Date of Award

12-2022

Document Type

Action Research Project

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Education

First Advisor

Carol Knicker

Department/School

Education

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of mindfulness on student stress and anxiety. This study occurred in a small rural school approximately an hour southwest of Chicago, Illinois. The classroom was a self-contained general education classroom consisting of 15 kindergarteners. All 15 participants were between the ages of five and six. The action research took place over four weeks. Over these four weeks, the researcher taught students mindfulness strategies that included deep breathing exercises and meditation - an awareness of senses and emotions. All 15 students participated in mindfulness daily. Data was collected over the entirety of the study. On-task behaviors were observed and recorded twice daily. Students were surveyed on their emotions twice daily. The researcher conferenced with students one-on-one weekly. The researcher also kept a journal to note observations during the study. The data shows that students on task behavior improved when mindfulness was implemented. The data also shows that feelings of sadness and anxiety decreased and happiness increased when mindfulness was practiced daily.

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