"May You Be Happy, May You Live With Ease": Exploring Mindfulness and Wellness With Fifth Graders

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: Mindfulness Mechanisms and Exploring Becoming

Abstract

In this case study, an eight-week mindfulness program was introduced into a 5th-grade public school classroom. I examined the connection between mindfulness activities and social, emotional, physical, cognitive, spiritual, and environmental wellness characteristics children exhibited. Children were allowed some choice in the day-to-day decision making and scheduling of these activities. Over the course of the program, it became evident that certain activities were provided more wellness value for the children in the form of functional breathing; taking time to participate in contemplative activities; showing empathy; and feeling at peace and emotional regulation. Daily disruptions, in the form of interruptions, suspensions, curricular necessities, and cultural differences between the children and the adults were barriers to potential wellness benefits.

Authors

• Jadyn Laixely, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Stephanie C. Sanders-Smith, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign