Additional Resources New
Mindfulness and Youth (K-5)
Children Mindfulness Activities
Shortly after meditating with students I like to offer a chance to participate in craft, journaling, or singing. Below are a list of ideas that are cool, fun, and incorporate mindfulness.
Calming / Glitter Jar
The Calming Jar can help children to:
- Calm down
- Learn Focusing Skills
- Pay attention to their Senses (Sensory Awareness ). It’s amazing how paying attention to our senses has such a calming effect.
Material Needed:
- 16 oz plastic filled water bottle (water room temp)
- Glitter Glue or Clear Glue
- Fine Glitter
- Glue Gun
- Funnel
Directions:
Attention – The entire craft should always be under the supervision of an adult. Anytime you are using small objects (or crafting in general), always be sure to supervise your child/children carefully and keep items away from kids who are likely to put things in their mouths.
- Open up your water bottle and pour out a small amount (This first part of the craft should be done by an adult), equal to a sip of water. Pouring out a small amount will ensure the bottle doesn’t overflow when you start to add the glitter and glue.
- Once filled, students can add ¾ of a 3oz bottle of glitter glue.
- If you decide not to use glitter glue and use clear glue instead that works as well. Then funnel loose glitter into the bottle of water and clear glue.
- The final step in the process is to use a hot glue gun to hot glue the lid to the bottle so your child will not be able to open it up. This is an adults only step. Even with the cap glued on the bottle, you should still supervise your child when they are using the bottle.
Once the lid has cooled down and dried, allow children to give the Calming Jar a good shake! Encourage them to mindfully observe the glitter settle. It takes about 2 ½ minutes for the glitter to reach the bottom. The colorful sparkling glitter falling is so calming. Children love to watch the glitter and before you know it they will begin to use the Calming Jars on their own.
Nature Walks
Nature walks are a great mindfulness tool to use before or after a meditation. During a Nature Walk children are “Paying attention in a special way” to what they hear, see, or smell. Below are three ways to offer Nature Walks to your students.
Nature Walk (without notepad)
- Invite students on a nature walk. Encourage silence to observe their surroundings.
- After walking, sit in a circle indoors or outdoors and invite students to share observations (what was seen…how they feel).
Nature Walk (journaling while walking)
- Take students on nature walk with a writing tool and journal. Invite students to write or draw their observations (what was seen…how they feel)
- After walking, sit in a circle indoors or outdoors and invite students to share observations.
Nature Walk (journaling after walking)
- Take students on nature walk. Encourage silence to observe their surroundings.
- After walking, sit in a circle indoors or outdoors and invite students to write or draw their observations (what was seen…how they feel).
Music
Songs are a great way for children to remember mindfulness. One of my favorite songs titled ‘Planting a Seed of Peace’ by Betsy Rose is the #1 hit in my class.
Planting a Seed for Peace
By Betsy Rose
©2002 Betsy Rose
Youtube: https://youtu.be/dWslU8N19m4
I am planting a seed of peace
A seed of peace on earth
Peace in my heart
That’s where it starts
I am planting a seed of peace
I am planting a seed of peace
A seed of peace on earth
Peace in my home
That’s where it is grown…
I am planting a seed of peace
I am planting a seed of peace..
A seed of peace on earth
Peace in my school
More precious than jewels…
I am planting a seed of peace
I am planting a seed of peace
A seed of peace on earth
Peace in my land
We can all lend a hand…
I am planting a seed of peace
I am planting a seed of peace
A seed of peace on earth
A planet of peace
From all of our seeds
I’m planting a seed of peace
I am planting a seed of peace
A seed of on earth
Peace in my heart
That’s where it starts
I am planting a seed of peace
I am planting a seed of peace
Meditative Journaling
Another great mindfulness activity for children is called Meditative Journaling. Students are invited to journal before and after a meditation. Students are welcome to write or sketch how they feel in their journal using crayons, color pencils, or markers.
These are just a few of the wonderful mindfulness activities that can accompany meditation. Please feel free to reach out to me with questions at anytime [email protected]. Looking forward to seeing you in Mindfulness and Youth: Part ll Middle School.
Additional Resources:
Mommy and Me Meditation
The Mindfulness In Me Work Book : Free To Be Me Series
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Teacher Edition
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