Mindfulness and the Virtual School: Effects of Mindfulness Interventions in the Aftermath of Emotional Trauma and Isolation.

Author

Kulliki Kuningas

Date of Award

12-2020

Document Type

Action Research Project

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Education, Montessori

First Advisor

Jennifer Johnson

Department/School

Montessori Elementary Education, Elementary Education

Abstract

This action research studied the effects of mindfulness, meditation, and simple yoga exercises on children in the aftermath of emotional trauma and isolation due to COVID-19. The research further explored how these strategies interact with Montessori philosophy and whether a public Montessori school’s virtual upper elementary environment can accommodate such practices. The study took place over four weeks. Thirty-one upper elementary students in a public metropolitan Montessori school received daily guidance on mindfulness and mediation via Google Meet and instructional videos. The researcher used online pre- and post-surveys, checklists, and students’ journals to collect data. Over the course of the study students demonstrated increased comfort level when expressing emotions. Further study could examine the impact these interventions have if delivered in the non-virtual Montessori classroom.

Recommended Citation

Kuningas, Kulliki. (2020). Mindfulness and the Virtual School: Effects of Mindfulness Interventions in the Aftermath of Emotional Trauma and Isolation.. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/maed/386