Meditation: a new teaching aid for young children
Serene students at Mona Vale’s Sacred Heart Primary School have been enlightened by a new program that combines meditation with education.
Designed by two of the school’s teachers in line with the New South Wales syllabus, the program focuses on relaxation techniques for primary students and aims to improve focus in the classroom.
Program developer and primary teacher Susan Rudd said students were delighted by the new teaching approach.
‘‘They absolutely love it, I don’t think I have met any child that hasn’t enjoyed meditation and those that find it difficult initially, over a course of a few weeks, are gradually able to do it,’’ Ms Rudd said.
The program became a part of the curriculum after students aged five to 12 ditched recreation for relaxation and joined a lunchtime meditation class.
Ms Rudd said meditation was particularly useful for children with anxiety, hyperactivity or ADHD disorders.
‘‘It allows them to increase their concentration by focusing on their breathing and finding stillness,’’ she said.
With the northern beaches school at its forefront, the program is gaining momentum with Chatswood and St Ives Public schools also using the program.
‘‘It creates a good environment for teaching and for the students to learn the curriculum because it’s a good visualisation skill,’’ Ms Rudd said.[via The Manly Daily: Please visit the Manly Daily’s site and post a comment on this story]