Meditation and mindfulness techniques have been proved to decisively contribute to both physical, and mental health. Normally low blood pressure, good functioning of the cardiovascular system, better physical condition, good breathing, improvement of asthma cases, good gastrointestinal function, reinforcement of the immune system, headache suppression, reduction of physical pain, are some of the many benefits of mindfulness. In addition, mental attention and concentration, the clarity of thought leading to a good problem-solving are increasing. It also helps to enhance memory, emotional, communicative and perceptive abilities.
We are hereby presenting insights from our pilot program of teaching mindfulness techniques to 9y.o. and 12y.o. pupils in the 4th Primary School of Salamina island since October 2015. The project comprised of fifteen minutes of daily meditation and mindfulness on a daily basis.
The results have shown that all students had a significant improvement in their behaviour, their academic performance, even those diagnosed with learning difficulties and ADD. Ever since the beginning of the project, all students willingly have applied the procedure every day, because they claim that they feel more relaxed and creative, and stronger to cope with their negative emotions. Aggressive episodes have been minimized and all students exhibit more diligence, solidarity and a sense of collaboration with each other and with their teachers.
HOW 15 MINUTES OF MINDFULNESS INCREASE THE LEARNING PERFORMANCE AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS. INSIGHTS FROM THE 1ST PILOT PROJECT IN A PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL IN GREECE
15:00 - 15:50, 2 September, 2017, Autumn ’17 Athens IP Exhibition
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