Practicing mindfulness in French class

Practicing mindfulness in French class

The past 2 years have perhaps been the most stressful years of schooling that our students will ever experience. The distancing, increased rules, changing delivery methods and uncertainty were difficult for teachers, families and students. We will likely continue to have students in our classes who will have lasting effects of anxiety and stress. To help our students heal and teach coping skills that can be used throughout life, we will need continued understanding and strategies to incorporate stress-relief teaching into our classroom routines. All teachers know that children learn best when they feel comfortable, safe, and relaxed.

This where teaching mindfulness is a necessity. Mindfulness means being consciously and intently aware of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment. We need mindfulness because it teaches us to live in the present moment, enjoying and experiencing what’s in front of us. Below, I outline 4 ways that in which to incorporate mindfulness and helpful resources to use in your French classroom.

4 ways to incorporate mindfulness into your FSL curriculum:

1. Sensory experiences

Sensory experiences can help our students focus and relax. Simply playing some relaxing music or other calming sounds in the classroom can make a big impact. Check out this YouTube video with calming ocean sounds. You can also teach your students to focus on their sense of touch. Have a basket with slime, playdoh, fidget, sponges, stress balls and other tactile objects available for your students. Try to have them focus on the object and how it feels. Focus on sight with you students by creating and using calming glitter jars. Check out this video with your students on how to create the jars.

2. Guided meditation

Guided meditations help to build students’ imaginations and can help them learn to relax. To get started, have students close their eyes and simply listen to a meditation. A round-up of some great meditations for kids (in French!) can be found HERE.

3. Breathing techniques

When we are feeling stressed or anxious, taking large, shallow breaths into our chests and stomachs can be calming. To practice mindful breathing, have your students place their right hands on their stomachs and their left hands on their chest. This way they can feel the rise and fall of their breathing. Breathing diagrams such as THIS star chart can also help engage students in learning new breathing techniques.

4. Movement

We already know that our students need movement breaks throughout the day in order to better focus and learn. Yoga and dance are 2 ways that students can learn to move their bodies mindfully and intentionally. There are so many great free videos for dance and yoga for kids online. Check out this one HERE.

Check this out: French mindfulness break stations

This French mindfulness-focused classroom break station incorporates 10 online movement, reading, listening, breathing and relaxing activities that students can choose from to take a break from learning and regulate their emotions. It can be used in the virtual classroom, or includes printable posters and QR codes to use in the school! This resource has been designed to appeal to students in grades 4 and up.