Mindfulness at Aubrick: learning strategies to cultivate calm and attention.

Taking care of the mind and emotions is part of the commitment to educating students to be more attentive and balanced, prepared to live in the present and face the challenges of the future.

Taking care of the mind and emotions is part of the commitment to educating students to be more attentive and balanced, prepared to live in the present and face the challenges of the future with greater awareness.

Therefore, Mindfulness is present in Aubrick's daily life from Early Childhood Education to the Final Years, inviting students to get to know themselves better, breathe before reacting, and be more attentive to their experiences.

Studies show that the practice of mindfulness strengthens brain regions linked to concentration and calmness, such as the prefrontal cortex, and reduces the reactivity of the amygdala, which is associated with stress. It is no coincidence that, since 2023, the practice has been part of the mandatory curriculum in all New York City public schools.

Throughout the year, the program develops five life skills — focus, presence, empathy, emotional balance, and a healthy mind — always using language and approaches appropriate to each age group. After receiving training in Mindfulness for Educational Environments, Aubrick teachers apply these neuroscience-based practices in their daily work, helping students develop these skills both inside and outside the classroom.

At Aubrick, the results can be felt in everyday school life. In a recent assessment, 63% of EFAF students said they felt calmer after practicing Mindfulness, 50% more focused, and 57% noticed improvements in sleep and anxiety. One of them summarized it this way: “Before, I thought Mindfulness was just for relaxing, now I know it helps me focus, deal with pressure, and even calm down during games.”

Another shared: "I have a lot of anxiety and I think Mindfulness helps me."

These effects are also observed by educators. For Patrícia Torres, coordinator of Y1 and Y2,
“The practice of Mindfulness plays a very important role in Elementary Education. The development of focus, attention, concentration, and emotional regulation provides a better learning environment, especially in the afternoon.”
Science and Dialogs teacher Cristiano Guastelli highlights that student interest has grown: “The scientific evidence for Mindfulness caught my attention, and students are asking for it, especially before tests—it has been very significant.”

In addition to the students and classes, the impact is also reflected in the teaching staff: after the training, teachers reported feeling 14% less worried about the past and the future and an increase in the feeling of inner peace, as well as greater self-esteem and emotional gains.

With this initiative, Aubrick reaffirms its commitment to an education that balances academic excellence and well-being, inviting each student — and each educator — to be more present, more connected, and more whole, both inside and outside the classroom.