Date of Graduation

Summer 8-16-2017

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Behavioral Health (MSBH)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

First Advisor

Dr. Kelly L'Engle

Second Advisor

Dr. Kathleen Raffel

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to introduce and implement a mindfulness based tool that will empower students to manage their stress which contributes to their classroom behavior and allow teachers to minimize the amount of classroom time spent addressing behavior challenges.

Methods: Observations of third grade classrooms, key informant interviews with third grade teachers and community observations were conducted at the Achieve Academy School while throughout the school day.

Results: Findings showed that students would benefit from the implementation of On-The-Spot Mindfulness Based Techniques and Practices by minimizing stress, increasing academic success and improving the overall behavior, social, emotion and attention regulation skills of each student.

Recommendations: Implementing mindfulness practices that are immediate and brief, taking anywhere from 3-5 minutes, would be most beneficial to the students as well as increase the likelihood of implementation by the teachers and Seneca staff. There are 5 activities that teachers will be able to choose from that consist of breathing exercises, mindful emotion, mindful role play, mindfulness yoga, and meditation. When implemented correctly, each activity will allow for the students to enhance their behavior, social, emotion and attention skills.

Conclusions: The future implementation of On-The-Spot Mindfulness Techniques would allow for teachers to maximize their time teaching their students and for students to manage their behavior when in a crisis situation using a proactive approach instead of a reactive approach.

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