Education: Everything You Need to Bring Mindfulness to Your Classroom by Conscious Childhood

issue no.1 | THE PATH FORWARD IN EDUCATION

Easy

Y og a

Mindfulness lesson plans: What is awareness? Yoga helps kids focus: Fun for the whole class Self awareness through journaling: Checking thoughts Emotional intelligence: Manage emotions by taking a pause and developing a feelings vocab. Social interaction skill: Finding common ground

Contents

THE PATH FORWARD IN EDUCATION

The Path Forward in Education

PAGE 2

What’s it all about? THE BASICS

PAGE 5

Editor’s Note: A major shift in the purpose and intention in teaching Mindfulness, awareness, presence, consciousness

Essential Mindful Toolbox

Resources PAGE 9

Curated reading books, games, activities and lessons

Teaching Children Mindfulness

PAGE 14

Easy Yoga for All Ages

PAGE 19

Journaling for Life Ramp up your language arts program now

PAGE 23

Emotional Intelligence

PAGE 28

Feelings Word Web

PAGE 31

Take a Pause

PAGE 34

Finding Common Ground

PAGE 36

Bulletin Board to Support Outcomes

PAGE 41

Framework & Learning Outcomes

PAGE 43

Easy 5 minute mindful practices to do anywhere at anytime How yoga helps kids focus and develop body awareness

Taking time out for reflection reaps huge rewards in student self awareness while improving daily writing skills The Cornerstone for Social Emotional Learning Developing a child’s vocabulary for emotions STOP – WAIT – GO Teaching your impulsive kiddos how to make a space between what they are feeling and how they react

Children may be really surprised when they embark upon a guided treasure hunt to find out how much they have in common with classmates whom they don’t know very well More than a feeling. Engage children by taking expressive photos Conscious Childhood Goals / CASEL 5 Core Competencies

Just for the Teachers & Parents

Resources PAGE 42

Modeling a daily practice for conscious awareness and mindful presence in our homes, schools & communities

Mindfulness, Awareness, Presence, Consciousness,

What’s it all about?

I have great compassion for educators. In all my experience in teaching, I felt like school administrators were consistently presenting us with new pedagogy year after year. So, first, I want to thank you for taking this life changing opportunity to help your students grow and learn more consciously. This is not a program to revamp the existing academic curriculum, but rather, simple easy tools and a shift in “how” and “why” you convey your content. The benefit: your classroom will flow and your students will thrive. At some point, I’m sure you have heard mindfulness terminology popping up in the educational sector; but lets break down the concepts so that we can get you personally prepared to take your children on this journey with you. Let’s get started with the basics:

Mindfulness is about being fully present in the “here and now” and bringing your full attention to your internal and external environment. There are many activities, such as breathing techniques, body awareness scans, and meditation that facilitate your ability to let go of distractions and come back to the present moment in front of you. Mindfulness is a state of being, not doing. Yoga postures and movements, for example, are practices that bring you into a state of mindfulness. Awareness in simple terms means having knowledge or perception of a situation or object. But in a deeper sense, practicing awareness means you can notice what is capturing your attention. Then you move that attention toward your thoughts, emotions, and your body, by observing them without choosing to react to them. You just sit with everything and just be still for a while. See Mindfulness Activities for Your Class Page 14 - 18

min 5breath

Meditations Daily Meditation: How do breathing practices help kids reduce stress and redirect their focus away from distractions? BREATHING MAKES IT BETTER: A Book for Sad Days, Mad Days, Glad Days, and All the Feelings InBetween by Christopher Willard and Wendy O’Leary This Read Aloud is an engaging and interactive story to teach young children how to navigate through their powerful emotions by discovering the power of their breath.

5-MINUTE MINDFULNESS MEDITATIONS FOR TEENS: by Nicole Libon PhD This guide begins with some foundational mindful practices and then offers teen relevant meditations for school life, everyday life, self care, friends and family. This can easily be adapted for younger children as well. This book is full of fun facts and tips for beginners of all ages.

