Disciplinary Text-Sets
1) This article was written by D'Arcy Lyness PHD, a child and adolescent psychologist. She is also a Behavior Health Editor for Nemours Center for Children's Health Media. That informs kids and parents about health education. Nemours is a children's health system whose mission is to improve the health and spirit of children. They also support family-centered care hospitals, clinics, and clinical research.
2) Mindfulness focuses on defining mindfulness and the importance of mindfulness in people's lives. They provide a list of ways mindfulness can help us in our everyday lives such as paying better attention, staying calm under stress, avoid getting too upset about things, feeling happier and enjoy things more, etc. The article goes on to explain how mindfulness works, and introduces a step-by-step guide on how to start practicing mindfulness.
3) StoryToolz rated this article's Automated Readability Index at Grade 5.6 and Average Grade Level at 7.1. The text features really help guide the reader as each section is marked in bold for the reader to understand what they are about to read. There is use of figurative language and descriptions/explanations that are relatable to help the reader understand difficult terms or situations. Overall, the article seems to be not so complex for students in upper elementary to gain background knowledge about mindfulness.
4) The task complexity seems fairly doable. The article is at a perfect length to keep students from being overwhelmed by information. The use of multiple lists and the practice exercise at the end are engaging and easy for the reader to follow along.
5) Students should also consider the question When and where can people use mindfulness? This article might be of interest to students because it provides them insight into possible ways/skills of learning to self-manage their emotions and stress.
Lyness, D'Arcy. "Mindfulness". KidsHealth. November 2017. https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/mindfulness.html#:~:text=Mindfulness%20means%20paying%20full%20attention,you're%20taking%20your%20tim
MINDFUL CHOICES
1) This Mindfulness Choices video is an introduction to a mindful awareness program for elementary schools. This mindfulness elementary school guide was created by Alliance for Decision Education as part of their mission to improve students essential decision skills. Other courses are available for middle school, high school, and subjects on establishing good habits.
2) The video shows a student who is having a bad day from waking up late, confronting a bully, and forgetting their homework. All these bad thoughts caused the student to lose focus in class that brought out a negative reaction. The teacher in the video demonstrates to the student one mindfulness practice called a mindfulness jar. The clear glass jar is filled with water and glitter that represents our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As the student sits and waits for the glitter to settle, he slowly becomes aware of his other senses like their breath. This helps him focus on other senses and forget about those intrusive thoughts. The end of the video provides a definition of mindfulness and explains its importance.
3) The video is slightly/moderately complex. Providing the student's example of a bad day I'm sure is very relevant to a lot of students' lives, and has happened at one point in everyone's life. The video was very descriptive and used significant visuals for understanding. The example with the mindfulness jar might create some interest for students to try at school/home.
4) As far as task complexity, I believe this video is a great medium for student's to learn about mindfulness and how it can be applied to their life. I enjoyed that the video slowed down during the mindful jar exercise to focus on the students' breath, and without knowing I was also following along with the breathing. I'm sure other audience members have done the same, and is accessible to everyone. The mindful jar is one of many mindfulness practices that are quick and easy to recreate.
5) My question for students would be Have you ever been in a similar situation like the kid in this video? How did you feel? What were your reactions? What were the reactions of those around you? Did you use mindfulness or wish you had known about mindfulness to use it? - This could be used as part of a reflection or QuickWrite activity. Students might be interested in this practice because a lot of us go through bad days, but don't know of positive coping strategies to recover from them.
I AM HUMAN
1) I Am Human: A Book of Empathy is one of five of Susan Verde's I Am Series dedicated to valuing every child. Additionally, for students and all readers alike to cultivate empathy and compassion not only for others, but themselves also.
2) The story walks the reader through the process of a child becoming aware of their humanity. Understanding how humans are capable of being harmed and causing harm to others. Recognizing that humans feel a range of emotions. Lastly, believing humans continue learning throughout their lives as they pursue their dreams. The Author's note at the includes a brief explanation of Loving and Kindness meditation and it's benefits. Then, an example of a loving-kindness meditation for readers, where students notice their breath as they repeat four meaningful phrases:
May I/you be healthy
May I/you be happy
May I/you be free from suffering
May I/you be filled with peace
3) According to the Fountas-Pinnell Guided Reading complexity this text is categorized as Level L or Lexile Level 400-499. This is around the 2nd grade level, but can be applied throughout all elementary and upper grade levels. The text is slightly complex has short phrases that are straightforward and comprehensible. The graphics supports the meaning and message behind the text, and explicitly demonstrates what is happening.
4) In terms of task complexity, this read is fairly straightforward and relevant to the reader. I believe it help students put into perspective their full potential and value their life carries. Overall, helps the reader understand all humans are susceptible to emotions, mistakes, and capable of change. The loving-kindness meditation at the end is a great application, but I would recommend the person leading to review it beforehand.
5) An activity I would have students do is create their own 4 lines of a loving-kindness meditation to integrate into their lives. This might be of interest to students because many students struggle with empathy and inner conflict. This could be a strategy they use to learn how to display compassion for themselves and others.
ABC MINDFUL ME
My Magic Breath
Kabat-Zinn, Jon. "This Loving-Kindness Meditation is a Radical Act of Love". mindful. 08 Nov 2018
"Walk In Beauty: Prayer From The Navajo People". Talking Father: Lesson Plans about Native American Indians. https://talking-feather.com/home/walk-in-beauty-prayer-from-navajo-blessing/
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