How Quick Hemisphere Integration Mediations Calm Students

With increasing academic expectations, the pressure on teachers to bring up test scores, and competitive classroom environments, more and more students are struggling with chronic stress and anxiety.  So, what can we do to calm students and get their brains in a state for optimal learning?

First We Must Understand that Excessive Stress Negatively Impacts Learning

While some nervousness can enhance memory, chronic stress and anxiety are emotions that have no place in a classroom. When excessive stress is experienced, the body makes too much cortisol, a steroid hormone that the body produces to assist you in responding to stress or danger, and this can disrupt cognitive functioning. Studies reveal that chronic stress can disrupt synapse regulation. 

This can result in reduced sociability and social isolation. In addition, high levels of cortisol can kill brain cells and even shrink the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that manages memory and learning.

Second, We Need to Provide Strategies to Calm Students' Bodies and Brains

Fortunately, there are numerous research-based methods that can help.

• Mindfulness
• Meditation
• Metacognition
• Breathing exercises

Third We Should Activate Both Hemispheres of the Brain with Fun Brain Breaks

Did you know that students often think with half the brain, while the other half remains "offline?" When this happens, learning becomes practically impossible. However, when the left and right hemispheres are both activated and communicating, the brain is integrated. 

For academic activities, hemisphere integration is essential, because it allows students to fully process and comprehend lessons.  So how can we awaken the whole brain?

Brain breaks can be a fun tool to engage and prime your students for learning. Brain Breaks are short, bursts of activity, and when they also implement certain movements, both hemispheres of the brain can be activated.

Are There Any Ready-Made Materials?

Multisensory Brain Break Meditations unite all of these strategies and can be used in a classroom or at home. They are great for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary students from grades 1-5.  Click Here to learn more.

What about Helping Older Students?

I also offer Mindfulness Activity Cards that were created for older students.  Based on the mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and social-emotional learning research, these publications can be implemented in classrooms or therapy sessions to develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and working memory. Furthermore, they can teach authentic dialogue and develop self-esteem. They are great for round table discussions, circle groups, and individual sessions.

I hope you found this blog on calming meditations helpful.  Teaching students to manage their stress and providing grounding resources in their environment can help to nurture resilient, resourceful, and confident learners.

Cheers, Erica