ACTIVITIES

Pink Bubble

Sit in a circle with backs straight, hands resting on knees. Students can sit criss cross or with knees bent, feet under their bottoms. Encourage students to close their eyes, think about a disappointment or a feeling that is bothering them. Instruct students to imagine putting that thought into the pink bubble. With eyes still closed, watch the bubble float away saying a silent wish as it disappears.

Pass the Cup

Students stand in a circle. Talk about how to focus their bodies, so that they can pass a cup full of water around the circle without spilling it. Let students know this is a team game and we have to work together. Students will need to breathe and move slowly. This is great mindful practice.

What did I hear?

Have students sit in a circle with a straight back and relaxed body, resting their hands on their knees. Encourage them to close their eyes. Use a variety of objects to makes noise. Have students quietly raise their hands to guess what they heard. (pencils, marbles, a bell, candy wrapper, paper, tinfoil, rice in a jar, etc)

Stadium Wave

Participants should stand in a circle. Explain that they will be working together to create a stadium wave. Show students which direction the wave will move. Choose a student who will start the wave. Demonstrate how they will create the wave by crouching down with knees bent and hands touching the floor. When you stand up wave your hands up into the air. This passes the wave to the next person. "When I say go, start the wave." Try speeding up. Try moving in the opposite direction. Offer another student the opportunity to start.

Counting Breaths

Sit in a circle with a straight back, criss cross works well or sitting with knees bent, bottom resting on heels. Close eyes if you feel safe enough to do so. Breath in naturally and silently say "one" in your mind. Then, as you breathe out, relax your forehead. Breath in and say "two" in your mind. Then, relax your shoulders as you breath out. Again, say "three" silently. Relax your stomach. Again, say "four" silently. Relax your hips. "Now let's try it again. Slowly breath in and out counting as you go. We'll count to 10 silently to ourselves." Processing: How easy was it to focus only on your breathe? Often other thoughts come into our heads when we're practicing. This is normal. Just allow your brain to accept those thoughts and regain focus. Let's try again.