This is the second year that the Cranberry Elementary School in North Fort, Florida, has used Inner Explorer, but Assistant Principal Alison Rini is no stranger to the program. In fact, she was the first administrator in the Sarasota County School District to use Inner Explorer over six years ago! Having experienced great success with the program at two other schools, Ms. Rini brought it with her to the Cranberry School. Recently, she shared some experiences of how Inner Explorer was uniting students and bringing ease to teachers because taking a few minutes to reduce stress each day really amplifies learning.
" Last week I was invited into a first-grade class to see them doing mindfulness. There are four online students and thirteen in-person students in the room, including several with special needs. All of the students settled right down and participated eagerly in the program. I did too, and of course, it was a major calming highlight of my day. But the best part was the end - when the [Inner Explorer] song came on. In addition to the class singing, I heard these sweet little voices ringing out from the speaker! It was so exciting to think of this wonderful experience we are even offering to our remote students. "
" Then today, I was walking through classrooms and in this third-grade class they had just finished science, and immediately started Inner Explorer! They are on Lesson 34 or so, and the teacher participated as well. So many people have commented on this being a super nice class of kids, and the teacher is really calm and happy as well, and it makes so much sense that they are practicing mindfulness now that I realize it! What an incredible gift the teacher is sharing with her students, and then it ends up benefiting her as well! "
" I just had to share. I know you love to see the impact of your program, and it is truly remarkable to see it embraced by our sweet students. "
Ms. Rini’s account is a great reminder that even in these times where classrooms may be a mix of in-person and remote learning, there are ways to promote a sense of community among students and teachers and reduce stress levels so everyone is ready to learn. Inner Explorer does just that!
Do you have a story to share about how Inner Explorer has impacted your school community? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact Joan Tetrault at jtetrault@innerexplorer.org