Guiding children in understanding their neurological functioning
Momentous School in Dallas, a private elementary school serving 225 students, primarily from low-income families, is making waves in the education sector. Operated by Momentous Institute, a nonprofit organisation focused on child development and family support, the school is a beacon of innovation and equality in education.
The school's unique approach, which emphasises social and emotional learning, has become a topic of debate in education and cultural discourse. Lessons on emotions, relationships, and social awareness are integrated into the curriculum, aiming to equip students with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges effectively.
Recent studies conducted by Momentous Institute and the Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas at Dallas have shown promising results. With 97% of students earning a high school diploma and 48% earning a college degree, it appears that this approach may be contributing to positive outcomes for Momentous School's graduates.
Every day at Momentous School, educators present lessons on neuroscience and mindfulness practices to students from preschool to fifth grade. Preschoolers learn about the brain through singing 'The Brain Song' and practising mindfulness by lying down with stuffed animals and watching them move up and down as they breathe. Older students learn calming strategies like slowly counting each finger on their hands while breathing in and out, and classrooms offer tactile models of the brain to help students understand different parts.
This focus on mindfulness practices is not unique to Momentous School. Across the country, schools are adopting similar practices, according to the Child Mind Institute. The goal is to teach self-awareness and regulation, giving students the agency and tools to handle stress effectively.
Rick Kinder, creator of a mindfulness program called 'Wellness Works in Schools,' said that once kids can calm themselves, even just through breathing, it's like a 'wow' moment. The emphasis on mental health and brain science at Momentous School has been found to help families better cope with pressures such as poverty.
Momentous School is funded by philanthropic donations. The organization invites readers to join and support their work in keeping educators and the public informed about pressing issues in education. They provide in-depth, fact-based, unbiased reporting on education that is free to all readers.
Gomez, a representative from Momentous School, stated that the goal is to teach children how to handle stress effectively, giving them the tools they need to navigate life's challenges. The school was developed based on research by Momentous Institute, making it a testament to the power of evidence-based education.
In a world where stress and pressure are increasingly common, the approach at Momentous School offers a promising solution. By focusing on the mind and emotional wellbeing, the school is helping its students not just to succeed academically, but to thrive in life.
