Yoga & Mindfulness

"As parents, teachers, librarians, mentors and caregivers, we know that too many kids are struggling - anxiety, depression, stress, high expectations, loss of childhood innocence, bullying, isolation, overwhelmed by social media and a stimulated environment. Meditation helps children slow down, take deep breaths, respond to situations more mindfully, and find a quiet place inside themselves that anchors them during the confusion of growing up.

The library or classroom offers numerous opportunities for kids to learn these practices. It is incredible to watch a group of restless kids take deep breaths and quiet down, even if it's just for a minute or less. Movement, as well as simple yoga poses, can be great in the classroom or library because they give kids an outlet to let out energy, breathe deeply, and connect to their bodies in an active way." --Mallika Chopra, for School Library Journal, 2018.

KIT: YOGA & MINDFULNESS FOR KIDS


Recommended Ages: 4 years - 12 years

Available Kits: 2

Each kit contains:

  • 5 child-sized yoga mats

  • 5 "Breathing Ball" expandable spheres

  • 1 picture book: Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids

  • 2 yoga card decks (1 English, 1 Spanish)

  • 2 meditation card decks with guided imagery (1 English, 1 Spanish)

  • 1 card deck of breathing exercises (English)

  • 1 bottle of yoga mat wash

KIT: YOGA & MINDFULNESS FOR TEENS


Recommended Ages: 12 years+

Available Kits: 1

Each kit contains:

  • 5 "Breathing Ball" expandable spheres

  • 2 meditation card decks with guided imagery (1 English, 1 Spanish)

  • 1 yoga card deck (English)

Sequences: self-compassion, mindful tech exploration, power poses, grounding to the present, releasing nervous energy, mindful listening, back to back breathing, and gratitude practice

  • 1 mindfulness card deck (English)

Activities: ease stress, reduce anxiety, deal with anger and depression, and boost self-confidence


Please note: No yoga mats are included in the teen kit.

A Hoberman sphere, or breathing ball, can be an anchor for mindful breathing to help focus thoughts or calm down. Simply focus on the ball and breathe in and out as the ball expands and contracts. This exercise can easily be done in the classroom or at home.

Three Exercises to Try:

Demonstrate lungs: explain how the lungs expand and contract with the inhale and exhale, and how mindful, focused breathing can help us stay calm.

Self-Regulation: Leave the breathing ball in a quiet area of your class, on a desk or table for your class to use on their own. It’s an engaging tool for self-regulation once kids know how to use it.

Follow the ball: Open and close the ball at a pace that emulates kids’ actual breathing cycle. A steady, four-count inhale, slight pause, and four-count exhale is recommended as a cycle. Students age 6-11 should strive for 8-9 cycles in a minute; students age 12 and older should strive for 6-7 cycles in a minute.

-Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, April 2020