Patricia Miele, a former third grade teacher at Dutch Neck School, presents “Mindfulness Meditation Goes to School: A Natural Intervention for ADHD” on Wednesday, January 22, at 7:30 p.m. The event, hosted by Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder of Princeton-Mercer County, will take place in the gym of Riverside School, 58 Riverside Drive, Princeton.
Miele will speak about the origins of secular mindfulness — a form of meditation — with a brief overview of the curriculum being taught in classrooms. A description of the brain science behind secular mindfulness will be included.
She will guide the audience through the experience of some different skills that are taught to all children participating in mindfulness classes. While her focus is on bringing it into classrooms, all people can benefit from this simple and accessible day-to-day practice for calming the stressed, racing mind and being present.
Secular mindfulness curriculum is increasingly being taught in classrooms around the world. Miele will answer questions including what exactly is secular mindfulness and how is it distinct from other forms of meditation, what is the value of children learning mindfulness, what is the brain science supporting this growing area of education, and how does this assist children with ADHD and other issues?
She will also guide the audience through a few lessons the children and teens experience when learning the skills to increase focus, attentiveness, and self-regulation.
With a background in music, creative writing, fitness, yoga, and mindfulness, Miele’s focus in education has always been on all aspects of a child’s development. Understanding the physical, social, and emotional needs of a child and how they affect his/her ability to learn has long driven her teaching.
A private tutor specializing in children with focus and attention challenges, Miele integrates mindfulness skills into all of her sessions. She is tutoring high school teens in mindfulness to help them manage test anxiety and stress related to being a student.
Miele is also facilitating a book group for parents to discuss “Brainstorm,” a new book about the adolescent brain. The group will meet Friday, February 7, at 7:30 p.m. E-mail atmindfultrish8@gmail.com.
