Mindfulness & Neuroplasticity: Implications for Students with

Learning DisabilitiesNicole L. James

Student #6984827National University

In partial fulfillment of Level II Requirements

Pre-Test

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Mindfulness & Neuroplasticity Pre-Test

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What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a way to “increase awareness of one’s internal and external experience and promotes reflection, self-regulation, and caring for others—the very factors that studies have identified as important to learning, and to developing supportive relationships” (Jennings, 1).

http://youtube.com/v/xoLQ3qkh0w0

Mindfulness in Special Ed Classrooms

★By practicing mindfulness, students previously unable to hold their pencil due to motor tics are now able to write.

★Mindfulness training has shown to improve attention, focus, memory, self-understanding and self-acceptance. In addition, mindfulness helps to alleviate anxiety by focusing on the present rather than worrying about the future (Hooker & Fodor, 2008).

Ongoing Research

Studies scheduled for completion in 2015:

Improving Classroom Learning Environments by Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education (CARE): A Cluster Randomized Controlled Efficacy Trial

CALM (Comprehensive Approach to Learning Mindfulness)/The CALM Teachers Study

What is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity refers to the potential that the brain has to reorganize by creating new neural pathways to adapt, as it needs.

http://youtube.com/v/sWJeR8TTQ3I

The Scientific Learning Company has several software programs specifically designed to help improve the learning potential of students with learning difficulties. Scientific Learning's software programs use exercises to help strengthen students weaker cognitive functioning areas. These programs are designed to create positive neuroplastic changes in the deficit areas of the child's brain. Scientific Learning's most famous program is called Fast ForWord.

Cogmed's learning software for people with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). The company's programs target three different age groups that have problems with ADD. Cogmed JM is for pre-schoolers, Cogmed RM is for school-age children, and Cogmed QM is for adults. The software creates neuroplastic changes that are aimed at improving user's working memory.

Mindfulness Activities

Mindfulness and the Art of Chocolate EatingMindfulness Exercise Script

Mindfulness Exercise Audio Introducing Breathing Meditation Metaphorical Story for Teaching Meditation Tips for Dealing with Exam Stress Mindfulness in Education: Insights & Tips

Further Reading

The Mindful Child by Susan Greenland

Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Mindful Teaching and Teaching Mindfulness: A Guide for Anyone who Teaches Anything by Deborah Schoeberlein & Suki Sheth

The Mindful Brain by Dan Siegel

Heal Thyself by Saki Santorelli

Building Emotional Intelligence by Linda Lantieri

Post-Test

Please take a few moments to answer the following 6-question survey.

Mindfulness & Neuroplasticity Post-Test

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References

Buczynski, R. (2010). Using neuroplasticity with kids: One way to strengthen a child’s brain. [Video file]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUmU QBzU5eM.

Greater Good Science Center (2010). Jon Kabat-Zin: What is mindfulness? [Video file]. Retrieved from:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoLQ3qkh0w0

References

Hooker, K.E. & Fodor, I.ZE. (2008). Teaching mindfulness to children. Gestalt Review, 12 (1), 75-91.

Jennings, P. (2010) Mindful education. Greater Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life. University of California, Berkeley. http://greatergood. berkeley.edu/article /item/mindful_education.