An elementary school in Baltimore is using meditation instead of traditional punishments. The school says the program has helped reduce behavior problems.
Instead of detention, these students get meditation by Deborah Bloom, CNN
Baltimore (CNN)Into a room of pillows and lavender, an elementary school student walks, enraged.
He’s just been made fun of by another student, an altercation that turned to pushing and name-calling. But rather than detention or the principal’s office, his teacher sent him here, to Robert W. Coleman Elementary School’s meditation room.
“I did some deep breathing, had a little snack, and I got myself together,” the boy recalled. “Then I apologized to my class.”
He’s one of many children who simmer down in what this West Baltimore elementary calls its “Mindful Moment Room,” a warm, brightly lit space strewn with purple floor pillows, yoga mats and the scents of essential oils.
Kids here stretch, do yoga and practice deep breathing. More important, staff say, they build an ability to be mindful and calm. And in the face of so much adversity, some of these children are coming out ahead.
“When I get mad at something or somebody, I just take some deep breaths, keep doing my work and tune everyone out,” said Dacari Crawford, 9. “It gives you good confidence when you need to do something important.” Read more on CNN
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