Can you believe how crazy our teaching lives can get? It’s like a never-ending whirlwind of responsibilities, am I right? But you know what’s been a game-changer lately? Mindfulness activities in the classroom!

In our fast-paced world of education, where we’re always on the hunt for ways to make learning a little less hectic and a lot more meaningful, mindfulness activities are like a breath of fresh air.

Okay, so what exactly are mindfulness activities? Well, they’re like these awesome little exercises that encourage students to be present, focused, and aware of their thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental way. Mindfulness activities help students develop emotional regulation, reduce stress, and enhance concentration.

I use these Mindfulness Mats successfully in multiple situations:

1. Morning Routine: I have a few students who struggle to regulate themselves in the morning and by having 10 minutes of quiet time, they can transition to make a positive start to the day.
2. Dedicated Mindfulness Time: Right after lunch break, we dim the lights, cue the relaxing music, and either lie down or start drawing on these mats. It’s the perfect reset button for our students.
3. Stress Reduction: Incorporate mindfulness activities during stressful periods, such as before a test or after an exhausting school event, to help students manage anxiety.
4. Work Break: My class LOVE colouring in, so these are ideal for those students who require differentiated 10 minutes of work time with 10 minutes of reward.

Now, I get it – you might be thinking, “I don’t have time for this!” But trust me, you don’t have time NOT to do this. Incorporating mindfulness into your day promotes better learning and helps all students take a breather, relax, and become the best learners they can be. Just 10 minutes a day can work wonders, especially in the afternoon when everyone’s a bit worn out.

To get you on the right track, check out our Mindfulness Mats.

Each mat has the same style of layout for consistency and include:

• Colouring a Mandala: Colouring helps everyone find their calm and focus.
• Finger Tracing Activities: This one’s all about tracing shapes, patterns, or letters while taking slow, deep breaths. It helps to keep students rooted in the present moment.
• Maze Challenges: Mazes are fantastic for sharpening problem-solving skills. Plus, when approached mindfully, they teach patience and concentration.
• Mindful Questioning for Deep Thinking: Asking open-ended questions that make students reflect deeply – that’s what this part is all about. It encourages critical thinking and self-awareness.

 

Happy teaching!

✏️❤️ Katie