Baltimore School Deals With Conflict By Sending Kids To Mindful Moment Room

What if elementary school kids began each day with a mindfulness breathing exercise, had the option of taking yoga classes, and were sent to a relaxing room to chill and re-center themselves instead of going to the principal?

While this scenario seems like it would likely occur in a progressive private school, it’s actually the reality for students at Robert W. Coleman Elementary in West Baltimore… and these unconventional methods are helping the school community:

During the 2013-2014 year, there were no suspensions. The thoughtful exercises and practices are part of the Mindful Moment program of the Holistic Life Foundation, founded by Ali and Atman Smith, two brothers who grew up locally, and their friend Andres Gonzalez.

The Foundation was created in 2001, and the need for a positive outlet for kids in this particular area has been critical recently. The mindfulness exercises help engage the students, teachers, and staff to effectively address problems in a more beneficial way.

What happens in the room?

For example, when a student is referred to the Mindful Moment Room, he goes through breathing and centering exercises with a staff member, discusses his feelings and emotions surrounding the incident, and works with the staff to figure out what mindfulness technique he could use next time a similar situation arises

As the year progresses, kids can recall their mindfulness “training” when asked, averting conflict on occasion and empowering them to take control over their actions and the emotions behind them. Visits to the Mindful Moment Room often decrease by the end of the year as well, as students become more familiar with these beneficial methods and how to effectively use them.

Is this a good idea? Should more schools use this system?