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Problem Solving Must-Read: Mindfulness More Effective Than Punishment

Plus: Vertical farming reduces the environmental impact of farming, and a restaurant that embraces immigrants and provides them with training

Problem Solving Must-Read: Mindfulness More Effective Than Punishment

Plus: Vertical farming reduces the environmental impact of farming, and a restaurant that embraces immigrants and provides them with training

Poverty has detrimental effects on children’s cognitive and emotional development. With a high percentage of students affected by the stresses of growing up in unstable or underprivileged environments, Robert W. Coleman Elementary School in Baltimore sees a lot of student disciplinary issues. Traditional methods of punishment haven’t resulted in any significant reductions in these incidents, so the school tried something new.

The school has replaced traditional punishment deterrents for misbehavior with mindfulness counseling. In return, the school has seen success in reducing suspensions of its underprivileged students. Previously entrenched in a system of vicious cycle of disruption and punishment, students are responding well to yoga, reflection, and breathing exercises that have replaced the silent suffering of traditional detention. In the “Mindful Moment Room,” students speak with a counselor, and learn to manage their behavior. Since mindfulness counseling has been implemented, students have demonstrated the ability to engage in peaceful conflict resolution and curb their impulsive instincts. Even in high stress situations, students are more capable at exercising emotional restraint.

This mindfulness approach isn’t just working in Baltimore. Mindfulness programs in the Bay Area and New York City have also cited success. And a Stanford University study revealed a significant correlation between alleviation of PTSD symptoms among students and mindfulness practices.

Read the full story here (via City Lab)

Here’s what else we’re reading:

Indoor Vertical Farming Aims to Reduce Carbon Footprint of Food Industry

Photo: Forbes

Green Spirit Farms in New Buffalo, Michigan is implementing new technology to reduce environmental damage caused by the food production industry, the greatest contributor to pollution nationwide. Indoor, vertical farming entails growing crops in a controlled environment, using vertical shelves in former warehouse buildings and spectrum specific lighting (which appears as a magenta-ish hue). Vertical farming reduces energy usage by 40%, water usage by 98%, and increases yield by 30%. (via Forbes)

Barcelona Restaurant Non-profit Provides Professional Training

Photo: Good

Mescladís is more than an international hub in Barcelona’s Born district. The restaurant also provides hospitality industry job training for up to 80 migrants annually as a community-supported non-profit organization. Founder Martin Habiague has developed his own way of combating what he views as manipulative and misleading discourse around migration, providing organized internship programs, hands-on experience, and professional assistance to people who often have no other way to obtain it. (via GOOD)

Photo header via CityLab

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