The Fall of Focus in Children...

...or is it the diversity of focus that we are observing our children master? As an elementary teacher of 10 years, I so often found myself saying, "WOW! They cannot follow directions. I seriously don't know what to do." I would sing, dance-even do cartwheels, and somehow kiddos would still miss the follow through. I found myself blaming it on the many electronic distractions in their lives and even became slightly irritated by it. But when I took a step back and really took in one moment of frustration, I realized that I was actually observing something pretty amazing. Their little minds are training to be incredible multi-taskers. I reminded myself that teaching is all about learning and adapting, so adapt we must!

At that point, my approach to instruction and behavior management shifted a few years back to work with the busy minds of children in my classroom. However, I felt like something was missing. As I worked on developing my own mindful practice-because I, myself, have a VERY busy mind-I had an "ah-ha" moment. THAT is what I need to add to my daily practice in the classroom. THAT is what can help my little learners who are eager to soak up knowledge. Purposeful, integrated practice on developing a balanced Healthy Mind Space. The hope is that such practice at a young age will provide children with the tools to adapt to situations with awareness, confidence, peace and balance; ultimately helping them decipher when to focus their senses in on the present and when to engage the art of multi-tasking. 

And so my mindful journey with the minis begins...

With Love, 
Christy Lynn

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