Mindfulness

[hayleyauffret]

Just sharing some info from what we discussed today in regards to mindfulness – I’m definitely not an expert!
My setting has currently finished some training with a company called do-be-mindful. The concept is to become familiar with practicing mindfulness as an adult and the benefit this can have before moving on to how to develop this in a child’s routine.
The course was originally aimed at reception and above and therefore we have adapted this to suit our children. We wanted to introduce mindfulness to each age range that would show progressive development and as a team we decided to to focus on the aspect of breathing.
Within the 0-2 room, we use calming music (I always use the same music so children can associate the time of day) and turn off the lights. Many of the children already know what this means and will go to our designated space and lie down independently. We encourage all children to lie down on their backs – but it is all their own choice if they want to/want to lie on their sides etc. We listen to the calm music taking the time to focus on what we can hear and just slowing down after the session. (We carry out our mindfulness before our group time which take place at the end of Am and Pm sessions.
The 2-3 carry out a similar activity where the focus is to have a beanbag/soft toy placed on their chest with they are encouraged to watch move up and down as the adult talks about this being the breath and trying to focus on this.
The 3-5’s do an activity called breathing hand (I think!?) where as a group they move the finger of the opposite hand up and down the fingers on the other, each up movement in breathe in and down movement in breathe out. Again focusing on the breath and taking the time to be calm.

I hope this is helpful/relevant
Arlene, I hope this covers what you wanted to know!

[arlene]

Thank you Hayley, that’s great. I think we’d benefit from something similar. Now that we venture indoors for a period our little darlings need to be coached for indoor voices because it’s all just a bit too exciting. You’ve inspired me to find a little yoga introduction for EY. I’ll look into the course you’ve described too.

[hayleyauffret]

That’s great Arlene – I love the idea of Yoga and the benefits, but shame it’s a little too advanced for me babies, haha!

[arlene]

Ha, I’ve seen babies in some very advanced poses…all that lack of bone development! I do like a bit child pose myself.

[Joleyroberts@e.essexprimaryscitt.co.uk]

Thank for this Hayley, I’d definitely recommend my favourite site http://www.livespiffy.co.uk. They have lovely resources to support these type of activities. The yoga pretzel cards are lovely and the mighty cards.

I’m going to build an emotions tree on one of the outside fences and I’m hoping to be able to encourage a mindfulness zone and yoga zone in the lovely Spring sunshine/April rain 🙂 !

I think for the older children – we struggle with space when they are all laying down, but we have ample space outside!!

[hayleyauffret]

Yes, outside space is always a great idea!
I’ll take a look at your resources too Joley, thank you!
Arlene – perhaps it’s me that won’t be able to do the poses, not my babies haha!

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