Creative Mindfulness for Children (EYFS)
Lesson Two – Breathing Buddy
Aim – To encourage children to use mindful breathing
Set the scene – see Lesson One
Make sure everyone is sat comfortably, including yourselves.
The session should start with a signifier. I choose to use a sound (chimes or singing bowl) as it gets their attention and signifies it’s time for something new or different. Invite the children to close their eyes but they don’t have to if they don’t want to (be trauma aware). Instead they could lower their gaze. Ask them to listen to the sound and when it stops open their eyes/raise their gaze.
Recap on Lesson One – The Mind Jar/Bottle. Share your own experiences since last time before inviting them to share theirs. This is authentic modelling. Share what you did about it (mindful breathing – see video).
We have the same bodily experiences in response to our emotions as the children do. Share in a way that they can relate to, never share anything personal.
At this point you may wish to stop the video and talk to the children about their busy minds. Help them reflect on their environment - Where were you? What was happening? What thoughts/feelings were you having? What were you feeling in your body? They may need a lot of modelling or prompting at this stage so pictures/props are good to use (see video).
This is teaching mindfulness
Breathing Buddy – you could make a breathing buddy before or during the session. Alternatively, use something like a bean bag and make individual breathing buddies after the session.
How to make – fill a sock with rice. Section into 4 or 5 using elastic bands. Draw on a face. You could add decorations such as pipe cleaner ears. You could also add a scent such as lavender (dried or essential oil).
Play relaxing music whilst you are making the Breathing Buddy.
Remember to invite each child to name their Breathing Buddy.
Create a mindfulness area so children can use their Breathing Buddy when they want to. (During Covid-19 you could have a basket for each child for their mindfulness sessions rather than an area of your room. This could include a blanket, eye mask, mind bottle, breathing buddy etc).
Stretching and Breathing Exercises – see video and handouts
Ask how they feel in their mind, heart and body. Remember to start with your own experience as an example and use pictures/props. Remind them they can use their Breathing Buddy as much as they like to calm their busy mind.
End with the same signifier (I chose a sound) to signify the end of the session.
Created by Louise Shanagher
(Children’s therapist, mindfulness teacher and Psychology lecturer)
Accredited by the International Mindfulness and Meditation Alliance (IMMA)
Alison Scott
Early Years Standards and Improvement Officer
Hull City Council
Tel: (01482) 613598