#IDEAcon 2020

As educators, introducing mindfulness into our own lives and the lives of our students is perhaps the greatest gift we can offer ourselves. Mindfulness builds emotional intelligence, boosts happiness, increases curiosity and engagement, reduces stress and anxiety, and helps kids (and adults) focus, learn, and make better choices. This session on bringing mindfulness to yourself first, then to students, will share proven practices and how to integrate these practices into your classroom and schools. You will examine the research behind mindfulness in education and its effect on learning and emotions. You will learn how to harness the benefits of staying present to bring more awareness to yourself and your students, including at-risk youth and those with special needs. Discover ways to incorporate mindfulness into a broad range of activities, using technology, movement, music, games, writing, art, and more. Participants will be introduced to the many smartphone and tablet applications that help people of all ages practice mindfulness. There are currently many free as well as paid applications that promote a mindful practice for teachers as well as students.