Mindful School. Mindful Community. Reduced stress and anxiety. Increased focus and self-regulation. Improved academic performance. These are just a few of the many benefits of mindfulness, a scientific and skill-based program proven to help students in school and in life. McLean School, located just outside Washington, DC, is a nationally recognized and longtime leader in mindfulness education and knows just how transformative it can be for students and schools as a whole. McLean's mindfulness curriculum is rooted in research and years of experience, and includes a variety of activities and access points for all ages, from kindergarten through high school. Organized around the five tenets of mindfulness--breathing and body awareness, emotions, heartfulness and gratitude, listening and communication, and engagement of the senses--this guide addresses not only the "what" and the "how," but also the "why" of mindfulness. With the right balance of information and inspiration, this book is a valuable resource for schools and individuals new to mindfulness education, as well as those looking to enhance an existing program. "There's a lot to love about McLean's unique approach to mindfulness education, in particular how to make it part of the day-to-day school culture as opposed to a stand-alone program. It's part science, part common sense, and all about giving students valuable and lifelong tools for self-regulation and stress management." - Molly Love, MSW, LCSW, Lower & Middle School Parent "McLean tells us upfront: mindfulness itself is not hard, but creating a successful program takes effort. Based on years of experience and refinement, McLean's well-organized curriculum makes it easier with thoughtful, practical information that can be easily implemented at any grade level. I've been amazed by how quickly my students took to a mindfulness practice and what a natural fit it is with our whole educational approach." - Marie Marino, MS, Lower School Educator