“Great Resource for the Classroom”

“Being in education for almost 25 years, boy how times have changed!!! The kids, the parents, the teachers, you name it. The mental health of our students is at the forefront of importance now more than ever and I love how this book recognizes that!!! I loved the ideas for activities for the classroom and especially liked the 30 Day Classroom Mindfulness Challenge. I know many teachers that would say there’s no time for that, but I also know many teachers who would embrace the idea and I can’t wait to share and suggest this book to those I know would be receptive to the idea!! On a personal note, I’m going to try the no snooze button for myself and see how that works!! You had me by page 2 when you said “We must teach to a students strength, even if it is different from how we see the world and how we learn”. The importance of differentiated instruction is lost on so many.”

-Jill B.

“Fantastic resource for anyone working with youth!”

Tara Segree’s Bringing Mindfulness Into the Classroom is a must-read for any educator looking to make a meaningful impact on their students’ well-being and engagement, for any adult working with youth, and for EVERY parent. The book is filled with practical, easy-to-implement ideas providing a variety of tools and activities that anyone can begin to incorporate immediately. Tara’s insightful strategies include classroom exercises, mindfulness challenges, mini-meditations and journal prompts, making it easy for teachers to start small and build a sustainable mindfulness practice not only for the children they work with, but also for themselves. It is also an excellent resource for parents to do the same at home. Teaching mindfulness equips children with the essential tools to manage stress, build self esteem, regulate emotions and build resilience. It helps them relate to uncomfortable and challenging moments in a healthier way, fostering confidence and the ability to cope with adversity. In particular, building resilience helps to combat the rising rates of anxiety, depression and behavioral issues children face today. The 30-Day Mindfulness Challenge she outlines is excellent in starting teachers and students off in integrating mindfulness into their daily routines and to reflect on their own growth. As a professor who teaches the clinical applications of mindfulness and stress reduction to students studying to become social workers and clinicians, I recommend this book in every class. Some of my students who have gone on to become school social workers, have utilized the 30 day challenge in their schools with wonderful success not only for the students, but for the teachers and families as well. I highly recommend this book for educators, school counselors, social workers, parents and anyone passionate about supporting children’s mental health and overall well-being.

-Elaine R.