START WITH YOU:
Now, as the world feels especially chaotic and unpredictable externally, it is important for us to find grounding from within. We can be a stabilizing force when we access that in ourselves, not only supporting our own well-being, but rippling out to support others around us. There are, thankfully, lots of resources right now helping us to connect and still.
Try:
Mindful Schools Zoom weekly community calls on Tuesdays, 7pm-8pm (currently open to all); can be accessed, along with other resources, through Mindful Schools’ Homeroom
Dan Harris’ 10% Happier for relevant podcasts with top meditation leaders
Calm.com for lots of grounding audio guides (some free options and some you pay in)
Smiling Mind FREE app and audio guides for all ages!
Insight Timer FREE app with thousands of guided audio and courses you can pay for
Search your area for a local group to practice with live.
FOR YOUR STUDENTS:
Access Resources Already Available:
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel! There are lots of great resources out there to share with your students.
Try:
Mindful Schools FREE 30-min Kids Classes (designed for K-5) Live on Facebook and recorded for future access
Cosmic Kids Yoga FREE yoga content for young users (Zen Den focuses on mindfulness)
Smiling Mind FREE app and audio guides for all ages!
Zoom and Live Platforms:
Live platforms allow for you to connect with your students, something we are all especially needing during this time.
A few things to create a smoother online experience:
set up norms for the space (both guidelines for using zoom and expectations of how to be together)
have a predictable routine
keep it short(-er than you likely would in person)
consider using breakout rooms so group can have more intimate discussions
invite students to participate either verbally or by using the chat feature
Create and share video content via YouTube, Vimeo, etc:
Creating videos allows your students to still experience you, but without having to be there in real time. Also, students can come back to their favorites again and again.
Create and share audio content:
It’s fairly simple to use tools like Voice Memo or GarageBand on your phone or computer to create short audio tracks. Again, students get the benefit of connecting with you through your voice.
Create and share scripts:
If you’ve been practicing with students regularly, you could write up scripts for them based on the vocabulary and practices you know land for them! They can use those scripts to practice with family.