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Teenage years are one of the challenging phases for every middle school student where they have to face difficulties and challenges related to their academics and in their personal lives as well. One of the best ways to help middle school students to tackle with their transitional phase between childhood and adolescence is with mindfulness activities.

According to mindfulnessbox.com, mindfulness is being practiced all over the world because of its effectiveness to deal with day-to-day life challenges.

Source: mindfulnessbox.com
 

According to many studies, it has been found out that practicing mindfulness can be beneficial for every age group especially for middle school teen students because it can help to reduce stress and also help them to improve their academic performances as well.

In this blog post, we will be sharing some of the best mindfulness activities which you can introduce to middle-school teen students.

So, without any further delay, let’s get started.

1. Music Related Activities

Most of the middle school students begin to develop their identities in their teenage period and music can play a significant role in that process. As a teacher you can incorporate mindfulness activities around different kind of music and also relevant music to their generation which is one of the effective ways to draw their attention.

You can introduce them with soothing music and at the same time encourage them to listen to it without any distractions. After sometime, you can ask them their feedback about how they feel emotionally and physically, and whether they feel any changes.

2. Problem-Solving Related Activities

A major challenge faced by middle school students is they have to deal with many stresses both on academic and personal level. However, through the mindfulness practice they can be able to approach these problems with a calm and more thoughtful perspective.

You can begin by students identifying and accepting their emotions when they meet any challenging situations and ask them to think about their initial reactions and impulsive tendencies. For example, if a student has problems with a classmate, the student may be angry and want to retaliate against it. However, advise them on practicing mindfulness so as to slow down and stay present with all of their feelings Take them through a breathing exercise or guided meditation that will help them navigate their feelings.

3. Guided Meditation

While middle school students may have difficulty in silent meditation, guided meditation can be an easy alternative. Guided meditations help students stay present and connected with their bodies. Two good examples to start with would be body scans and progressive muscle relaxation exercises. Going through a body scan or part of a progressive muscle relaxation are great ways to begin.

If you are using guided visualizations, like imagining oneself at a peaceful beach, make sure to point out that this technique is for dealing with stress not as a way to get away from reality. Always end visualizations by grounding students back into the present moment and asking them to be aware of whatever is happening inside and outside themselves.

4. Breathing Exercises

Mindful breathing is a fundamental aspect of any mindfulness practice. To make breathing exercises engaging for middle school students, incorporate fun and interactive elements. For example, use colors to guide their breathing and ask students to imagine that the air they inhale represents a peaceful color, while the air they exhale represents a color associated with stress or anger.

Another approach is to involve body movements, such as tracing their hands while inhaling and exhaling. By making these exercises interactive, students can develop a stronger connection between their breath and their mental state.

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5. Mindful Coloring

Many people associate coloring with younger children, but there are more sophisticated coloring activities for middle school students that require concentration and focus. Coloring books for adults can be a great way to begin teaching mindfulness through coloring. Start by explaining that coloring can be a deliberate act of mindfulness.

Teach them how to sync their painting movements with their breath as well as pay attention to the motion of the brush. In case thoughts come up, advise them to notice them and let them pass without any judgement or any critical analysis. This approach helps learners convert coloring into an effective form of meditation.

6. Mindful Eating

Snack and lunchtime can also be transformed into a mindfulness practice. Give each child a small, healthy snack, and guide them through mindful eating exercise. Before trying the food, instruct students to smell it, feel its weight and observe its textures and colors carefully.

Then, ask them to slowly eat the food while taking pleasure in every bite mindfully. It may be useful to conduct this activity in silence so as to help students slow down their pace while eating and fully experience their food. Mindful eating can lead to deeper connection with the present moment while fostering appreciation for nourishment which sustains individuals today.

Tips for Teaching Mindfulness to Middle Schoolers

Teaching mindfulness to middle schoolers requires a unique approach that takes into account their developmental stage. Here are some tips to enhance your mindfulness lessons:

1. Student Buy-In

Getting students on board is very essential to the success of your mindfulness sessions. You must be prepared for the situations where student may laugh or show little or no interest at first, but don’t get discouraged by it. Stress on the good side of this concept and establish an environment where they feel comfortable and be able to explore their emotions.

2. Short, Age-Appropriate Activities

Mindfulness activities for middle school students should be brief and engaging because they have short attention spans. Use relevant language with which teenage students can connect with an develop mindful exercises which can draw their attention.

3. Consistency and Regular Practice

Consistency is key when teaching mindfulness. Encourage students to practice mindfulness outside the classroom and provide resources, such as meditation apps or breathing exercises, for them to use at home.

4. Role Modelling

As a responsible teacher you need to become a role model for mindfulness. Practice mindfulness yourself and share personal experiences to inspire students and demonstrate the positive impact it can have.

Mindful Activities Is a Boon for Middle School Students

Teenage years are not easy for any children to deal with. They have to go through various developmental changes within both their physical and mental states. Teachers who have pursued courses like Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling for Teachers, knows really well about their middle school student struggles and knows how mindful activities can help their students to cope up with their daily life challenges.

In this blog post as well, we have shared various fun-filled mindful activities which you can introduce to your middle-schoolers which can empower students to navigate the challenges with greater resilience and self-awareness.

Lastly, remember that every student is unique, so be flexible and adapt mindfulness activities to suit individual needs and preferences.

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