Columbus Signature Academy Lincoln Campus staff members are inviting students to take a deep breath as part of a new initiative designed to help students relax.
The Refocus for Learning initiative, which takes place at Lincoln every day after lunch and recess, gives students quiet time for deep breathing and to regain focus on learning, school officials said.
Kindergarten through second grade students do deep breathing with miniature stuffed animals on their stomachs for three minutes, said Brett Findley, CSA Lincoln principal.
The school purchased 150 miniature stuffed animals, which are used to help students monitor their abdominal breathing. Some students are on the floor with their eyes shut, while others relax on a square piece of carpet during the quiet time.
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“Abdominal breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, is a powerful way to decrease stress by activating relaxation centers in the brain,” Findley said.
Students in grades three to six focus on deep breathing and relaxation for five minutes, he said.
Findley said he came up with the idea after hearing about it at a professional development conference through the Indiana Principal Leadership Institute at Indiana State University this summer. He eventually contacted several teachers, who were on board with the idea, he said.
Findley said the program made sense for Lincoln since students are always on the go throughout the day with lunch, recess and classroom activities.
As part of Refocus for Learning, CSA Lincoln’s 354 students begin the relaxation process by coming in from recess to rooms that have the lights dimmed and a quiet environment. They then spend five minutes relaxing and regrouping in preparation for classroom work.
Fourth-grader Max Wilson said the relaxation time allows him a chance to cool down from being outside.
He was joined by fellow classmate Eliza Bodem, who said the time helps her focus and get ready for silent reading.
Students aren’t required to relax in any certain way, Findley said. They may put their head down on their desk, meditate or just sit at their desks, he said.
Fifth-grade teacher Delaney George, who teaches language arts, said the relaxation program provides educators an opportunity to reflect on their mornings.
“(Students) need that time to decompress and come back and refocus,” she said. “It’s nice for all of us to chill together.”
One of Delaney’s students, Kayleigh Coy, said the relaxation time feels like being at home on the couch.
“We never want it to end,” Coy said.
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Refocus for Learning was introduced the first day of school at Columbus Signature Academy Lincoln Campus.
Kindergarten through second grade students focus on deep breathing using miniature stuffed animals placed on their stomachs for three minutes. The goal is to make the stuffed animal rise and fall, said Brett Findley, principal at CSA Lincoln.
Students in grades three to six also participate in deep breathing and relaxation for five minutes. They can choose to put their heads on the desk or meditate, Findley said.
To learn more about CSA Lincoln, visit bcsc.k12.in.us/Domain/788.
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