Minds On
Mindfulness meaning
What does the word “mindfulness” mean to you? Take a moment to reflect on the word. You may choose to write, type, or audio-record the first three (3) words or ideas that come to mind.
You may complete the Mindfulness Brainstorm in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document to record your ideas about mindfulness.
| Word | Definition | Practice/Action |
|---|---|---|
| Example: Mindfulness | Example: Mindfulness is a state of mind | Example: Doing yoga is a form of mindfulness |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Mindfulness Brainstorm.
Action
Exploring mindfulness
Mindfulness means focusing and providing your full attention to something. It means noticing what you are doing, and slowing down. Mindfulness means being in the moment and feeling focused but in a relaxed way.
Fixed vs. growth mindset
Another word that starts with “mind” that is connected to mindfulness is mindset. What does mindset mean to you? How do you think it compares to mindfulness?
When it comes to mindset, there are two types we must understand and be able to differentiate: fixed mindset and growth mindset. Let’s discuss the two mindsets and answer the following questions:
- What you know about them?
- How do you think they can impact your daily life?
If someone has a growth mindset they may feel that they can get better at something with practice and by using strategies that work for them. As a result, people with a growth mindset may be likely to welcome challenges, persevere and try new things. If someone has a fixed mindset, they may feel that their abilities are fixed and that their abilities may not improve with practice.
Fill in the following blanks with fixed mindset or growth mindset.
Mindfulness room planning
Consider the following questions:
- What are some strategies that you use to help understand, and manage your feelings and emotions?
- What strategies can you use to be mindful?
- How can you practice having a growth mindset?
Let’s add to our toolbox of learning strategies and learn how to practice mindfulness. Consider all the different ways you practice mindfulness. You may use the following graphic organizer or another recording method your choice to help record some mindfulness strategies that you or others may use when they want and/or need to calm down, re-centre, and nurture a growth mindset.
Quick tip: try to come up with mindful breaks that someone can take at school and at home. This way, you’ve designed mindfulness strategies that someone can use wherever they are.
Complete the Mindfulness Strategies activity in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document to help you gather ideas for the design of a virtual mindfulness space.
| Things that calm me and help me refocus | Items, images, or thoughts that calm me and help me refocus |
|---|---|
| Example: Yoga | Example: A pillow |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Mindfulness Strategies.
Consolidation
Mindfulness Planning
Take the strategies you listed and put them into action! Use your ideas from the Mindfulness Strategies activity in the Action section and determine how you wish to present your ideas. Could you design a space for someone to use, create a chart or checklist, a resource list of digital sources, a slide presentation, a poster, or a brochure?
For example, if you have listed calming music as one of your ideas, identify some examples of music which can be used. If you have listed drawing zigzags lines and swirls as one of your ideas, consider how people can practice that strategy.
Be sure to use the following Mindfulness Strategies Success Criteria Checklist to help you make sure you have included everything in your Mindfulness Room design.
Press the Activity button to access the Mindfulness Strategies Success Criteria Checklist.
Activity (Open PDF in a new tab)Review your learning
Take a moment to review your learning. Different forms of media attract our attention in unique ways and in this case, can provide us with mindfulness activities. Reflect on the media text you have created and consider the following questions. You may record your responses using a method of your choice.
- Describe the different types of media you have incorporated into your mindfulness plan.
- What new information did you learn through this process?
- Media literacy expands our ability to communicate. If someone else were to use your resource, what might they learn about mindfulness?
- Is there anything else you would like to add to your plan which may help someone practice mindfulness?
Reflection
As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.