The breath is an integral component of meditation practice; however, breathing practices can also be used alone, absolutely anywhere, as a form of mindful relaxation. When learning how to meditate, following the breath is an easy gateway into a mindfulness state of presence. This simple practice has numerous health advantages over time. Studies show that focused attention on the breath has a direct impact on how we feel. A regular meditation practice helps to lower anxiety and depression symptoms in children. In addition, the positive benefits include a boost in overall cognitive performance and memory retention. When your kiddos seem to be out of sorts, or having one of “those days”, where their attention seems to be either, all over the place, or gone for the afternoon, give one of these fun lessons a try.

“When your mind is racing, your heart is pounding, or you feel out of control or stressed out, focusing on the feeling of your breath can help you let go of things you can’t control right now, bringing you back to the present moment. It’s like a reset button for your mind” Nicole Libin, PhD

Click on our website below for a full description & buying options Visit our website for more content: https://www.consciouschildhood.org

TIPS FOR SUCCESS: 1. Create a calm environment free from distractions. Consider taking the practice outside on a grassy lawn. 2. Maintain consistency through daily or regular practice sessions. 3. Remind children that there are no “wrong” ways to practice. If their minds wander during the practice, gently remind them to come back to the breath. Thoughts are OK and not to be judged as “bad” or “good”. 4. Praise their efforts and progress; encourage them to continue the practice at home.. © Conscious Childhood 2023

Mindfulness

min 5breath

HOT COCOA

try this with your kiddos today sitting or standing

grades K-8

Part 1: Sense Perception Through Imagination TEACHER / PARENT: -

Close your eyes and imagine holding in your hands a cup of something yummy like hot cocoa on a cool fall day. I’m going to ask you some questions and I just want you to think of the answer in your own mind. We won’t share our answers until after we are finished. Ready? In your minds eye, what does the cup look like? (a mug, paper cup, etc..) What color is the cup? How does the cup feel? (warm, solid, etc..) How does the cup smell with that sweet chocolate inside?

Part 2: Breathing Practice TEACHER / PARENT: -

Now I want all of you to keep your eyes closed and keep imagining the cup of hot cocoa. Slowly breathe in through your nose the delicious smell. Can you imagine the smell? Is it sweet? Is it chocolatey? Sometimes, hot cocoa can be too hot, and we need to cool it down. So, this time you are going to breathe in with your nose and then you are going to very gently and very slowly cool the hot chocolate by blowing through your lips. If we blow too hard we might splash the hot cocoa! So lets do it again:, but this time you will breathe in through your nose taking in all of that sweet smell; then your will breathe out gently through your lips taking enough time to cool it down. (Repeat practice two times)

Part 3: Sharing & Reflection TEACHER / PARENT: -

Now open your eyes. How do you feel? Some of you may feel hungry for cocoa! But I see some smiles out there. Do you feel happy? (option to describe their cup and how it felt in their hands) Remember, you can do this at home, in the car and anytime you want to feel calm and cozy.

PARENT TIP: Enjoy a cup of real cocoa

Visit our website for more content: https://www.consciouschildhood.org

s n o i t n a t u S S alu

are ancient yoga movements and poses that were followed in a sequence for the purpose of warming up the body. This easy yoga practice below is a fun way to wake up your students anytime they need a bit of extra focus and vitality.

Directions: Start at the very top circle. Proceed in a clockwise manner. Each illustration demonstrates the position

and the words to chant while holding that position for a few moments. After daily repetition, students will be able to memorize the sun salutation chant and positions. You may start very slow and focus on a controlled stretch during the movement. In time, if you wish to pick up the pace in order to inject some more energy into the practice. Have fun!

Then I Bring My Hands Together, Thank You Sun, Goodbye!

