Mindful Minute
Parent Role:
- Read parent letter and FAQs provided about PUSD’s “Mindful Minute”
- Discuss with your children the significance of a “Mindful Minute” and what topic or thoughts they might focus on to start off their day with purpose and positivity
Student Role:
- Listen to the announcements for the beginning and ending the “Mindful Minute”
- When the minute begins, students may choose to close their eyes or put their heads down
- Students should focus their mind on something positive, calming, or quieting
- No talking, cell phone use, or school work during this minute
Teacher Role:
- Encourage students to put away all distractions
- Direct students to listen to announcement and signals the start of a “Mindful Minute” at the beginning of the school day
FAQs:
Q: Is my child’s participation required?
A: Your child will not be required to participate, but it is strongly encouraged because we believe the “Mindful Minute” is beneficial to all of our students. If a student does not participate, they will still be expected to be quiet and not disrupt others during the “Mindful Minute.”
Q: Is this a religious practice?
A: No. PUSD’s “Mindful Minute” is neutral and non-religious. No one will be mandating what to do or think about during this time.
Q: Doesn’t this take up valuable instruction time?
A: Sixty seconds cannot be reasonably construed as a burden on the instructional portion of the school day. Rather, this allows students to transition from “off time” to “school time” more quickly, which allows for a state of mind more conducive to learning.
Q: Where does this idea come from?
A: The idea stems from a nationwide effort called “Moment of Silence.” Organizers hope to improve society by implementing a “Moment of Silence” in schools: https://www.momentofsilence.info
Q: What are some things my child could think about or reflect on during the “Mindful Moment?”
A:
- How I will be grateful for what I have in my life
- How I appreciate my family
- What I am looking forward to today
- What makes me happy
- How I can better relax in class
- How I can better focus in class
- How I can respond better to my teacher
- How I can show more respect towards my parents/grandparents
- How I can contribute to society or the world around me
- How I can be a better teammate
- Ways to respond to being disappointed, without getting angry
- Ways that I can help my classmates
- How I will think of the good points of my classmate
- Ways to help at home- i.e., help with younger siblings
- Ways to avoid fights with siblings
- How I can do great things
- How to react when I am being bullied or teased
- Ways I am getting better every day
- Which people are those who I should look up to
- How I can look into the good of everything
- I have the ability to follow my dreams
- Things I like about my best friend
- Why I like silence