The Invisible Classroom: Relationships, Neuroscience & Mindfulness in School

by Kirke Olson

Improving student learning with the tools of neuroscience and mindfulness.

How is expanding students’ strengths more effective than improving their weaknesses? Why is creating a school where staff and students feel safe necessary for learning? How can anchoring with simple mindfulness practices prevent classroom behavioral problems?



There is more to a classroom than just a teacher and a group of students. All classroom interactions have “invisible” neurobiological, emotional, and social aspects—the emotional histories of students, the teacher’s own background and biography. In this book, Kirke Olson takes lessons from brain science, mindfulness, and positive psychology to help teachers understand the full range of their students’ school experiences. Using its classroom-ready resources, teachers, administrators, parents, and policy makers can make the invisible visible, turning human investment in their students into the best possible learning outcomes.

Genres: Education, Psychology, Nonfiction, Teaching, Social Work

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 17, 2012

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a teacher, but I gave this book a chance based on the subtitle that sounded interesting. And it was! This book is structured and written in a way I really admire! In many ways, this is a psychology book that keeps you updated with the current research, and you can look at the school as the case study to what the theory is applied - why this book appeals mostly to teachers, but also one that other people interested in psychology get a lot out from. The book is pretty short but with many pages of references, and I like that! Each chapter gives you an introduction to the research on the issue the chapter rises, before going into an example that encompasses many aspects discussed, and then steering it into the teacher role and school system in the end. For me, a school is a place of connection and relationships, and to transfer the same logic to the home, friendships outside school or work is a pretty simple task when the principles are understood. I found this to be an amazing read, a real gem that I did not expect!

[Jessica Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the most important professional books that I have read in a long time. This book is all about something that is often lost in the pressure to get through mile-long lists of standards. It is about building relationships and attending to the whole child, not just academics. It made me really think and reflect on how I approach relationship building in my classroom and I already have a bunch of ideas of how to improve. Each chapter also includes practical things that teachers can begin implementing in their classrooms right away. Every teacher should give this book a read.

[Terry Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent PD read by Kirke Olson that looks at research supporting the role of positive, trusting classroom relationships as neurologically necessary for learning. I did not feel that much of this was new information- perhaps as I've read a good deal in this area- but I did find the reminders about nurturing students' strengths rather than focusing on deficits to be valuable. This is one of the books we've selected for faculty PD book groups. It's an engaging read with many practical takeaways for enhancing classroom culture.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel encouraged about the positive impact teachers can have in their students lives. I found the neuroscience portions especially interesting and reflected on relationships I have had with students in the past. This book is useful for any teacher, but especially for those who teach children with many barriers to learning.

[Dani Morrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinda boring in some parts, but overall, a great book with great insights. Basically, a science based how-to guide for educators looks to be more compassionate.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this thinking it would give some insight incorporating mindfulness into the classroom, but was also fascinated by the brain research for attachment, forming relationships, and building on student strengths. The Invisible Classroom encompasses all the parts of teaching no one explicitly teaches the teacher.