Your Light Spreads Across the Land

Hello, Sun, You Are Bright and Grand

c I Stand Up Tall and Raise My Hands High

SUN

Salutation I Walk My Hands Forward With My Hips in the Air

Then I Walk my Hands Back Like a Big Brown Bear

I Bend Up Like a Triangle With My Hips in the Air

I Bend Down and Touch the Flowers with Great Care

I Straighten My Back Like a Strong Dragonfly I Drop my Tummy Down and Look Up at the Sky

RELIGIOUS EDUCATOR TIP: Substitute the name “Sun” for “God”

Visit our website for more content:

https://www.consciouschildhood.org

s e r v e i t t c a C re C ha ra

Student Name: __________________________

Directions: Choose a partner for this lesson. Next, decide on an animal, person or object for the character. Then think of some traits for the character. Then choose an action using some yoga movements. Create a sentence or two as you both act out the character’s traits and actions. Most importantly, be silly and have fun!

Yoga Poses:

Word Banks: Trait Brave

Playful

Action

Character / Object Tall

Lion

Cow

Giraffe

Hunts Bends Stands

Clever Patient Pretty

Cat Snake Flamingo

Sleeps Crawls Flies

Strong Friendly Tiny

Hero

Angel

Queen

Stretches Shines Smiles

Grateful Soft Bright

Tree

Cloud

Wave

Grows Moves Touches

Curious Wise Gentle

Wind Sun Snowflake

Looks Sparkles Floats

Sample:

The curious cat looks up at the tiny bird.

The strong tree grows tall toward the sky.

TIP: You can add new movements like a sitting cat, or waving branches to your sentence.

Create your sentence on the back of page:

First, you and your partner create motions (using some yoga poses and your own) to show us your character’s traits and actions. On the back of this page, write a sentence or two about your character.

Visit our website for more content: https://www.consciouschildhood.org

Check My Thoughts grades 6-8

Objectives:

Journaling

Students will understand that their thoughts can be challenged for accuracy and helpfulness. - Students will learn to witness thoughts without judgement. Materials: A pencil or pen, journal book.

Part 1: Awareness of Unhelpful Self-Talk TEACHER / PARENT: -

Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Take a moment to reflect on this past week. Was there a time this week when you felt fear, worry or you engaged in negative self talk and you just couldn’t stop the thought? The following list has examples of uncomfortable thoughts to give you some ideas. Write a a few sentences about what happened that caused your uncomfortable thoughts. Describe your feelings. • • • • • • • •

I am expected to do something that I just can’t do .. Some people don’t like me because ____and that’s why I feel alone. I feel like something bad is going to happen because… I’m not happy because I don’t have enough good things in my life like… I wish I was more clever, athletic, attractive , etc.. because … I feel guilty or ashamed of myself because ____and now I think I am ___. If I try to do this, people will laugh at me and that will hurt too much. Why can’t I get anything right. I messed up again when I….

Part 2: Reflection / Assessment: -

Students will self-assess, by reviewing their journal entry and check validity of their thoughts with a list of questions.

TEACHER / PARENT: -

Now let’s check your thoughts. I’d like you to write a response to one of these examples of uncomfortable thoughts in your journal. Then write an answer to these questions under your journal entry: 1. Do I have enough evidence to know for sure that this is true? 2. Is this thought helpful or inspiring? Does believing this thought help me move toward bringing my gifts, talents, and kindness to the world, or does this thought get in the way of my hopes and dreams? 3. What could I consider as an alternative way of looking at it? 4. How would I feel if I did not have TIP : Although thoughts should not be this fear, worry or concern? judged as good or bad, they should still be 5. Who could you talk to about this questioned for validity. Preteens may feel thought to help check for accuracy? vulnerable, so privacy should be respected. Visit our website for more content:

https://www.consciouschildhood.org

Choose a journal topic or prompt. Respond to the prompt by following the instructions in the lesson. You can write in a mindfulness journal, writing paper or use lines below:

name:

title:

Visit our website for more content:

https://www.ConsciousChildhood.org

Social Emotional Learning Guiding Friendships:

How do friendships help children grow emotionally?.

