3 Mindfulness Resources You Should Check Out
I love teaching elementary students about mindfulness. You’re never too young to have an understanding of being present and in the moment. Mindfulness can really be beneficial to children and adults alike when emotions get high or nerves get in the way. It’s a great coping tool and it helps students who may need to improve in the area of focusing. Today, I am sharing three mindfulness resources you should check out.
The Mental Health Teacher: Mindfulness
The Mental Health Teacher is a YouTube channel where I found one of my favorite mindfulness videos (along with a few others) to share with my students. I have used Bubble Bounce with 1st and 2nd graders, but of course it will work for any of the elementary grades in my opinion. During the video, the narrator tells the viewers which bubble to spot and follow. Even though all of the other bubbles are bouncing around the “room,” the viewer is directed to only watch one specific color or action. My students were always engaged with the video when I shared it.
One day, one of my 2nd grade friends entered the classroom for my lesson in a very grumpy mood. I remember the teacher walking the student in and signaling that she was not having a great morning. The student went to her assigned seat and put her forehead straight down to the table and stayed there. I began my lesson and told the class we were opening with a mindfulness video and that when we practice mindfulness, it can help us shift our mind to something else even if we’re having a rough time. The student didn’t budge. But, when the video began and she could hear what was happening in the video, she slowly lifted her head and began to look at the screen. By the time the video ended, she was ready to learn and she had no problems during her time with me.
The Mental Health Teacher has several other videos I’ve used as well like Rainbow Relaxation and Belly Breathing. Check out the channel to see if there are some others you might like to incorporate into your school counseling lessons.
Free to Be Mindful Podcast
Vanessa De Jesus Guzman is the host of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Her podcast is close to hitting 100 “bite-sized” 15-minute episodes. “These real-talk conversations focus on mindful living, mental health, and personal growth, and end with a guided meditation at the end of each episode.” Her content is created for educators, moms, and kids.
Vanessa is a former classroom teacher, turned school counselor, turned Licensed Professional Counselor with her own practice also called Free to Be Mindful! She offers lots of excellent tips that you can learn from which will in turn benefit your students. You can listen to one of her podcast episodes below.
Vanessa also shares content on the Free to Be Mindful blog. Be sure to check her out. She is absolutely doing great things!
Mindful Kids Activity Cards
A few years ago when I was looking for more ways to incorporate mindfulness into my school counseling program, I found Mindful Kids: 50 Mindfulness Activities for Kindness, Focus, and Calm. (Paid link) These activities are grouped into five themes: Start Your Day, Find Calm, Focus, Open Your Heart, and Rest and Relax. I love that it is for ages 4 to 104!
Each card gives step-by-step directions for doing the activity. They can be used for a whole class/group activity or they can be done independently by students who are able to read the card and follow along. It is absolutely a great tool to pull from during individual sessions.
Is mindfulness a regular part of your school counseling program? What is your go-to mindfulness activity?
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