+44 (0) 1273 386849How school librarians support children’s mental health and wellbeing
In a world that’s more chaotic than ever, carving out a space for quiet reflection is an act of self-preservation! The school library can play a vital role in providing a sanctuary from the busy school day. Libraries are more than just collections of books; they are safe spaces where children can take a break and recharge.
What are the best ways that libraries can serve their learners? Why does mindfulness have mixed outcomes? What school examples are available so that library and information people can make informed decisions about the space they provide? Read on for more.
What is mindfulness?
According to the mental health charity Mind, mindfulness is defined as:
Mindfulness is a technique you can learn which involves noticing what’s happening in the present moment, without judgement. You might take notice and be aware of your mind, body, or surroundings. The technique has roots in Buddhism and meditation, but you don’t have to be spiritual, or have any particular beliefs, to try it.
It aims to help you:
- become more self-aware
- feel calmer and less stressed
- feel more able to choose how to respond to your thoughts and feelings
- cope with difficult or unhelpful thoughts
- be kinder towards yourself
We all have different responses to stress and mindfulness doesn’t work for everyone. Personally, I find it hard to sit still and do all my best “thought cleansing” whilst walking or swimming! However, I feel we can all benefit from introducing an element of kindness to ourselves – and if we are kind to ourselves, it’s easier to be kinder to others.
The growth of mindfulness in schools
The debates and special reports about mindfulness make for interesting reading. This quote from a UK parliamentary debate in February 2024 said,
A headteacher from one of my secondary schools told me that embedding a culture of mindfulness was,
“Changing the way we deal with behaviour incidents, taking away reactivity and helping students and staff to calm down to the point we can better engage about what’s going on. When kids are in isolation, it’s a really useful tool for helping them to reflect and taking the heat out of situations and guiding them to make better choices.”
Research shows that three features are particularly important to effectiveness and sustainability:
- the quality and experience of the teacher’s mindfulness practice,
- how a programme is implemented, and the use of a whole-school approach.
Mindfulness is not just about discrete lessons but should be in the form of a mindfulness thread that runs throughout the day—the way we respond to each other, the way we move around and the way we build relationships, eat food, exercise, and so on.
The school library offers an ideal space for exploring mindfulness and involving the entire school community. While mindfulness has become a popular tool for managing stress, its application in schools has yielded mixed results. This has sparked debates about its effectiveness, particularly in educational environments.
What does the Wellcome mindfulness study (dis)prove?
What are the downsides? The growing enthusiasm for mindfulness may not be fully supported by evidence, especially in school settings. Although the Wellcome funded project found that mindfulness doesn’t work in schools, Professor Willem Kuyken and his team in the My Resilience in Adolescence (MYRIAD) project believe this is an opportunity to explore other angles:
“It’s about making sure that whatever we do, the young people will actually want to do it and engage with it,” he says. Mindfulness training is an example of how interventions are not universally effective. While research has proven it to be effective in treating adults, Kuyken emphasises that “one size doesn’t fit all” when it comes to mental health, especially among young people.
What’s the answer to this? Not surprisingly, it all comes down to learner involvement and finding out what people want. You can’t force anyone – children or adults – into taking part in something if it doesn’t resonate with them. Involving learners – library, wellbeing, extracurricular activities – always has a positive and surprising impact.
The school library as a safe space
Given the above findings, I was curious to read about the experiences of an International Bacchelaureate (IB) school, Colegio de San Francisco de Paula, based in Seville, Spain. They elaborated,
During the past two years we have been introducing short mindfulness meditations to children in years 1 to 4 of Primary when they come into the library… We did a mini meditation with the classes that came into the library that day and one class particularly took to it.
They noted that mindfulness is not a tool to help keep children quiet, rather it helps them to be able to take a breather and to start to understand their changing moods. Despite some challenges, they report other benefits to mindfulness exercises. For example, forging better relations with staff and parents.
Clearly everyone can benefit from a safe library space or sanctuary. Your learners will appreciate you:
- Creating quiet, bully-proof, “no talking” spaces
- Ensuring accessibility for all
- Encouraging learner participation – talk about what works for your learners and let them take the lead.
This idea of the library as a ‘safe space’ is supported by the UK government debate on mindfulness in schools. It highlighted the importance of quiet, calm environments where students can practice mindfulness and reflection, manage their emotions, and reduce anxiety – all whilst being surrounded by books!
