Frame the course as a tool that can sharpen their ability to focus and train their attention. Explain to students that what we pay attention to shapes how we feel. So learning to have more agency over our attention can boost emotional well-being.
Let your students know that the course is evidence-based. It was designed by scientists at the University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of Texas, Austin. There are three published studies showing that this course can improve focus and reduce stress. Here’s the most recent one if they want to read it.
Explain to your students that the course is relevant to daily life in several ways: from performance in school, to relationships, to sports and creative arts. What in their life do they care about? What do they want to get better at? When they see how training attention can help them with an area of their life they already care about, their skepticism is likely to fade.
If you as a teacher tried the course yourself, share with students how the ideas and practices were valuable in your own life. Personal anecdotes are effective when it comes to understanding the potential impact of the course.
Let your students know that many celebrities practice these skills to focus their minds and achieve success. Musicians that do this include Kendrick Lamar, J Balvin, Paul McCartney (& The Beatles), Katy Perry and Big Sean. Athletes include Serena Williams, Lebron James, Steph Curry, The Seattle Seahawks team and Derek Jeter. Other celebrities include Oprah Winfrey, Joe Rogan, Will Smith, Ellen Degeneres, RuPaul, Jessica Alba, Clint Eastwood.