Meditating before tests

What are your thoughts on leading students through a quick (5-ish-minute) guided meditation before taking a test? Do you think it would be beneficial? What about backlash from parents? Any thoughts appreciated.

 

I would call it a focusing strategy instead of meditation.

 

Agreed.

And five minutes is a long time. Maybe shorten it to one or two minutes if possible.

 

Even a 30 second meditation (starting when they're all quiet and still) I've found can be beneficial for kids who rarely take a quiet moment to gather their thoughts. I agree with just reframing it as a "focus minute", or a "minute to gather their thoughts". You probably won't get any parent backlash if you do that.

 

Perfect! Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated.

 

Our counselor has worked on it this year and calls it mindfulness.

 

I teach my kids how to use "visualization" to "escape" for a few minutes to a safe, comfortable place when they are stressed before an exam, or if they can't sleep at night. I reminded a student about it and started walking him through it when he said he felt a panic attack coming on. Seemed to help. Visualization, going on a brain vacation, whatever - all the same thing. Euphemisms - got to love them!