The A to Z of Mindfulness! Use these printable alphabet cards to introduce words that represent the practice of mindfulness.
Mindfulness is beneficial for our little ones
Improves Attention
Promoting mindfulness with in children begins with the practicing and gradual strengthening of focusing skills. A fun way to introduce this concept to early learners is through a 5 five senses theme. When we learn to focus on just one thing, like taste, a sound, what we see, what we feel or smell we teach our children to hone in on this skill. Focusing on one of these or our own breath, will help the mind calm down and separate from distractions. For example:
There are many things you can do to to begin to include mindfulness practices with your kids. Some popular ideas include breathing exercises, (belly breathing works well with little ones) focusing on the five senses, watchful walks, expressing gratitude and acknowledging our emotions.
Improves Self Regulation
When children practice focusing skills, they become aware of what their mind and all the thoughts that flow through. What is that brain really up to?! I think its so important to encourage our little ones to pause and recognize their own thoughts or what they feel. Mindfulness practice helps children deal with complex emotions and even improves self regulation. Imagine encouraging a child to pause, be aware, and chose to replace an impulsive reaction with a thoughtful response! Without mindfulness we tend to be reactive, however, by implementing mindfulness we can respond in a more balanced way. Ultimately children can learn to ground themselves. Developing a sense of awareness in any given moment and what they are feeling would be such a healthy skill. With this, children could learn to implement mindfulness skills in that moment.
More benefits of Mindfulness for children
- It gets kids in the habit of focusing on the present moment and ignoring distractions. I often say to my son, THIS MOMENT is important!
- It teaches them to find their calm when dealing with stressful moments.
- It promotes self awareness and self regulation. Kids can learn to respond more thoughtfully.
- It promotes happiness and an overall healthier sense of well being.
- It promotes patience and encourages the growing of kindness and compassion.
THE BEST BENEFIT OF ALL?
- It creates positive coping habits for the future. When faced with life’s challenges, they will have a solid foundation of learned coping skills. Finding peace by simply pausing and/or taking a moment to meditate will become their second nature.
Mindfulness gives children the tools to focus their minds, find their center and reflect on a situation when they need to make a choice. When we’re aware of our inner workings and are able to observe it, we become better at the ability to rise above. I feel it is so critical to help our little one’s to discover they indeed can be in control their emotions.
A continuously learned skill
Will this happen over night and just like that your little one has become this little human being who has achieved an absolute state of awareness? Who has mastered the ability to react rationally and expresses consideration for the feelings of others??…..Are you chuckling sarcastically as well? Because I’m giggling just typing that! Short answer: Ofcourse not. We don’t even get this right always as adults! Still, its an incredibly beneficial practice to introduce early.
Mindfulness Flash Cards- A great way to explore and introduce mindfulness
I created these alphabet flash cards featuring words that encompass mindfulness. Its a great way to include alphabet familiarity and practice, while also discussing mindfulness. The graphics are awesome!
Head to my shop to add this to your learning library
I hope you ENJOY!
