Helping children feel good, while doing good
What is Mindful Service Learning?
Service learning is an educational approach that emphasizes learning and growth through community volunteerism in a structured learning environment. Mindful Service Learning is our proprietary educational program that enhances the service learning pedagogy to help students actively build their compassion muscle.
Students will:
- Engage in hands-on community service projects integrated within existing learning environments
- Gain a wider perspective of critical social issues through humanizing stories
- Learn how to apply mindfulness and self-compassion habits while they engage in service
- Have fun feeling a sense of camaraderie and pride for their peers and local communities
What are the benefits of Mindful Service Learning?
Our feel good-do good approach provides positive relational experiences for students including “caring, warm, and nurturing relationships with friends and a sense of belonging in school”, which directly offset adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Further, research shows that by activating students’ sense of purpose and service leadership, we increase academic performance, student confidence and self-esteem.
Finally, “generosity has been shown to soothe the nervous system.” Combining that with integrated mindfulness and self-compassion habits, our program strengthens student well-being and health.
Why do we focus on elementary students?
While service learning is more common in high schools and middle schools, there is a lack of elementary school programs. This is a missed opportunity. Research shows that compassion is a trainable skill and is more easily absorbed and retained in young minds with high neuroplasticity. The earlier kids can build a foundation of healthy habits, the stronger their lifelong health outcomes.
How do we integrate Mindful Service Learning into schools for long-term, sustainable success?
Mindful Littles is committed to easy and seamless integration into school culture in the long term. We do this with a professional development approach that trains educators and other school leaders according to the specific needs and goals of their school.
