Blog

 Picture the scene; it’s Summer School, we have more than 100 teenagers on site and hormone levels are high! Our experienced teaching team knows only too well that teaching teenagers can be challenging due to the many distractions they face, both internal and external.

From social pressures to academic stress, teens often bring these distractions into the classroom, which can interfere with their ability to focus on language learning. At Languages United, we have found that mindfulness can be a valuable strategy at the beginning of a lesson to help students centre themselves, remove distractions, and create a focused mindset that primes them for learning. And our students tell us they love it too.

The Role of Mindfulness in Reducing Distractions

Mindfulness involves paying full attention to the present moment with an open and non-judgmental mindset. When students engage in mindfulness exercises at the start of class, they can let go of worries or distractions and become more receptive to learning. According to a study by Napoli, Krech, and Holley, “mindfulness practices improve attentional and emotional regulation, both essential components in a learning environment” (Napoli, Krech, & Holley, 2005). This makes it a useful tool for teachers, as focused attention is key to understanding and retaining new language skills.

Starting with Mindfulness: Creating the Right Learning Mindset

The beginning of a lesson is a critical time to set the tone and mindset for learning. When teachers lead students in a brief mindfulness activity at the start of class, it can clear away mental clutter and encourage a “learning-ready” state. 

Our students repeatedly tell us that they value and appreciate the two minutes of mindfulness we incorporate into the start of our classes. The go-to favourite is watching underwater scenes, which can be surprisingly calming and beneficial for setting a mindful tone. The gentle movements of marine life and the soft, filtered light underwater have a naturally soothing effect, drawing students’ attention to the present moment. Showing a short underwater video at the start of class helps us to promote a tranquil atmosphere, helping students feel relaxed and focused. The combination of vibrant visuals and serene sounds provides a “reset” from the external distractions they may bring to class, preparing them for a more engaged and mindful learning experience.

The Impact of Mindfulness on Classroom Focus

Integrating mindfulness at the start of a lesson helps remove distractions and creates an optimal mental state for learning. As students become accustomed to mindfulness practices, they develop stronger focus and emotional regulation, which can improve overall language acquisition. Moreover, this routine teaches teens valuable skills in self-awareness and emotional management that extend beyond the classroom.

In conclusion, starting a lesson with a mindfulness activity prepares teenage students for focused, engaged learning. By reducing distractions and setting a positive tone, we help create a calm, centred atmosphere where students are ready to take on the challenges of language learning. This mindful approach is an effective, research-supported way to enhance the classroom experience for teen learners.

Jayne 

REFERENCES:
Napoli, M., Krech, P. R., & Holley, L. C. (2005). Mindfulness Training for Elementary School Students: The Attention Academy. Journal of Applied School Psychology, 21(1), 99–125. https://doi.org/10.1300/J370v21n01_05