How to Stop Autopilot Teaching: 3 Steps to Mindful Presence in the Classroom
When you hear a quote like, "I am here but not here," it strikes a chord, especially for early years educators. The job is a beautiful, chaotic whirlwind—clanking toys, upset toddlers, impromptu sandpit discussions, and the constant need to be 'switched on.' It’s easy to slip into autopilot, where you simply "follow a routine blindly, where the body takes me places and somehow it’s the end of the day."
But our little ones need more than a body or a headcount following a routine. They need us there—present, mindful, and intentional—to truly learn, play, and feel tethered in the foundational years of their lives. When we are mindful, we help them become mindful, too. Simplifying the Process: How to Be Truly Present
It’s not about superhuman concentration; it’s about simplifying the process and being clear about your purpose.
The "Presence" Gap in Early Learning
Research highlights a significant disconnect between simply "being there" and being intentional. A 2025 discussion paper by the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) revealed that while exemplary educators spend an average of 62.3% of their day actively engaged with children , only a small fraction of that time—just 9.8%—is actually dedicated to intentional teaching.
This means that even when we are physically present and engaged, we are often operating on "autopilot" rather than using purposeful strategies to extend a child's learning. At Mindful Monkies, we help you bridge this gap by turning that 62% of engagement into high-impact, intentional moments that build a child's foundational resilience before challenges arise.
Here are some tips to help you take off your metaphorical shoes and step fully into the present moment:
1. Clarify Your Intention
Before any activity—especially group time—ask yourself: What is the single most important purpose of this time?
Tip: Write down the intention in a single, simple sentence (e.g., "Our goal is to explore textures and descriptive language," or "Our goal is to practice taking turns"). This clarity is your anchor. A short simple sentence easy to remember works great here (Pop it on a sticky note)
2. Mindful Transitions
The shift between tasks is often when the mind checks out.
Tip: Practice a "5-second pause" between activities. Take a deep breath, consciously feel your feet on the floor, and name the next activity in your mind. This small, deliberate break resets your attention and brings you fully into the next moment, rather than dragging the last activity's mental checklist with you, doing this as a little ritual with your co-educator can also support communication, sharing the load of tasks and also
3. Scheduled 'Check-In' Moments
You can’t be 'on' all the time, but you can build in reminders.
Tip: Use existing anchors in your day to prompt a mindful check-in. For example, every time you wash your hands or open the classroom door, take a moment to ask yourself, "Am I present right now? What is my intention?" This turns routine actions into powerful, built-in practices for presence.
As educators by focusing on breaking our own cycles of autopilot with intentionality, we do more than just get through the day; we transform it into a series of meaningful, enriching interactions, ensuring your little ones receive the attention and care they deserve.