Mindful Reflection: Promoting Holistic Thinking in Educators for Conceptualizing and Teaching the Whole Child

• In Event: Roundtable Session 23
  In Roundtable Session: Holistic Principles Guiding Research and Action on Children's Educational Experiences and Opportunities

Abstract

Holistic education attempts to nurture the development of the whole child. In today’s global society, it is important for educators to embrace different types of holistic dispositions and attitudes in order to provide full participation and support to all types of children and families. Before a teacher can accept and apply holistic teaching in the classroom, educators should reflect on the challenges that can interfere with the capacity of care and compassion. This qualitative study addresses how using mindful reflection and literature can be a strategy for inspiring wholeness and holistic teaching. By reflecting about personal stories each family shares through literature selections, educators may develop and nurture dispositions to teach with passion, appreciate individual differences, and inspire wholeness.

Author

• Kathleen I. Harris, Seton Hill University