MY BREATH LOVES ME By Claire E Hallinan This Read Aloud book demonstrates how sometimes children need a little help navigating difficult social challenges (i.e. when I child feels left out) by using the breath, pause, notice and respond sequence. Grade K-3

I AM ENOUGH By Grace Byers This Read Aloud book is a beautifully illustrated and inspiring ode to loving who you are, respecting others and being kind to one another. Grade K-3

Friendships play an essential role in children's social-emotional development. By broadening their horizons beyond family, providing identity formation opportunities at school, and offering support when necessary, friendships with classmates provide children with vital social-emotional growth opportunities. Teachers can employ numerous strategies to teach and reinforce (SEL) relationship skills in students, including building an emotional vocabulary. When children learn to identify and understand their own emotions by embracing and discussing them freely, they are better to equipped to make sense of their behavior and actions, which in turn, set them up for a greater understanding of other children and their emotional framework. Some methods involve pairing children up with peers of diverse cultures who share similar interests, activities and temperament; while other strategies include organizing group projects requiring cooperation or activities where the teacher can coach students in managing conflicts and disagreements. “To form meaningful connections with others, we must first connect with ourselves.” - Brene Brown – author, scientist & social researcher

Click on our website below for a full description & buying options Visit our website for more content: https://www.consciouschildhood.org

TIPS FOR SUCCESS: 1. Each child should have an “emotional” vocabulary word list to use when identifying emotions and feelings. 2. Feeling empathy is a skill which can be taught. Encourage understanding of other people by using fictional stories to discuss character feelings and actions . 4. Challenging behavior is always an indication of unmanageable feelings. 5. Validate their feelings as real for them. d. © Conscious Childhood 2023

Social Emotional

Word Web

grades K-8

EMOTIONAL VOCABULARY

Emotions and thoughts or so intrinsically intertwined, that we cannot focus on cognitive development without considering the role that emotions play on our thought processes and ability to learn. Objectives:

Students will develop a collection of emotional words that describe feelings. Students will identify words that are associated with emotions in a situation. Students will write stories involving characters using emotional vocabulary. Materials: A pencil, markers or crayon, a journal, a storybook or real situation

Part 1: Naming Emotions

Tip: Introduce using a thesaurus for older students

TEACHER / PARENT: - We have so many emotions that run through our bodies that sometimes we feel a little overwhelmed. Sometimes we are not even sure exactly how we feel. We may feel anger in our bodies, but we may also feel frustration or disappointment at the same time. It’s important to know that these feelings are just happening to us; they are not who we are. We are just the ones who are feeling them. For example we should not say “I am angry” but rather “I feel anger” or “ Anger is inside me”. We can also learn to recognize feelings in other people. - (For the older grades) First, draw a triangle in the middle of your page. Now draw two eyes in the triangle. Remember, you are just observing these thoughts. - (For the younger grades) Use the chart with faces and add the feeling words under the picture.) ( Teacher can write words on the board for reference) - When you think of these words (or faces), what other feelings come to mind? (Give examples and ask students if they would like to share). - Now I’m going to (read, tell, make up) a story about characters with pretty strong emotions. I will pause throughout the story so that we can identify other emotions and feelings and add them to our list.

Part 2: Reflection / Assessment: -

Share your words with your class. Students should be encouraged to continue adding to their word web.

TIP: A fictional social challenge in the classroom or playground could be a great story to use for this exercise.

Visit our website for more content: https://www.consciouschildhood.org

Choose from the list of scenarios that your teacher has provided for you. Write your own “make-believe” story about what happened and describe all of your feelings. You can write in a mindfulness journal, writing paper or use lines below:

name:

title:

Visit our website for more content:

https://www.ConsciousChildhood.org

TIP: Invite children create and place additional feeling word stickers next to the photos showing multiple emotions.

confident

creative

thrilled

peaceful

worried

confused

secure

hurt

betrayed

inspired

More than a Feeling c

CURIOUS

DELIGHTED

STUNNED

FURIOUS

GRATEFUL

SURPRISED

OPTIMISTIC

SILLY

UNSURE

ANXIOUS

PARENT TIP: Create a bulletin board in your child’s room or home to Display fun photos from family trips and events. Invite your child to write a few sentences describing how everyone was feeling.

Visit our website for more content: https://www.consciouschildhood.org