Mindfulness techniques pay off outside the classroom

Gloria Lowe knows all about best practices in the classroom. She’s been teaching English and Spanish for more than 30 years and has spent the last 10 at Reagan High School. Lowe’s focus is much broader than the basics of learning the Spanish language. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is part of her daily classroom routine and mindfulness is the main course.

Lowe emphasizes gratitude lists, breathing techniques, SEL check-ins and positivity jars, so her students leave with tangible options to use during the day.

“The breathing exercises, gratitude lists and check-ins serve to encourage us to be the best version of ourselves and to do the best we can regardless of our circumstances,” said Lowe. “By providing them with opportunities to express themselves, I can see how much better their disposition is in class and towards learning that day.”

Teachers across North East ISD incorporate similar SEL techniques into their daily classroom routine. Lowe knows when her students are operating in a good headspace, learning comes naturally. Part of the process includes Lowe opening up to her students.

“It was not always easy for me to be vulnerable with my students,” said Lowe. “But as I saw the need in my students, I decided I had to meet them where they were and I have been doing that in one form or another for the last 25 years.”

Simple mindfulness techniques are making a huge difference in the lives of Lowe’s students. Watch the video to find out what they’re grateful for.