Mindfulness

Why Teach Mindfulness?

Research is beginning to show the incredible power that mindfulness can bring to children and adults. Mindfulness practices can help teachers and students manage their stress more effectively and focus their energy for learning. Mindfulness can improve cognitive performance, relieve stress, and build resiliency.

Mental Benefits of Mindfulness

Decreased Stress
Enhanced Mental Health
Stronger Self Control
Helps with Depression
Increased Focus
Improved Working Memory

Physical Benefits of Mindfulness

Improves Sleep
Improves Energy Levels
Lower Blood Pressure
Reduce Chronic Pain

Mini-Mindfulness Lessons with Mrs. McD

Mindfulness Activities

Once you teach about mindfulness it is great to follow up with activities that reinforce the skills. The activities below can be used in small groups, individually, or whole class. Please click on the photo to access and print the activity.

Mindful Coloring

Printable Breathe Boards

Printable Affirmations

Grounding Practices

Grounding techniques distract your attention from your unwanted emotions and thoughts.
They help you focus on the here-and-now, by using:

How to Practice 5 4 3 2 1 Grounding
Ask your child to name the following:

5 things that you can SEE in the room
4 things that you can FEEL/TOUCH right now
3 things that you can HEAR
2 things that you can SMELL now
1 thing that you can TASTE

Mindfulness Quotes

Consider using a mindfulness quote to start the week or as a powerful statement in your morning meeting.
Mindfulness quotes are a great way to have students think and discuss mindfulness practices deeper.

Mindfulness Resource Library

Consider using a book to introduce and teach mindfulness. You can always use a good book on mindfulness to
engage students in the understanding of mindfulness, then follow up with an activity for deeper learning.
Click on the book to hear a read-aloud!