new to PNA. The importance we place on teaching these skills is evident in some of our Social-Emotional and Work Habits standards that we strive to achieve: 

• Regulates own emotions and behaviors
• Establishes and maintain positive relationships
• Is attentive

Giving students five to ten minutes each day to reset through a guided meditation practice is giving them a gift; a gift of learning how to handle difficult situations, decrease stress, improve study and work habits and make the recall of information easier. This is a practice that our students can take with them throughout the rest of their lives which will help them become exceptional learners and independent thinkers.  Fourth grade invites you to take ten minutes of your day to give yourself the gift to reset and relax just like we do.