In the Moment

Ten fifth graders are sitting on a bright-blue rug. They are in a classroom at P.S. 54, an elementary school in Brooklyn, New York. Their teacher, Adrienne Heim, strikes a bell. The students take a deep breath.

The kids are practicing mindfulness. They are learning to focus on the present moment. Why? Being mindful can help people stay calm, says Heim. She is the founder of Green Generations. The nonprofit brings mindfulness classes to eight schools in New York City.

Isafye Lewis, 10, has been taking the class at P.S. 54 for two years. “Mindfulness teaches me to relax,” he told TIME for Kids. “It really helps me feel better when I’m sad or angry.”

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