A few years ago I began using a “mindfulness bell” with my students as a way to begin classes. I first heard about the specific type of bell I use at school from Susan Kaiser Greenland during a workshop for educators at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. My bell came from Mud Pie Productions. (Note: You’ll need to call and order the bell by phone, as they do not sell online.) West Music has a similar product they call an “Earth Bell” (pictured), although it’s smaller than my large bell from Mud Pie.
I ordered the large bell in a bright blue color. The noteworthy thing about this bell is that it does not in any way appear to be a religious bell — it’s not Tibetan, it’s not a bowl, etc. In a classroom setting, it becomes very important to separate a mindfulness practice from any sort of religious trappings.
The main way I use the bell is by playing “The Bell Game” at the start of class. I ring the bell. While the sound of the bell is loud and strong, students stand. As the sound of the bell becomes quieter, the students lower their bodies. As the sound of the bell stops, the students crouch down low. We repeat the action a second time. Then, on the third ring, the students come to a seated position, rather than crouching.
For very young students (or for students at desks) the same effect can be achieved through having the seated students raise and lower their arms to the sound of the bell. At the end of the third ring, their hands are in their lap and they are prepared for their lesson or story.
I also use the bell to begin and end short periods of meditation or guided imagery, or even just to get the attention of all of the students. Overuse of a bell can cause children to become used to the sound and then it is no longer a signal for a specific task, so I tend to use the bell just during the initial part of class, during our centering time.
Do you use a mindfulness bell in your classroom? Please share your techniques and stories by commenting on this post! :)
