• Mindfulness with Mendoza

     Mrs. Mendoza     mmendoza@carteretschools.org 

     

    About Mindfulness

    Mindfulness is the awareness of the PRESENT MOMENT. It is paying attention to what you are feeling and what you are experiencing all around you. We approach these moments with non-judgement, kindness and compassion, so that we may learn how to respond to our challenges in healthy ways. It does not require any special skills, just the ability to pause and be present. It does, however, require open-mindedness, self-reflection and the willingness to practice, practice, practice!

     

    Goals of the class

    • The introductory course of mindfulness discusses and explores what mindfulness is. We will practice different ways of being mindful in everyday activities, both formally and informally. We will explore and become aware of our emotions and bodies to respond to circumstances in a healthy way. Finally, we will work toward developing a practice of empathy, kindness and gratitude for ourselves and others. 

    • After the first course of Mindfulness, we will develop our mindfulness practice by exploring different techniques, setting  personal goals and monitoring our  progress. We will also deepen our practice by becoming more aware of our emotions, character and goals. We will develop tools for self management and coping, practice limiting distractions, being present, and being mindful with others.

     

    Benefits of mindfulness include, but are not limited to:

    • Decrease in stress and anxiety

    • increase in concentration and engagement

    • sleep better at night

    • Awareness of emotions

    • enhance decision-making and problem-solving skills

    • communicate feelings verbally instead of physically

    • increase capacity for compassion.

     

    Classroom Expectations

    1. BE OPEN TO TRY NEW THINGS! Mindfulness is a new practice with many benefits to our emotional, physical, and mental health. Be willing to try new things and not be afraid to be a “beginner” at this. This is the first time some of us are practicing mindfulness, and the fun part is exploring strategies to become a more mindful person!

    2. PARTICIPATE! You never know unless you try, and don’t be shy! Participating is so important in becoming a mindful person! Mindfulness is not achieved by just observing others being mindful! You have to put in the work!

    3. RESPECT EACH OTHER! This classroom is a positive learning environment.  The only way we learn and grow is if we support each other in the process! Regardless of the reason or purpose, refrain from touching, hitting, throwing objects or stealing from another student. Name-calling, “dissing,” insults and profanity will not be tolerated.  

     

    1. KEEP UP WITH YOUR PRACTICE! Practice makes PROGRESS! Be sure to always practice mindfulness. There are so many ways that you can be mindful! Our goal is to explore and find a strategy that works for you so you can continue to be a happy, healthy you!

    2. Follow all Carteret Junior High School rules and guidelines.

     

     

    In this space:

    ❤️ We arrive with open hearts and open minds

                                                ❤️ We are safe to express ourselves

                                                ❤️ We respect the differences of others

     

     

    Supplies needed for class:

    • Writing Utensil

    • Journal/Composition Notebook

    • Folder / Binder (preferred)

    • Earbuds

    • Chromebook

    • The following items are shared in the classroom. If you prefer to have your own, you are more than welcome to: Crayons / Colored Pencils, Scissors, Glue Sticks

    • Appreciated Classroom Donations: Box of tissues, Wet Ones wipes



    Class and Grading Policies

    1. Grading will be based on:

    1. Participation in daily class discussions, activities, practices, and/or reflections

    2. Completed tasks, projects and activities

    3. Daily practice and journal

    4. Assessments (quizzes and/or cumulative projects)

     

    2. In order to experience the benefits of mindfulness, students are expected to practice everyday. Please set aside time of your day to do so. Practices do not have to take long, but it will take consistency. Students are expected to add journal entries about their practice. 

     

    Daily practice and journal options:

    1. Reflection/Discussion Questions of the day’s activity or lesson

    2. Daily Check-In

    3. Meditation

    4. Mindful activities in daily life

    5. Exploring new strategies of breathing, yoga, or coping

    6. Setting intentions or affirmations

    7. Gratitude journal entry

    8. Daily reflection

    3. GOOGLE CLASSROOM -  Assignments, lesson materials, and important information will be posted on Google Classroom. You are able to access and print any materials if needed.

    4. COMMUNICATION - 

    1. Parents: Please be sure that you have a valid email address and phone number on Real-Time. I will be contacting you through the information provided on Real Time. 

    2. Students:  I will be emailing or sending you messages on Google Classroom. Please make it a habit to check your emails daily for any messages or reminders

    3. I am available through email. Please keep in mind, if it is after hours, you may receive a reply the following day.

    5. LATE ASSIGNMENTS will not receive full credit. Excessively late assignments will not be accepted.

    6. POSITIVE REWARDS: TICKETS -  You can use your tickets for school supplies, Extra Credit and/or Homework Passes! You can receive tickets for the following reasons: good behavior, completing homework, being prepared, caught being good/helpful, signing papers, bringing in a box of tissues, behaving appropriately during fire drills and codes