Using Mindfulness to Math Anxiety, Increase Focus and Improve Self-control in a 7 th grade Math Class

 Anxiety reduction through self-reflective writing  Goals Reduce mathematical anxiety Increase exam scores Baseline – Previous exams and Student Anxiety Survey

 Average of two previous exams – 64.9%  Student Survey – 9% - high levels of mathematical test anxiety 36% - moderate levels of mathematical test anxiety 55% - little to no anxiety in math Intervention – Self Reflective Writing sample immediately before the next exam

 Please take the next five minutes to write as openly as possible about your thoughts and feelings regarding the math test you are about to take. In your writing, I want you to really let yourself go and explore your emotions and thoughts as you are getting ready to start this test. You might relate your current thoughts to the way you have felt during other similar situations at school or in your life. Please try to be as open as possible as you write about your thoughts at this time.

 Average on exam – 64.3% (-0.6% change, not statistically significant)  Comments from self reflective writing piece I didn’t study (or study enough) I don’t understand the material I’m afraid to fail (or get a low grade) I always do poorly on tests

 Based upon comments from writing piece – introduce mindful meditation practices to improve attention, focus, and address negative thoughts/emotions  Breathing and Guided Imagery Anchor Breath Leaf in a stream Vacuum Breathing Buzz Breathing

 Introduced and practiced breathing and guided imagery over several weeks (one a week, once a week)  Students encouraged to write about how they felt in journals, use techniques whenever/wherever they needed to

 Vacuum breathing was rated as the best/most enjoyable activity (90% to 95% positive)  Leaf in a Stream and anchor breathing also popular (70% to 90%)  Buzz breathing fun for students but not useful (and difficult to stop!)  Overall, students commented on feeling better (3 to 1 in positive responses) Calmer Refreshed relaxed

 Personally rewarding  Majority of students participated and enjoyed the activities  Worthwhile research, but lack of time and quantifiable results lead me to question implementation next year

 The Way of Mindfulness by Daniel Rechtschaffen  10% Happier by Dan Harris