Why Your Classroom Needs the Dreamwalkers Five S’s of Meditation
Meditation might seem like a big, mysterious concept—especially if you’ve never tried it before. But teaching kids to meditate doesn’t have to be complicated. The key to success lies in simplicity. That’s why Dreamwalkers Meditations created the Five S’s: Silence, Space, Stillness, sBreathe, and Share. These five easy-to-follow steps provide a clear roadmap for introducing meditation into your classroom and creating a peaceful, focused environment for learning.
Breaking Down the Five S’s
Silence
Before you can cultivate calm minds, you need to create a calm space. Silence is the foundation of meditation. Start by dimming the lights, putting a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door, and telling your students, “Our meditation time has begun.” This simple ritual signals a shift in focus, helping students settle into a quieter, more reflective state. Studies have shown that quiet environments reduce stress and improve concentration, making silence a powerful tool for fostering mindfulness (Taylor et al., 2017).
Space
Meditation requires physical and mental room to breathe. Encourage your students to find a space that feels comfortable, whether they’re seated at their desks, leaning against the wall, or lying on the floor. The goal is to create a personal bubble of calm for each child. Be mindful of potential distractions like toys or noisy items and guide students to choose spots that promote focus.
Stillness
Stillness is a skill that develops over time. It’s natural for kids to feel wiggly or restless, especially during the first few sessions. Remind your students that it’s okay to move a little as they learn to settle their bodies and minds. With consistent practice, stillness will become more intuitive. Research suggests that stillness helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to relaxation and improved emotional regulation (Brown & Wilson, 2018).
sBreathe
Breathing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to calm the mind. Dreamwalkers adds a playful twist by calling this step “sBreathe.” Encourage your students to take a few deep, sleepy breaths or audible sighs to settle into the moment. Conscious breathing reduces stress hormones and boosts focus, making it an essential part of any meditation practice.
Share
Reflection is a vital part of the meditation process. After each session, invite your students to share their thoughts, feelings, or observations. This can be done through group discussions, journaling, or completing one of the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) activities included in Calm Kids, Calm Classrooms. Sharing not only validates the meditation experience but also strengthens the classroom community.
Why the Five S’s Work
The Five S’s aren’t just steps; they’re tools for teaching mindfulness in a way that’s accessible and impactful. By breaking meditation down into manageable pieces, the Five S’s make it easier for students to develop self-regulation, focus, and emotional awareness. Teachers report that using this framework transforms the classroom atmosphere, creating a calmer, more cohesive learning environment.
Tips for Implementation
Start Small: Introduce one “S” at a time to help students get comfortable with the practice.
Model the Process: Participate in the meditation alongside your students to set a positive example.
Celebrate Effort: Acknowledge students for trying, even if they struggle with stillness or focus.
A Classroom Transformation
The Five S’s are more than a meditation framework—they’re a pathway to improved mental health and academic success. When students practice Silence, Space, Stillness, sBreathe, and Share consistently, they develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom. From managing stress to enhancing empathy, the benefits of meditation are profound.
So, if you’re looking for an easy and effective way to bring mindfulness into your classroom, remember the Dreamwalkers Five S’s. Start small, stay consistent, and watch as your students—and your classroom—transform.