Early learning classrooms are busy places, for both children and caregivers! Calming activities, such as breathing and sensory exercises, offer children a way to quiet their bodies and pause for a reset. These brief mindfulness breaks help young children direct their attention toward their current thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations.
This article describes the benefits of incorporating mindfulness activities into your preschool curriculum, and highlights five simple ways to practice mindfulness with the little ones in your care.
Mindfulness is a skill that can be practiced at any time and in any place. Put simply, being “mindful” is becoming aware of ourselves within the present moment, and observing the experience without judgment. While this might sound complicated for young children, ECE professionals can introduce foundational mindfulness skills with developmentally appropriate activities such as mindful breathing, body scans, and calming movement. Through mindfulness, young children begin to form a connection between their body, their thoughts, and the present moment.
In addition to creating a peaceful environment in which children feel safe and connected, mindfulness supports the development of foundational social-emotional skills.
An article published in Early Childhood Education Journal that reviewed the results of 18 research studies, found that incorporating mindfulness in early childhood classrooms supports children’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral regulation. Researchers also noted that educators who used mindfulness in their early learning programs reported that children were more likely to demonstrate prosocial behaviors, such as kind words and actions, which improved the overall classroom atmosphere.
Little ones love to move, and yoga offers a fun and engaging way for children to move their bodies with thoughtfulness and intention. As children practice yoga poses, they learn to connect their breathing to the movements. A few resources for getting started with yoga in your classroom are included below.
Noticing and regulating our breathing can help us to slow down, focus, and connect with the present moment. Breathing activities that include simple gestures and movements are especially effective for helping children learn how to connect with and control their breath. Below are some simple breathing exercises to engage little learners.
Using materials like slime, playdough, and glitter bottles encourages children to pay attention to various physical sensations as they get some of their fidgety wiggles out. Examples of mindful sensory activities that you might incorporate into your curriculum are listed below.
Young children can enjoy simple meditations and guided moments of stillness that encourage them to quiet their minds and calm their bodies. Invite children to get into a comfortable position, such as lying on their backs, or sitting criss-cross on the ground with their hands resting their legs. Expect some wiggles as they practice sitting quietly, focusing on being still, and connecting with the moment.
A few preschool-friendly meditations are included below.
Children’s stories can be a great way to introduce children to mindfulness by facilitating meaningful conversations about thoughts and feelings. A few children’s book suggestions are included below.
Mindfulness practices are a positive addition to the preschool schedule any time throughout the day!
For example…
For children, participating in activities alongside their caregivers is an especially fun and beneficial learning experience. As educators, we can model mindfulness techniques throughout the day, so that children can observe and learn from us. (And, educators get an added bonus, as they get to sneak in some quick self-care for themselves too!)
Finally, remember that there is no right or wrong way to practice mindfulness– it is a judgment-free activity. Mindfulness is called a “practice” because there is no end goal or final destination. This means that our minds might wander and our bodies might get wiggly – and that’s okay! As long as we do our best to reconnect and return to the present moment, we are practicing mindfulness.
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