Incorporating mindfulness into your classroom routine can positively shift the energy in your classroom from chaos to calm in a magical way.
As with anything new, though, getting started can be the most challenging part. Even the most prepared, passionate, well-meaning teachers will be met with some resistance. We are dealing with human students, after all. Especially if you are working with middle or high school students, you will likely encounter at least a couple of kids who aren’t willing to “play along.”
Students who are resistant to participating in a mindfulness exercise or meditation might feel self-conscious. They might be trying to impress their friends, or maybe they are just craving some attention. Who knows. They are complicated creatures, for sure.
Whatever the reason, here are 3 tips for meeting this resistance in a positive way so the majority of your students will continue to benefit.
Tip #1: Help your students understand.
Introduce the practice of mindfulness to your students in a way they can understand. Be very up-front and clear with them about why you are asking them to participate in a mindfulness practice. Are you trying to help them focus? Tell them that. Are you hoping some mindfulness will help them calm down and prepare to learn? Don’t keep it a secret. Explain to your students how the practice of mindfulness can help them feel less anxious and more peaceful. They are more likely to “buy-in” when they can clearly see what’s in it for them.
My post titled “How to Introduce Meditation in the Classroom” has some more helpful tips for getting started in a way that will encourage participation.
Tip #2: Meet resistance with love and presence.
Once you’ve explained the benefits of mindfulness to your students and talked to them about why you want to try some mindful practices in your classroom, you’re ready to get started.
Okay, so imagine you’ve invited your class to sit up tall in their chairs and close their eyes. Most students gladly accept your invitation, but there are a couple of kids in the back who do not. They are slouching in their chairs, rolling their eyes, daring you to “make” them participate.
First of all, don’t let them see even a glimmer of discouragement. Meet their resistance with love. Stay grounded. You have some options for responding. Of course the “right” choice for you will depend on your teaching style and personality.
Offer more choices. I’ll sometimes say things like, “Even if you’d rather not participate, you can just put your head down on your desk and take a break.” Even your most resistant students are likely to welcome a chance to rest. I’ve had students ask, “Do you mean I can take a nap?” I always reply, “Sure.”
Listen, no one is going to fall asleep. Let them think they are getting some kind of special privilege. Their eyes are closed, they’re hearing your voice. Does it really matter if they’re sitting up straight or resting their head?
Wait it out. After you’ve invited your students to close their eyes, be patient. Say something like, “I’ll wait just a moment longer for everyone to close their eyes…Yes, even you, Joey. Thank you.” Some kids just need a gentle nudge. Look around the room and make eye contact with anyone who still has their eyes open. Wait for any giggling and whispering to subside. Let the room settle into silence for a few moments before beginning the meditation.
Ignore the resistance. Some students aren’t comfortable closing their eyes or putting their head down. That’s totally fine. Some are just too cool. That’s okay, too. If all else fails, ignore any resistant behavior. Keep your voice calm and positive, and just keep going as if everyone is participating.
Tip #3: Don’t give up.
Don’t let a few Negative Nancys discourage you. What you are doing for your students is huge. Teaching kids that they are not their thoughts can be life-changing. If you can help even one student recognize the power they have over their reactions, thoughts, and emotions, you have done something truly miraculous.
If you continue to incorporate mindful practices into your daily classroom routine, your students will feel more and more comfortable. Even students who are resistant at first, might change their tune. As the “newness” wears off and they see that they are not receiving the attention they might be seeking by resisting, some students will get curious enough to join in.
Even if they don’t, just keep doing what you’re doing. You’ll never know the far-reaching effects of your presence and love. Even the most stubborn students are hearing your words and seeing your example. They can’t help but be impacted positively.
We’re in this together, teachers. Don’t give up.
Do you have any other tips for dealing with resistance? Drop a comment below! Need some more ideas? Check out my “5 Minute Meditation for Visualizing Success.”
