Why Mindfulness ?

Here you will find information on mindfulness & social emotional learning.

Spring Valley Elementary School is proud to have Mrs. Jordon as our school counselor. Mrs. Jordon is gifted in finding and exploiting tools that help our students be more successful, mindfulness and social emotional learning is only two of those tools. This page will help you get a better understanding of how these tool are utilized.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being more aware – aware of what is going on inside of you, like your thoughts, emotions and sensations in your body, aware of what is going on around you – opening. up your peripheral vision.We often go through our day on “Autopilot”, like a car that is driving itself. Mindfulness allows you to practice slowing down, being more intentional (doing things on purpose, rather than doing them through habit) and increasing our awareness and attention to what is happening in each moment.

The Way Mindfulness Works

The way we think (and what we think about) can affect how we feel and act. For example, if you think or worry a lot about upsetting past or future events, you might often feel sad or anxious.

The theory behind mindfulness is that by using various techniques to bring your attention to the present (usually focusing on your body and your breathing), you can:

1.Notice how thoughts come and go in your mind. You may learn that they don’t have to define who you are, or your experience of the world, and you can let go of them.

2.Notice what your body is telling you. For example, tension or anxiety can often be felt in your body (such as in a fast heartbeat, tense muscles or shallow breathing).

3.Create space between you and your thoughts, so you can react more calmly.

Mindfulness is like a gym for the brain. The more you practice, the stronger your mind gets.

What Is Social Emotional Learning?

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

What Are The Five SEL Competencies?

Self-awareness: the ability to identify and assess your thoughts, feelings, and values, as well as how they intersect with your behaviors
Self-management: the ability to not only identify but regulate emotions, thoughts, and actions
Responsible decision-making: the ability to make positive, constructive choices about your behavior
Social awareness: the ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, as well as learning social and ethical behavior
Relationship skills: the ability to get along and make meaningful connections with people in their life

Spring Valley Elementary School 8838 E. 83rd Street, Raytown, MO 64138 Phone: 816-268-7270