~Mindfulness ~
This month we will focus on mindfulness. Now more than ever, teaching mindfulness is a necessity. Our children are sometimes stressed and anxious. Teachers and parents are also sometimes stressed and anxious, too. Our lives are busy, and we often find our thoughts buzzing over the past or worrying about the future. We need mindfulness because it teaches us to live in the present moment, enjoying and experiencing what’s in front of us. Children learn best when they are comfortable, safe, and relaxed. In the following newsletter, we will find out what "Mindfulness" means and how we can incorporate it into our everyday lives.
The Dunkirk OT department
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is an important part of self-regulation and the ability to regulate our senses, feelings, and body. It's a skill that allows us to be aware of our body without responding rashly. In kids, mindfulness is important in the ability to pay attention and responding to input from the world around us, including emotionally and cognitively.
For kids, mindfulness is noticing their body and the things happening around them. It has a lot to do with impulse control. Just like any other skill, mindfulness is an ability that develops over time. There are ways to hone in on this skill to make mindfulness a tool for kids to use.
The benefits of mindfulness
The practice of being mindful allows children to cope with frustration when they are faced with something difficult in their lives. It can also be used when they need to focus their attention on something specific and not allow distractions to derail them. The more kids practice being mindful, the better they get at it.
Plus, it really works. In fact, research shows that practicing mindfulness can improve attention spans for just about anyone—including young people with ADHD who often have trouble paying attention. Overall, people who learn to practice mindfulness are able to pay attention better and are less distractible. Mindfulness also helps individuals stay calm under stress, avoid getting too upset, get along better with others, and be more patient. It can even impact learning, help kids become better listeners, and help them feel happier.
Mindfulness helps students learn how to pause in all types of situations and respond in a thoughtful way rather than just reacting. This skill is especially helpful when they are faced with challenges or encounter kids who engage in bullying.
Mindfulness activites
Get into a comfortable sitting position and close your eyes. Focus on
listening to your breathing. Feel the air entering in through your
nose, filling up your lungs and blowing out of your mouth.
Inhale slowly through your nose. Place your fingers gently on your
ears to close off external sound. Breathe out through your mouth,
saying “buzzzzzzzzzzz” for as long as you can. Repeat. Try a
different sound such as “hummmmmmm” or “ohhhhhhhhh”.
Repeat the bumble bee breathing until your body is calm and relaxed.
As you pop each bubble take a breath and
focus on the present moment. Try to quiet
your mind and clear it from all distractions.
Observe your thoughts, feelings and
sensations. What do you see, hear, smell,
taste and feel? Allow your mind to stay
focused on the moment. Enjoy the clarity
that comes with being mindful.
Sit or stand straight and still. Close your eyes or look downward
Take three deep breaths in and out.
Open your eyes
Notice five things you can see
Notice four things you can touch
Notice three things you can hear
Notice two things you can smell
Notice one thing you can taste
Spread one hand out like a star
Use the index finger on your other hand to trace the outline of your star hand
Take a deep breath in as you move your tracing finger to the top of your thumb
Breathe out as you move your tracing finger down between your thumb and your first finger
Take another breath in as you move to the top of your first finger
Breathe out as you move down between your first finger and second finger
Continue the pattern, tracing each of your fingers until you have taken five slow deep breaths
Repeat on the other hand
Mindfulness videos and site
The Listening Game
A video that allows kids to explore their thoughts and feelings as a way of calming themselves so that we can feel calmer and happier whenever we need to.
Teach kids to pay attention to their breathing
This guided meditation video uses a rainbow waterfall theme and music to imagine they are visiting a magical waterfall that washes away stress and worry and replaces.
Bringing attention to parts of the body and how they feel.
An interesting take on mindfulness from kids' perspectives.
Tips and Suggestions on Encouraging Mindfulness for Children
Have a calming corner or cozy area in your home where children can go to be still and quiet.
Be aware of when children may need to take a break and pause. This will help children learn how to recognize the signs of when their bodies and minds need to be quiet and still to recharge.
Meditation is a tool that can be used anywhere and that it is particularly helpful when we need to relax if we are feeling upset, nervous, worried, or overexcited.
Information provided by:
https://www.verywellfamily.com/benefits-of-mindfulness-for-kids-4769017
https://www.yourtherapysource.com/blog1/2020/06/08/mindfulness-activities-young-children/
https://www.theottoolbox.com/mindfulness-for-kids/
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/integrating-mindfulness-in-classroom-curriculum-giselle-shardlow