Mindfulness...

I find it fascinating how innovative the human mind can be.  For example, Mills identified an obstacle in her class and came up with an innovative way to promote mindfullness in her classroom and with her learners. 

I guess it is safe to say that we are all a little concerned about entering the world as educators.  We do not know what to expect and how we are going to handle a variety of obstacles thrown at us.  But I want you to be assured that everything will be okay.  Human beings are innovative creatures and if you have a passion for what you do, you will succeed. 

By making reference to Mills and how she got her learners to be mindful I could identify ways in which she got her learners to engage and be part of the classroom activities.  This ensured a sense of identity and meaning amongst the learners. 

I can also see, how as Foley has shown in pastoral care, Mills opened communication with her learners by getting them involved and asking them to imagine what they wanted to be on the table. As well as putting what they suggested the difference in the class was in comparison to earlier attempts.  In this way she got them to have a sense of identity in the classroom activity.  I also feel that through getting her learners to be mindful she promoted pro-social beahaviour as shown by Foley in the video.  The learners took responsibility within the classroom. 

Furthermore, the mindfulness of the students also led to effecient time management.  Mills tried to be pro-active in going to school earlier, but it was only through getting her learners to be mindful that time was effectively managed.  Getting her students to be mindful also led to them engaging with each other as well as the teacher and it led to effective feedback between the educator and the learners. 

The classroom resources, it would seem was not much.  Mills employed the tables and some of her own stuff from home.  However, I find it interesting that an important resource later on was the mindfulness, creativity and feelings of the learners. 

Our learners are human beings and we should only find a way to break through to them.  Once we achieve this the educational process becomes a breeze for the whole class. 

Let the teaching begin.