A recent real-life example: The importance of quiet spaces
In a recent school visit, I was initially delighted by the large classrooms. They feature high ceilings, massive glass windows and sleek metal fittings. While this creates a visually appealing and open environment, the noise levels are overwhelming. I observed that it was hard to achieve levels of concentration for reading – and noise control for group work.
I recommended to the headteacher that there should be a quiet area within a multi-purpose library space. They need a safe and cozy ‘book nook’ with carpeting, soft furnishings, and floor cushions to dampen the sound. This could also have a special selection of materials – books, jigsaws, games designed to help quieten learners’ minds.
Having a dedicated space in the library for mindfulness activities, complete with yoga mats and calming music, can make sessions more impactful. Regular mindfulness practices in the library setting not only help reduce anxiety but also teach students valuable skills for managing their emotions.
Reducing everyone’s anxiety through taking a moment of quiet
Although some reports question the effectiveness of mindfulness in schools, I believe that creating environments designed to reduce anxiety and foster a sense of belonging and emotional resilience can only be beneficial. School libraries can support children’s mental health and wellbeing by providing spaces that promote calm, reflection, and inclusivity.
Whether it’s a quiet reading corner to escape the noise, a mindfulness session, a place where learners can embrace some library responsibility, or simply a welcoming atmosphere that allows students to step away from the hustle of the day, libraries can be a sanctuary where learners feel safe and valued.
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FAQs: School Library and Student Mental Health
What role can school libraries play in supporting children's mental health and wellbeing?
School libraries can serve as safe havens where students can escape the hustle and bustle of the school day. They provide a calm and inclusive environment that promotes relaxation, reflection, and a sense of belonging. By offering quiet spaces, accessible resources, and a welcoming atmosphere, libraries can help reduce anxiety and support students’ mental health.
How can mindfulness be incorporated into the school library setting?
Mindfulness can be introduced in the library through dedicated quiet areas, mindfulness sessions, or activities like guided meditations and yoga. Providing resources such as books on mindfulness, calming music, and comfortable seating can enhance the experience. The key is to create an environment where students feel comfortable practicing mindfulness techniques.
Why might mindfulness have mixed outcomes in schools?
Mindfulness doesn’t work universally for everyone. Its effectiveness can depend on factors like the individual’s receptiveness, the quality of instruction, and how it’s implemented. Some students may not resonate with traditional mindfulness practices, so it’s important to offer varied approaches and involve learners in deciding what works best for them
What are practical ways to create a safe and calming library environment?
Designate Quiet Zones: Establish areas where noise is minimized, allowing students to read or reflect without distractions.
Comfortable Furnishings: Use soft seating, floor cushions, and carpets to create a cozy atmosphere.
Inclusive Accessibility: Ensure the space is welcoming to all students, including those with special needs.
Resource Selection: Provide materials like calming books, puzzles, and games that promote relaxation.
How can learner involvement enhance the effectiveness of mindfulness practices in the library?
Involving students in planning and decision-making ensures that the mindfulness activities resonate with them. By seeking their input, librarians can tailor programs to meet the actual needs and preferences of the learners, increasing engagement and effectiveness.
Are there examples of schools successfully integrating mindfulness into their library programs?
Yes, schools like the Colegio de San Francisco de Paula in Seville, Spain, have introduced short mindfulness meditations during library time. They found that while it wasn’t a tool to keep children quiet, it helped students understand their emotions better and improved relationships with staff and parents.
What are the benefits of creating quiet spaces within school libraries?
Quiet spaces allow students to:
- Recharge Mentally: Taking a break from noise helps reduce stress and anxiety.
- Improve Focus: A calm environment enhances concentration for reading and studying.
- Feel Safe: Designated quiet zones can be bully-proof areas where students feel secure.
- Practice Mindfulness: Such spaces are ideal for mindfulness and reflection activities.
What steps can librarians take to make the library a sanctuary for students?
- Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Ensure the library feels inviting and safe for all students.
- Offer Mindfulness Resources: Provide books, activities, and sessions focused on mindfulness and wellbeing.
- Foster Student Leadership: Encourage learners to take ownership of the space and its programs.
- Collaborate with Staff: Work with teachers and counselors to integrate wellbeing initiatives throughout the school.
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