Experiences of Second-Grade Primary School Children and Their Teachers in a Mind-Body Activity Program: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.

Objectives: This study explored the experiences of second-grade children and their teachers who participated in a mind-body program to understand its impact on their development.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Student data were collected through seven focus groups, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with tutors in December 2021. Data analysis was performed following COREQ guidelines.

Results: Three themes were generated: (1) competitiveness and restlessness in children: something needs to be done; (2) seeds sown and fruits harvested; and (3) it is necessary to advance from the occasional to the structural. Participants reported positive changes in areas of their development such as self-regulation, relaxation, attention capacity, and stress reduction. Improvements in interpersonal relationships and social skills were also observed.

Conclusions: These improvements in emotional well-being and social skills highlight the importance of this type of intervention in the school environment.