Barnum Woods is a pioneer in the mindfulness movement

On top of Karnik Beri’s desk sat three decorated stones, reading, “nature,” “breathe” and “relax.” The second-grade student at Barnum Woods Elementary School said that he used them to remind him to be mindful throughout the day.

Mindfulness is becoming increasingly prevalent in classrooms throughout the country and the East Meadow School District is at the forefront of the new teaching initiative. On Jan. 25, Barnum Woods hosted East Islip and West Islip school districts for an introductory summit on the matter.

“We wanted to help our students relax, boost their self-esteem and get them ready to learn,” said Principal Greg Bottari, on the school’s decision to integrate mindfulness exercises into the classroom.

The visiting teachers received a crash course on mindfulness and saw it in action in Jennifer Keicher’s second-grade class. There, students pause to meditate after the morning announcements and participate in several exercises meant to increase mental awareness. This includes the utilization of a “glitter jar,” in which the students shake a jar full of glitter, which represents their emotions, and watch it settle to the bottom.

“All children have daily stressors,” said School Psychologist Leeanna Bonnett. “We want them to be as ready to learn as possible.”

Parents have also been introduced to the holistic practice. On Jan. 22, the PTA hosted a seminar geared toward East Meadow families, at which Cory Muscara, a mindfulness teacher most recognizable for his appearances on “The Dr. Oz Show,” gave a crash course on meditation and how it can be used to alleviate stress and channel it into progress.