Mindfulness in Teaching Ft. Erin Thorkilsen

Erin Thorkilsen

Meet our guest

Erin Thorkilsen has been an educator for the past 18 years working as an elementary classroom teacher, adult and children's yoga and mindfulness instructor, and teacher of teachers. She is a frequent speaker for topics such as mindfulness for parents and teachers, effective language with children, and mindfulness practices for young children including speaking at the Mindfulness in Education Conference in 2017 and 2018.

Currently, Erin is the Director of Associate Teachers and a kindergarten teacher at Greens Farms Academy and a yoga teacher at Saraswati's Yoga Joint. She holds a M.S. in Elementary Education, has taught at public and private schools in New York, Martha's Vineyard, New Zealand, and Connecticut, and leads yoga teacher training, workshops, and international retreats for adults.

““Mindfulness provides space, a pause. You’re able to make more thoughtful decisions.””

— Erin Thorkilsen

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Teacher Takeaways

Mindfulness

1. Children’s mindful practices are most effective when:

   • Visual

   • Tangible

   • Playful

2. It’s important for teachers to have their own mindful practice(s).

   • Being mindful as a teacher first allows you to check-in with yourself.

   • Think: “Can I respond or am I about to react?”

   • When feeling reactive, model for children by verbally talking through how you’re feeling and how you’ll calm yourself.

     • i.e) “I’m feeling overwhelmed, let’s take a few deep breaths together.”

3. Mindful Activities:

   1. Ask “What makes you happy today?” at morning meeting to encourage authentic conversations.

   2. Create a “Mindful Menu” of mindful practices that are quick. Students can lead one of the menu practices each day. Refer to the menu throughout the day, not just in moments of chaos.

   3. Ask “What’s the weather?” Compare emotions to the weather to let kids know that, like the weather, emotions are always changing. i.e) sunny = happy. Use a snow globe as a visual to show this.

4. You’re never doing it wrong. Even a minute and three deep breaths are effective; go for it!

5. Kids are already present, they have a sense of awe and joy; they are in the moment. Look for those moments to let them (children) be your teachers.

Resources

Erin’s Book List

• “Mindfulness for Teachers” by Tish Jennings

• “Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda” by Lauren Alderfer

• “What Does it Mean to be Present?” by Rana DiOrio

• “Sitting Still Like a Frog” by Eline Snel

• For more resources and products (yoga card decks), visit Mindful Yoga Breaks online