At Roberta T. Smith Elementary, third graders engage in a mindfulness exercise called the shark fin as part of their daily routine. This practice, along with yoga and meditation, is increasingly used in U.S. schools to help students manage stress and emotions, especially in low-income areas. The CDC has endorsed these practices following the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted significant mental health challenges among students. At Smith Elementary, the mindfulness program, funded through a contract with Clayton County Public Schools and supported by GreenLight Fund Atlanta, aims to support communities of color and address student well-being.
https://apnews.com/article/back-to-school-mental-health-mindfulness-5f73bbd3324ad4e9e9723b5c49fa1616
