How does the Kindfulness Curriculum compare?

When compared to mindfulness, social-emotional learning (SEL), or environmental curricula, there are important distinctions. Here are some of the key differences:

Kindfulness

  • The Kindfulness Curriculum is the first social, emotional, and ecological learning (SEEL) program of its kind.
     
  • Kindfulness teaches students how to take care of themselves, their communities, and their environments.
     
  • The Curriculum aligns to the Common Core English Language Arts (ELA) standards for reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language. Kindfulness sees mindfulness as the foundation for SEL, and SEL as essential to ELA.
     
  • Each lesson also aligns to clear learning standards for mindfulness as well as for SEL.
     
  • Kindfulness believes that mindfulness needs an ethical compass; we choose kindness. Author Deborah Schoeberlein explains the compass concept well in her article: Why Mindfulness Isn't Enough.
     
  • The Kindfulness Curriculum utilizes the Understanding by Design (R) Framework for unit and lesson planning. All lessons have clear objectives and assessments.
     
  • All Kindfulness materials are accessible online. Anytime. Anywhere.

     
  • Kindfulness lessons teach students skills and tools they can apply in their everyday lives.
     
  • The Curriculum gives students the vocabulary to discuss thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Even phrases like "racing thoughts" or questions like "what's on your mind?" deserve a discussion. We teach terminology before techniques.

  • Each concept is described clearly and concisely, then scaffolded and sequenced strategically throughout the Curriculum. Assumptions are removed so that students can really build skills from the ground up.

  • The Kindfulness Curriculum emphasizes inquiry. Each lesson also includes sections dedicated to experience, reflection, and sharing.

  • Kindfulness training is recommended but optional.

Other Programs

  • Most programs focus singularly on mindfulness, (SEL), or environmental education.
     
  • Most programs just focus on one.



     
  • Most mindfulness, SEL, or environmental programs do not align to the Common Core ELA. They do not connect the dots for teachers or students.


     
  • Most programs do not emphasize standards.

     
  • Most programs teach mindfulness for the sake of mindfulness, with the goal of students becoming aware of the present.


     
  • Most programs format their content as informal activities rather than formal lesson plans.


     
  • Most programs deliver a fair amount of their content through printed handbooks, worksheets, posters, and CDs.
     
  • Many programs are more abstract than applied.

     
  • Too often students are told to do things that they're not taught how to do, such as: "clear your head", "think clearly, "focus", "pay attention", "be alert", "settle down", "calm down", "stop getting carried away", "don't be so distracted".
     
  • Many programs have standalone lessons that don't build off of prior knowledge.


     
  • Many programs stunt creative expression with leading questions such as: "so, do you feel more relaxed now?".
     
  • Most programs require teacher training, which often requires prerequisite courses and a significant investment of time, effort, and money.