by Daniel Rechtschaffen
The Way of Mindful Education is a practical guide for cultivating attention, compassion, concentration, learning, thriving and well-being not only in young students, but also those who educate and administrate. The book is packed with exercises, lesson plans, and considerations for student’s age groups and special needs. As a working manual, it demonstrates the real world application of mindfulness practices beginning with Kindergarten. The book explains what mindfulness is - the science behind its benefits, and the inspiring work already underway in the Mindful Education movement. Teachers are taught the when, where, and how of mindfulness. Practices offer self-care and attention skills in preparation to teach with greater energy and mastery, help manage stress, focus attention, develop compassion, and savor positive experiences. A Mindful classroom incorporates the qualities of a mindful teacher, the ingredients of a mindful learning environment, and helpful skills for appropriate, supportive work. The curriculum is eighteen ready-to-use mindfulness lesson exercises for use in schools, designed to foster skills like embodiment, attention, heartfulness, and interconnectedness. Decades of research indicate the impressive benefits of mindfulness in social, emotional, and cognitive development.
