Research on the Benefits of Whole-School Mindfulness for Children in Elementary School

In a study published in OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine, researchers wanted to see if a school-wide mindfulness program called MindUP helps students and teachers in an urban elementary school.

Over 400 students and 55 staff members joined the study. The program was used with both general education students and students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), who often need more support at school.

The results showed that most students improved in areas like focusing in class, getting along with others, and handling big feelings. Students in the EBD program didn’t show as much improvement, but they still became less aggressive and disruptive.

This study is important because it shows that mindfulness programs like MindUP can help students, especially those who struggle the most.

Understanding the Research

This study examined how well MindUP worked when used with everyone in the school. It had 2 main goals:

• To find out if the MindUP program is easy to use, if it helps students, and if the school can sustain it long-term.
• To see how MindUP works with Tier 3 students — those who are diagnosed with emotional and behavioral challenges — a group that lacks sufficient mindfulness research.

The study was conducted at an urban elementary school in Northeast Florida, which served kindergarten to 5th-grade students.

Of the 436 students, 46% were White, 24% African American, 17% Hispanic, and 42% were low-income. 47 students participated in the Pride program for emotional and behavioral support. The staff included 55 members — 35 teachers and 20 paraprofessionals, and administrators. Only 4 students opted out of the study.

The study used a mixed-methods approach, which involved collecting both qualitative and quantitative data:

• Qualitative data came from interviews, focus groups, surveys, and observations with teachers and school staff.
• Quantitative data included teacher ratings of student behavior and social skills, as well as surveys that measured the teachers’ and students’ satisfaction with MindUP.

These were the main findings:

• The MindUP program was generally effective and well-received in the school setting.
• Teachers viewed the training positively, although some noted challenges with time constraints. The breathing exercises were considered the most helpful component, especially in students who needed emotional regulation.
• Teachers who practiced mindfulness themselves were able to implement the program more successfully.
• Students showed improved social skills, emotional regulation, and reduced disruptive behaviors, particularly in the general education (GE) group.
• While students in the Pride program showed reduced aggression, they did not show significant gains in attention or social-emotional competence.
• Both groups of students reported positive experiences with MindUP. The program also contributed to a more mindful school culture.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

The research shows that mindfulness can help children focus, regulate emotions, and reduce disruptive behaviors — but how can you bring these benefits into daily life? Here are ways to help your child:

Practice deep breathing together

Deep breathing is a simple but powerful way to help children calm their minds and bodies. Spend a few moments each day sitting with your child and breathing slowly and deeply together.

You can try counting breaths or using fun imagery like pretending to blow up a balloon or smelling a flower. Here’s a resource on the benefits of belly breathing and 10 breathing exercises to try.

Read picture books with themes around mindfulness

Children learn best through stories and examples they can relate to. Picture books are a wonderful tool to introduce mindfulness to children because they combine engaging visuals with simple stories.

As you read together, you also create a special opportunity to pause, reflect, and discuss emotions.

Encourage your child to “pause and notice”

Teaching your child to “pause and notice” encourages them to become more aware of their internal experiences and the world around them. This practice can be as simple as focusing on their breathing, listening carefully to nearby sounds, or “sensing” how their body feels when emotions arise. A helpful coping skill related to this concept is Sensory Anchoring.

The researchers also recommend starting mindfulness with a small group of committed teachers and involving parents for better success.

Ready to support your child’s mindfulness practice and mental wellness? Check out our complete collection of worksheets.