Making children more mindful

Making children more mindful 

with the School of Joy programme

Rohini Majithia, a teacher at The Shriram Millennium School, Faridabad, has been getting some rather unique responses from children of Grade 1 to the School of Joy programme’s meditation segment. After one such session, young Abeer felt good while Anayra reported she was a bit drowsy. “Ashrita said she heard the chirping of birds while Avira felt that all her body parts were getting relaxed,” she recalls. It is heartening to see just how aware children are becoming of their surroundings and their inner selves after meditation. 

“Children have now started looking forward to the sessions; and have become more mindful while listening to the stories,” adds Majithia. The School of Joy programme by Little Light seeks to achieve just that. It focuses on building spiritual fortitude within children, and connecting them with their divine energy for a life full of joy and stability. The programme includes original stories based on spiritual insights, daily practice for self-reflection, projects for a deep dive into these concepts, and meditation for centering the self. 

According to an article by Moonshot Conversations, which is focused on a new way of parenting to shape young minds, language plays a central role in defining and constructing our world view. “It makes sense to pay attention to what words we use as internal and external language,” it reads. In such a scenario, the stories that are part of the School of Joy  programme, and the subsequent oral reinforcements, by the teachers play a huge role in fostering a “growth mindset”—that talents and capabilities are not fixed but evolve through experiences. 

Majithia has seen the changes in her students all through last year. Introducting self compassion for students has shown a great impact in children. They are more kind to themselves and less self critical.They now discuss their emotions and feelings a lot more freely than they would earlier. It has also strengthened the bond between the teacher and students. “When I am listening to a child, I am 100 percent there at that moment. Children are also more open as a result,” she says. According to the above-mentioned article by Moonshot Conversations, when a child receives praise not just for the outcome but for the strategy, effort and progress as well, the growth mindset is strengthened. And that is exactly what is happening at The Shriram Millennium School, Faridabad. 

The School of Joy programme has highlighted the importance of communication and flow of energy between the teacher and the child. “Also, when they share their views, they are no longer judgemental. Rather, they are more accepting of themselves and of each other. The programme has brought the entire class together. They all feel valued,” elaborates Majithia. And indeed, the School of Joy programme focuses on authentic acknowledgment—that no child should be left behind!