Mindfulness
This year we will be learning about mindfulness in kinder 10. A definition of mindfulness is:
“Paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” Jon Kabat-Zinn
When children practice mindfulness they become more aware. They learn to identify their emotions and respond in a positive way. This learning has an impact on the child’s social life. Mindfulness practice helps children pay more attention. This attention can be focused on others facial expressions and body language, understanding further how the other person is feeling and responding according to the situation. This way, children develop empathy, compassion, generosity and kindness.
Cultivating the habit of paying attention to the present moment is a very powerful tool that helps children learn a new concept. When the child’s attention is on the present moment they can absorb what the environment offers.
We will follow the curriculum from the Mindful Schools program which is divided into 16 sessions:
1. Mindful Bodies
2. Mindful Breathing
3. Sending Kind Thought
4. Body Scan Map
5. Anchor Words
6. Generosity
7. Mindfulness of Thoughts
8. Mindful Seeing
9. Kind and Caring on the Playground
10. Mindfulness of Emotions
11. Mindful Movement
12. Gratitude
13. Mindful Walking
14. Mindful Eating
15. Mindful Test Taking
16. Ending and Review
Each session starts with two minutes of silence to observe your breath. This exercise helps you pay attention to the present moment. Then the session continues with a specific topic, a discussion about it, a worksheet to share your reflection and a challenge to keep practicing mindfulness during the week. I will share with parents the mindfulness focus of the week by email.
Practicing mindfulness will help us build a community based on respect, kindness, fellowship and generosity that creates a space where children feel safe and happy.
If you want to learn more about mindfulness strategies for children here are some resources:
“Paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” Jon Kabat-Zinn
When children practice mindfulness they become more aware. They learn to identify their emotions and respond in a positive way. This learning has an impact on the child’s social life. Mindfulness practice helps children pay more attention. This attention can be focused on others facial expressions and body language, understanding further how the other person is feeling and responding according to the situation. This way, children develop empathy, compassion, generosity and kindness.
Cultivating the habit of paying attention to the present moment is a very powerful tool that helps children learn a new concept. When the child’s attention is on the present moment they can absorb what the environment offers.
We will follow the curriculum from the Mindful Schools program which is divided into 16 sessions:
1. Mindful Bodies
2. Mindful Breathing
3. Sending Kind Thought
4. Body Scan Map
5. Anchor Words
6. Generosity
7. Mindfulness of Thoughts
8. Mindful Seeing
9. Kind and Caring on the Playground
10. Mindfulness of Emotions
11. Mindful Movement
12. Gratitude
13. Mindful Walking
14. Mindful Eating
15. Mindful Test Taking
16. Ending and Review
Each session starts with two minutes of silence to observe your breath. This exercise helps you pay attention to the present moment. Then the session continues with a specific topic, a discussion about it, a worksheet to share your reflection and a challenge to keep practicing mindfulness during the week. I will share with parents the mindfulness focus of the week by email.
Practicing mindfulness will help us build a community based on respect, kindness, fellowship and generosity that creates a space where children feel safe and happy.
If you want to learn more about mindfulness strategies for children here are some resources:
Mindful Schools
Megan Cowan is Mindful Schools co-founder and program director. In this video she talks about mindfulness and education.
The Mindful Child by Susan Kaiser
Susan Kaiser is the author of The Mindful Child and founder of Inner Kids Program. In this video she explains how to help children manage stress.
Sitting Still Like A Frog
Eline Snel (1954) established the International Academy for Mindful Teaching several years ago, to train professionals from education and (mental) healthcare in the ‘Mindfulness Matters’ method, mindfulness for children and adolescents. She developed this method from practice. As a mindfulness trainer, she also gives eight-week MBSR training courses to private individuals. For children, adolescents and their parents she has written two books: ‘Sitting still like a Frog’ (2012) and ‘Breathe through this – Mindfulness for Parents and Teenagers’ (2014). Currently, more than 200,000 copies of ‘Sitting still like a Frog’ have been sold in 27 countries. (From her website)http://www.elinesnel.com/en/
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Get Some Headspace App
This app if can help you as a parent learn mindfulness techniques in simple and accessible ways.