Mindful Minute
Parent Role:
- Read parent letter and FAQs provided about PUSD’s “Mindful Moment”
- Discuss with your children the significance of a “Mindful Moment” and what topic or thoughts they might focus on to start off their day with purpose and positivity
Student Role:
- Listen to the teacher for the beginning and ending the “Mindful Moment”
- When the minute begins, students may wish to close their eyes or put their heads down
- Students should focus their mind on an important thought or something positive, calming, or quieting
- No talking, cell phone use, or school work during this minute
Teacher Role:
- Encourage students to put away all distractions
- The teachers signals the start of a “Mindful Moment” at the beginning of the school day
- Keep track of the time for one minute, then announce the end of the “Mindful Moment”
Currently, 12 states mandate a “Moment of Silence” and 24 other states encourage the practice in schools. While it is not required in California schools, we believe in taking this positive, proactive approach to our students’ well-being. Please continue reading for answers to frequently asked questions.
FAQs:
Q: Is my child’s participation required?
A: Your child will not be required to participate, but it is strongly encouraged because we believe the “Mindful Moment” is beneficial to all of our students. If a student does not participate, they will still be expected to be quiet and not disrupt others during the “Mindful Moment.”
Q: Is this a religious practice?
A: No. PUSD’s “Mindful Moment” is neutral and non-religious. No one will be mandating what to do or think about during this time.
Q: Doesn’t this take up valuable instruction time?
A: 60 seconds cannot be reasonably construed as a burden on the instructional portion of the school day. Rather, this allows students to transition from “off time” to “school time” more quickly, which allows for a state of mind more conducive to learning.
Q: Where does this idea come from?
A: The idea stems from a nationwide effort called “Moment of Silence.” Organizers hope to improve society by implementing a “Moment of Silence” in schools: https://www.momentofsilence.info
Q: Where can I read more about the benefits of this practice?
A: You can read letters written by children who have participated here: https://www.momentofsilence.info/#letters
Q: What are some things my child could think about or reflect on during the “Mindful Moment?”
A:
- How I will be grateful for what I have in my life
- How I appreciate my family
- How I am proud to be an honest person
- What I am looking forward to today
- What makes me happy
- How I can better relax in class
- How I can better focus in class
- How I can respond better to my teacher
- How I can show more respect towards my parents/grandparents
- How I can contribute to society or the world around me
- How I can play more fairly with friends
- Ways to respond to being disappointed, without getting angry
- Ways that I can help my classmates
- How I will think of the good points of my classmate
- Ways to help at home- i.e., help with younger siblings
- Ways to avoid fights with siblings
- How I can do great things
- How to react when I am being bullied or teased
- Ways I am getting better every day
- Which people are those who I should look up to
- How I can look into the good of everything
- I have the ability to follow my dreams
- Things I like about my best friend
- Why I like silence