Teaching Mindfulness Skills to Kids and Teens

Packed with creative, effective ideas for bringing mindfulness into the classroom, child therapy office, or community, this book features sample lesson plans and scripts, case studies, vignettes, and more. Leading experts describe how to harness the unique benefits of present-focused awareness for pre-schoolers, school-age kids, and teens, including at-risk youth and those with special needs. Strategies for overcoming common obstacles and engaging kids with different learning styles are explored. Chapters also share ways to incorporate mindfulness into a broad range of children's activities, such as movement, sports, music, games, writing, and art.

Giving clinicians and educators practices they can use immediately, the book includes clear explanations of relevant research findings.

Table of Contents

Foreword, Susan Kaiser Greenland

Introduction: Toward a Model of Teaching and Learning Mindfulness, Christopher Willard

I. Bringing Mindfulness to Youth

1. Mindfulness with Elementary-School-Age Children: Translating Foundational Practices from the Clinic to the Classroom, Lindsey Knowles, Matthew S. Goodman, & Randye J. Semple
2. Teaching Mindfulness to Captive Teens in the Classroom, Richard Burnett
3. Mindfulness with Special-Needs Populations, Wynne Kinder & Christen Coscia
4. Teaching Mindfulness across Differences: A Spectrum of Perspectives, Betsy Hanger
5. Child Development: Attunement, Attachment, and Emerging Qualities, Lesley Grant
6. "Right Now, We're Not Meditating": Working with Youth Who Challenge Us, Joanna Harper
7. Mindfulness-Based Substance Abuse Treatment with Probation-Involved Youth, Sam Himelstein
8. Cultivating Rootedness and Connectedness in a Digital Age, Ozum Ucok-Sayrak & Gregory Kramer
9. Mindful Parenting: A Mindfulness Course for Parents in Mental Health Treatment, Susan Bögels

II. Bringing Mindfulness to Life

10. Yoga: Reaching Heart and Mind through the Body, Jennifer Cohen Harper
11. Movement and Dance, Suzi Tortora
12. Mindfulness in Sports, Amy Saltzman
13. The Young and the Hungry, Marcella Wuchler Cox & Char Wilkins
14. Mindfulness in Nature, Iman L. Khan
15. Mindfulness with a Beat, Betsy Rose
16. Mindfulness and Art, Vanessa C. L. Weiner
17. Mindful Games, Deborah M. Plummer
18. The Contemplation Music Writing Project: "Get into It, and Get It Out", Jeffrey Pflaum

III. The Science of Mindfulness

19. Mindfulness Training for Children and Adolescents: Updates on a Growing Science with Novel Applications, David S. Black, Marvin G. Belzer, Randye J. Semple, & Brian M. Galla
20. Mindfulness, Executive Function, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Bringing It All Together, Mark Bertin
21. Neurobiological Models of Meditation Practices: Implications for Applications with Youth, Willoughby Britton & Arielle Sydnor

Index

"What a delight to have such a deep and broad reference to inform and advance the field of teaching mindfulness to youth! Willard and Saltzman have their fingers on the pulse of this rapidly growing field, while keeping their feet firmly planted on the ground. Assembled mindfully, lovingly and skillfully, this volume is written and edited by leading authorities. Take the time to delve in deeper after scanning the impressive table of contents, and you will find a richness of content and wisdom to inform and guide you in doing this important work."
- Steven D. Hickman, PsyD, Executive Director, Center for Mindfulness, University of California, San Diego

"Being aware of life as it unfolds brings clarity, connection, and creativity into everyday experiences. This magnificent collection of pearls of wisdom and practical advice is an important resource for any educator or clinician who supports the development of children and teens. The experienced contributors offer unique perspectives on cultivating mindful awareness with a range of populations and age groups, offering a spectrum of accessible, useful strategies we can apply immediately. Soak in these pages and enjoy the benefits for all concerned!"
- Daniel J. Siegel, MD, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles; Executive Director, Mindsight Institute

"I can't think of a book about working with youth that is more comprehensive, detailed, practical, and clear. The down-to-earth, broadly applicable approach outlined here will draw out children's and teens' boundless inner strength, creativity, resilience, and kindness. I hope every person that teaches or counsels our children reads this book."
- Congressman Tim Ryan, author of "A Mindful Nation"

"A remarkable synthesis of the mindfulness in education movement. Balancing research, theory, and practical guidance, this book is a 'must have' for anyone interested in integrating mindfulness into their work with youth. Instead of just telling kids to pay attention, be nice to each other, and regulate their emotions, this book shows how to support them experientially in cultivating these priceless qualities. The contributors offer deep insights into how to integrate mindfulness into diverse communities and how to teach all youth who could benefit, including those with special needs or addictions."
- Daniel Rechtschaffen, MFT, author of "The Way of Mindful Education"

" Willard and Saltzman have put together a rich tapestry of accessible, practical applications for bringing mindfulness to children and adolescents. What s unique about this book is the wide range of ways it offers to help young people build emotional intelligence and resilience, and to prepare them to thrive on their way to adulthood."
- Elisha Goldstein, PhD, Co-Founder, Center for Mindful Living, Los Angeles

"This book sparkles like a diamond--its many facets will dazzle the reader. Leading authors have contributed insightful chapters on the latest developments in mindfulness for children and youth. A 'must read.'"
- Eline Snel, Director, International Academy for Mindful Teaching, The Netherlands"

"An invaluable resource for anyone interested in teaching contemplative practices to youth. The contributing authors beautifully and authentically illustrate how mindfulness can be taught to youth in many different settings. Today s youth can greatly benefit from engaging with mindfulness skills; this book offers excellent examples for how these practices fit into the lives of children and teens."
- Joshua C. Felver, PhD, School Psychology Program, Department of Psychology, Syracuse University