Mindfulness Club Thriving & Expanding

​​​​Laura Peurach (Southfield Schools) reports: The TK8 (Thompson School, K-8) Zen Zone came to life during the 2021-2022 school year as I was participating in a six-month SEL/Mindfulness course. My vision was to create a space that would be inviting to my students and would provide them a safe place to practice mindfulness and a bit of yoga.  

​I created a Donors Choose campaign to help me gather materials for the Zen Zone. We were blessed when the campaign was fully funded and we received yoga mats, ambient lighting & inspirational posters to help make the space welcoming. During the lunch & recess block of time, I hosted a small group of students. I taught them breathing exercises, sun-salutations and offered a platform for them to develop their own mindful movements that they shared with their peers. Many also enjoyed being our classroom Mindful Manager throughout the year. The Mindful Manager was in charge of leading the class in breathing exercises as well as mindful movements.

I’m excited to share that the TK8 Zen Zone is moving from my room to a new, more central location within our building with the purpose of being open to ALL students and staff. My current class is designing the bulletin boards, setting up the yoga mats, blocks & bolsters, & helping to hang lights & inspirational posters. By the end of October, the TK8 Zen Zone will be revealed and ready to welcome our school community.
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If you’re interested in developing your own Zen Zone feel free to reach out: [email protected].