The First Five Minutes: Mindfulness Routines That Transform Tutoring

In this transformative episode, we welcome Danielle Larsen, the founder of Rise Yoga & Mindfulness, to explore how the first five minutes of a tutoring session can set the tone for student focus, emotional regulation, and long-term learning success.

Danielle is a former classroom educator and a certified children’s yoga and mindfulness instructor. Through student programs, staff professional development, and parent workshops, she helps schools shift from compliance-based discipline to connection-based regulation. Danielle’s work emphasizes supporting neurodivergent learners, therapeutic programs, and high-stress school environments, providing practical tools that allow both students and educators to thrive.

During our conversation, Danielle shares her journey from classroom teaching to creating mindful learning spaces, and explains why those first five minutes of a session are so critical. She offers simple, actionable mindfulness routines tutors can use to help students feel calm, present, and ready to engage. Danielle also discusses how these practices impact student retention, confidence, and long-term academic growth.

What we covered:

✅ Danielle’s personal journey and mission to bring mindfulness into schools

✅ Why the first five minutes of a tutoring session are crucial for focus and emotional regulation

✅ Practical mindfulness routines tutors can use at the start of each session

✅ The long-term benefits of mindfulness on student confidence, retention, and academic success

Whether you are a tutor, educator, or parent/guardian looking to create calm, focused, and resilient learners, this episode is packed with practical strategies, inspiring insights, and actionable routines to transform your tutoring sessions.

You can find Danielle and her work here: 

Website

Instagram

TikTok