more about mindfulness
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us
Why is Our Program Mindfulness Based?
There is an emerging body of research that indicates that mindfulness can help our children improve their abilities to pay attention, to calm down when they are upset, and to make better decisions. In short, it helps with emotional regulation and cognitive focus.
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The purpose of teaching mindfulness to our children is to give them skills to develop their awareness of their inner and outer experiences, to recognize the power of their thoughts as “just thoughts,” to understand how emotions manifest in their bodies, to recognize when their attention has wandered, and to provide tools for impulse control. While it is not a panacea, and it will not completely get rid of what is, frankly, normal kid behavior, like tantrums and loudness and whining and exuberance and arguing, our practices are designed to reduce a child’s likeliness to engage in such behaviors because they have improved their ability to positively control their thoughts and emotions.
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Our staff members are thoroughly trained on what a successful mindfulness activity and environment looks like. Additionally, staff to child ratio is kept low in an effort to ensure that dialogue and activities are effective. It is the company’s belief that the way children begin their day is essential to their success. At the end of the day, we strive to release happy, relaxed children to their parents at pick up
What does a Mindfulness Activity Look Like?
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Mindfulness activities vary depending on the age of the child. One thing they all have in common is that they are simple and fun! See two examples below:
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“The M&M’s Feeling Game”*
The following activity would be done in a small group setting after going to the snack bar (After Care). Each student would be given a small cup of 10 plain M&M’s (and who doesn’t LOVE M&Ms!). Students would take turns sharing by the color M&M they pull out of the cup. This activity is about feelings awareness and at the conclusion of the activity, the students get to eat their M&M’s!
For every RED M&M say one thing that makes you happy.
For every BROWN M&M say one thing that makes you sad.
For every GREEN M&M say one thing that makes you angry.
For every YELLOW M&M say one thing that makes you excited.
For every BLUE M&M say one poor choice you made and what you could have done differently.
For every ORANGE M&M say one good choice you made today.
The M&M game is an example of the type of activity that would be done on a Friday before they get to visit the treasure chest.
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“Blowing Bubbles”*
This activity is used to slow things down. As this is a sensory experience for body and mind, it takes children away from the analytical mode of learning. For this activity, students are encouraged to breathe in deep and out slowly. They’ll become engrossed in the slow, gentle movement of the bubbles they blow, while releasing stress and tension in every breath and bubble.
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try it at home!
Follow the links below to see how you can implement mindfulness practices at home!