Education United States Project #17238

Stress reduction in 2 high-need classrooms in RI

by ResilientKids Organization

Stress reduction in 2 high-need classrooms in RI

Project Report | Nov 25, 2014
It's the little things...

By Vanessa Weiner | Executive Director

Yesterday I walked into one of my most behavior challenged 4th grade classes at 9:00am. It was a more unsettled and chaotic morning environment than usual, where I hoped to attempt an excercise out in the hallway. While it took a few extra moments to connect with each of the students in the circle that morning, we did ultimately get to do our silent walking exercise.

During the activity, the kids focused on just that moment, insulated from anxiety over the future and stress of the past. By giving these students 5 minutes and a kinesthetic experience outside of their classroom environment, everyone experienced a palpable difference as they filed back into their desks. At 9:30, I left this room now full of calm, focused students who were ready to learn.

Toxic stress faces most of the students we're working with, impacting brain development and function, and leaving them prone to stress-related illness. These conditions aren't compatible with learning. Mindfulness teaches kids to cope with stress so they can focus in the classroom, and make decisions that positively impact their wellbeing well into adulthood. Our goal is to create learning ready schools so students are ready to learn.

Thanks to your support two of the classrooms in the school where this story took place will be able to receive continued instruction for the rest of the year!

With Gratitude,

- Vanessa

P.S. Please consider further support of our work so that the rest of the 4th grades can also receive this instruction during the 2014-15 school year.

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