Episode Overview:

Join Tina Wiles on this enlightening journey into the world of mindfulness in the classroom with special guest Gabrielle Plastrik. In this episode of the Assessment Alchemist podcast, we delve into how mindfulness can transform educational experiences for both teachers and students.

Key Points Discussed:

• Introduction to Mindfulness in Education: Gabrielle shares her journey in teaching various grades and how mindfulness became an integral part of her classroom.

• Mindfulness Techniques: Explore the "fight, flight, and float" technique and other mindfulness strategies that Gabrielle employs in her classes. Discover how these practices help students in managing stress and anxiety.

• Classroom Experiences: Learn about the challenges and rewards of teaching mindfulness to students of different ages, and how Gabrielle tailors these practices to suit various needs.

• Impact on Inclusivity and Support: Discussion on how mindfulness contributes to a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment.

• Mindfulness vs. Traditional Classroom Management: Insights into how mindfulness techniques differ from, and can enhance, traditional teaching methods.

• Addressing Test Anxiety: Explore the connection between mindfulness practices in the classroom and reduced test anxiety among students.

• Advice for Teachers: Gabrielle provides recommendations and resources for educators interested in incorporating mindfulness into their teaching.

• Debunking Mindfulness Myths: Addressing misconceptions about mindfulness in education and emphasizing the importance of personal practice and adaptation to individual classroom needs.

Closing Thoughts:

Gabrielle emphasizes the universality of anxiety and the importance of experiencing all emotions in a healthy way. She encourages educators and others interested in mindfulness in education to reach out for more information and support.

Magical Quotes from the Episode:

1. "One of the biggest things about anxiety is the feeling of being out of control... that's why techniques like mindful breathing can be so empowering for students."

2. "I think when you said, like, the teacher practicing themselves, right, like knowing the self, taking the self-reflection and being able to relate to the students... can

3. "It's like having a toolbox, right? You don't need all of the tools all of the time, but you have them there in case you can use them."

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