How to Develop Mindfulness in the Early Childhood Years?
Develop Mindfulness in the Early Childhood
Years |
If you want
to include a mindfulness practice in your teaching arsenal, the following
tried-and-true methods will help you do so successfully:
1. Begin small.
It's
important to start small when introducing new things into your classroom, just
like anything else. You and your children run the risk of becoming overwhelmed
if you grow too quickly.
Therefore,
begin with a short and simple mindfulness activity, such as a straightforward
breathing exercise during morning circle time, and work your way up from there.
Beginning little will assist you with figuring out what turns out best for
yourself as well as your group, preparing you for progress!
2. Make time for meditation.
Make mindfulness a part of your daily
routine and stick to it to get the most out of it. Do similar care exercises,
simultaneously, every day.
In addition,
it is essential to establish a mindfulness zone in your classroom. Choose a
location that doesn't get a lot of traffic, has few distractions, and is, of
course, quiet. In addition, establish some guidelines for your mindfulness
zone, such as whether children can utilise it at any time; what materials are
available, such as art supplies and calming jars; and if the area can be used
by multiple children simultaneously?
3. Follow your kids' signals.
You will
know precisely when a mindfulness activity will assist your children in
refocusing if you pay attention to their cues. You can use the following
activities in your classroom:
•
Contemplation: Meditations don't have to be fancy or hard to do; they can be as
simple as asking kids to think about something they like or getting them to pay
attention to their senses. You can also practice mindful eating and walking.
• Motion: Children can benefit greatly from mindfulness practices that involve calming
movement. For mindful movement, you do not need a formal plan; you can simply
demonstrate slow, easy stretches and encourage children to follow along.
•
Experiencing the senses: Tangible encounters can be quieting for some
youngsters, so giving children admittance to tactile tubs or different
materials that give them quieting tangible info can be useful. This can be
basically as straightforward as a delicate cover, or one of those sequined
cushions that kids can play with.
4. Set a
good example.
It is
essential that you also demonstrate mindfulness to your children. Take a moment
to breathe deeply if you are frustrated in front of your children, for
instance. When you get home, don't forget to show, and tell them how much
calmer you feel. In the same way that you model other important skills and
classroom expectations, teach mindfulness.
5. Calm
down!
Slow down, treat yourself well, and treat your children well. Even if it's only for ten seconds, incorporate mindful moments. You will be able to center yourself, feel grounded, and assist your children in doing the same.
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