Meditation Corner in Classroom

Project-The Meditation Corner in Ms. Cotran's Class
The mission: to change the world into a more positive and peaceful place, by impacting one student at a time.  My name is Kristina Cotran, and I am a Special Education teacher at a high school located in Ontario, CA.  I believe that now, more than ever, high school students need to learn how to live in the present moment.  They desparately want to connect with others, but first need to learn how to truly connect with themselves.  Mindfulness meditation is a strategy that can assist with self-regulation, focus, and emotional well-being.  My recent certification with Breathe For Change as a yoga teacher and Wellness Champion has inspired me to create a space in my new classroom for a meditation corner and to offer yoga to students and staff on my campus. Your donation will help to achieve this life-changing vision for students in need.  

Why meditation and how does it work for students with disabilities?

In schools, "meditation" is a broad term used to describe breathing exercises, visualization, or focusing energy on positive affirmations.  Dan Harris quoted that "meditation is simple, secular, and scientifically validated exercise for your brain."  It teaches the mind how to focus and what to focus on, which is essential for students to learn successfully.  The majority of freshman students I serve come from low-income homes that are filled with anxiety and stress.  Almost daily, I have to attend to students struggling with their negative emotions and behaviors.  For students in these situations, mindfulness meditation programs have shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.   Meditation also has been shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD and learning disorders (Journal of Psychiatry, 2011.)  I've experienced that it is a great behavioral intervention to assist students with overcoming impulsivity and with making better decisions. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that meditation practices in schools have helped to increase attendance and decrease suspensions for high school students (Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 2003)--which is exactly what we aim to do for our special education students at my high school.

Read more about the effectiveness of meditation replacing detention in Baltimore Schools.

Read more about the scientific research that supports the use of mindfulness meditation in public schools.

What will your donation help to purchase?


Your donation will help transform a back corner of a large special education classroom into a tranquil, safe space for students to voluntarily go when they need quiet time to regroup, refocus, and re-energize.  In the pictures below, you will see the specific items that will be purchased, with your help.  

First, a translucent room divider will provide a boundary for individual students to go when they are feeling the need to take a quiet break.    Items in this space will be as beautiful as possible, filled with a calming blue background drop, and inspirational photos and quotes.  


While in this space, students may sit on bolsters as they journal their ideas and feelings or draw, as they listen to calming & meditative music.  


Students can use the noise cancelling headphones and a CD player to access music and guided meditation CD's.   While a CD player may seem a bit outdated, its use will allow them to disconnect from technological distractions, so that they can really drop into a state of connecting to their breath.  


In addition, I will be purchasing at least 5 copies each of books such as "The Mindful Teen" and "Breath, Chill" so that interested students may read more about mediatation techniques and relaxation strategies, in order for them to practice independently.  Also, while in this space, students may select cards that contain power thoughts and positive affirmations that they can focus their concentration on while breathing.


A peaceful ambiance  of well-being will be created through the purchase of himalayan sea salt lamps and an essential oil diffuser.  Ultimately, the goal is to create a incredibly peaceful and energetic space that draws students to it; Your donation will help create a place that students have never seen which will allow minds to travel to places they've never been.  The hope is for my students to discover who they truly are and who they aspire to be though learning how to be mindful.


There will also be a sound bowl and chimes available for guided meditation.  I will purchase at least 4 meditation bolsters for students to sit on so that I can eventually lead small groups of students in meditation & breathing exercises between and during classes.


How will my donation make a long lasting impact?Your donation will also be going towards the purchase of 30 yoga mats, which I will be using to lead students in a weekly practice of yoga.  My ultimate goal is to create a yoga club on campus, where I can build a safe space for students who want to experience peace within our school community.  I also envision holding yoga classes for staff members in my room after school, so that we can build our positive vibes and experience connection together while reducing our stress levels and building our professional relationships.

Read a recent article about how yoga is used to reduce teacher burnout.

Read this article from Harvard Medical School that explains how deep breathing evokes the relaxation response.

Where will these items be purchased and why donate?
Your donation will help build community support and awareness about mindfulness in classrooms today. With your donation, I am actively connecting to local mindfulness/meditation/yoga businesses to purchase most items for the corner in hopes that when students ask me where I bought some of these items, I can direct them and their families to these wonderful community centers.  For the remainder of the items, I will be selecting the most cost effective and eco-friendly items on Amazon.  The estimated cost at this time is $1500.
It is my sincere hope that you connect to the mission I have to bring more peace into my classroom which will spread into the world.  Your donation will be an investment in students having a space to learn valuable tools that will assist them in becoming successful, healthy, and happy adults--which is a gift that will continue to give to future generations.  I appreciate your love and support that will enable a dream to become a reality that will impact the lives of so many young people in our community. Namaste.

Click here to view my instructional YouTube channel.