Mindfulness in the Classroom: An Evidence-Based Program to Reduce Disruptive Behavior and Increase Academic Engagement

Based on the popular Soles of the Feet program, this groundbreaking resource for teachers offers a proven-effective, mindfulness-based intervention to reduce disruptive behavior in the classroom—so everyone can get back to learning.

As a teacher, you know that some kids need extra help staying focused in the classroom. You’ve probably also lost countless hours of precious learning time in class due to student disruption. Whether kids are suffering from stress, a behavior disorder, or emotional issues—the good news is that there are real tools you can use to help children manage their feelings, stay on task, and reach their full potential. This book will show you how.

In Mindfulness in the Classroom, two experts in the field of mindfulness research, child psychology, and school psychology offer a mindfulness-based intervention to help support a healthy learning environment. Based on the authors’ Soles of the Feet program, this book provides an evidence-based strategy to help you put a stop to disruptive behavior in the classroom, and help kids be their very best.

Without early intervention for disruptive behaviors, many students will maintain these behaviors as adults. The Soles of the Feet program not only decreases disruptive behavior and increases teaching time, it also improves the long-term outcome for children experiencing behavior challenges—so they can thrive well into adulthood.

Joshua C. Felver, PhD, ABPP, is assistant professor of psychology at Syracuse University, and director of clinical training in the school psychology program. Felver teaches courses in child development, child and family interventions, and school-based mental health. His research broadly focuses on the development, implementation, and study of mindfulness-based programming in school and community settings. He directs the Mind Body Laboratory which studies how mindfulness-based programming implemented in schools can support academic functioning and classroom behavior, and investigates the neurobiological mechanisms of contemplative practices.

Nirbhay N. Singh, PhD, BCBA-D, is clinical professor of psychiatry and health behavior at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, certified behavior analyst, and developer of the Mindfulness-Based Positive Behavior Support (MBPBS) and Soles of the Feet programs. His research focuses on assistive technology, health and wellness interventions, and mindfulness-based programs across the life span that reduce suffering and enhance quality of life. He is editor in chief of Mindfulness and Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Foreword writer Robert Horner, PhD, is professor emeritus of special education at the University of Oregon. His history of research, grants management, and systems change efforts related to school reform and positive behavior support include helping schools and school administrators develop systems for positive behavior support.