Introducing my Finger Tracing Calming Cards, a unique product designed to provide moments of relaxation, mindfulness, and stress relief. These cards offer a sensory experience that soothes the mind and calms the senses.Each set contains a collection of beautifully designed cards, featuring different...
Looking to create a calm-down space for your kids? Learn the must-have calming corner items that will help keep them regulated and content.
Mindful Mazes mindfulness activity helps students with anxiety, stress, self-regulation coping skills, and focus. The mindful maze cards or sheets can be used in calm down areas or to help reduce test anxiety, and encourage calm and focus. These can be used as finger mazes or with a pencil or other tracing object. They are great for School Counseling activities and classrooms. All ages enjoy them and enjoy the benefits of mazes so great for teachers work rooms too. NOTE: Most Labyrinths in the set are drawn to follow the path in the middle with the lines as the walls. Several of the mazes are drawn so that they path is the actual line itself. Includes: 12 Different Labyrinths in various sizes, ink friendly and watercolor version, with and without borders. 102 pages of Labyrinths total For each of the 12 Labyrinths Full Sheets with and without borders (ink only) Half Pages with and without borders (ink only) Cards with and without borders (ink only) Watercolor full pages with and without borders Watercolor half pages with and without borders Watercolor cards You might also be interested in • Kindness Confetti Cards- Kindness Activity • Positive Thinking Affirmation Mazes • Think Bubbles Counseling Activities (Bundle) If you would like to get updates on new products, resources and ideas… FOLLOW me on Teachers Pay Teachers FOLLOW me on Pinterest FOLLOW me on Instagram FOLLOW me on Facebook FOLLOW me on ThinkingIQ
5 effective strategies to help elementary teachers create a calm, productive classroom. Find ideas on creating a calm corner in the classroom and ideas for making calm down kits for students.
Breathing exercises are a great tool for teaching children self-regulation skills. This set includes 9 different, fun shapes that children can trace and practice breathing. You will also get a BONUS Rainbow grounding technique poster. Once you purchase you'll be able to instant download high resolution, 300dpi ready to print JPG files, sized 8.5x11" (letter sized). THIS LISTING IS FOR AN INSTANT DOWNLOAD, PRINT YOURSELF POSTER. NO PHYSICAL PRODUCT WILL BE SHIPPED. Once downloaded, you can print at your own home or take it to your preferred print shop or have it printed online. **After your payment is confirmed, you can download your files directly from Etsy. To do so, go to: https://www.etsy.com/your/purchases to find your printable files.** --------- OTHER POSTERS (check my store for more!) Traffic lights zones of regulation poster https://www.etsy.com/listing/1091720461/traffic-lights-anger-management-zones-of 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding technique poster https://www.etsy.com/listing/1105228400/grounding-technique-poster-anxiety Breathing grounding technique poster https://www.etsy.com/listing/976997228/grounding-technique-breathing-wall-art -------- Check the official Light&SaltDesignCo: lightandsaltdesignco.com For other payment methods (credit card, apple pay, etc.) as well as Freebies, offers and more! -------- NOTES * Colors may vary depending on your screen * No materials nor frame are included for this * THIS PRINT IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. COMMERCIAL USE IS NOT ALLOWED. COPYRIGHTS ARE RESERVED. * If you needed any additional change, please send me a message beforehand and we can create a custom listing for you with a small fee. ----- © ALL DESIGNS are property of LightandSaltDesignco. This design is copyrighted.
Find a calm-down kit to use in your calming corner that will help kindergarten, first-grade, and second-grade students with emotional self-regulation in the classroom.
Breathing exercises are a great tool for teaching children self-regulation skills. This set includes 9 different, fun shapes that children can trace and practice breathing. You will also get a BONUS Rainbow grounding technique poster. Once you purchase you'll be able to instant download high resolution, 300dpi ready to print JPG files, sized 8.5x11" (letter sized). You will also be able to download a PDF with all of the above. ****THIS LISTING IS FOR AN INSTANT DOWNLOAD, PRINT YOURSELF FILE. NO PHYSICAL PRODUCT WILL BE SHIPPED.**** ------- If you wish to get the SPANISH version, do so here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1704897573/spanish-mindfulness-breathing-exercises ------- Once downloaded, you can print at your own home or take it to your preferred print shop or have it printed online. **After your payment is confirmed, you can download your files directly from Etsy. To do so, go to: https://www.etsy.com/your/purchases to find your printable files.** --------- OTHER POSTERS (check my store for more!) Traffic lights zones of regulation poster https://www.etsy.com/listing/1091720461/traffic-lights-anger-management-zones-of 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding technique poster https://www.etsy.com/listing/1105228400/grounding-technique-poster-anxiety Breathing grounding technique poster https://www.etsy.com/listing/976997228/grounding-technique-breathing-wall-art --------- Check the official Light&SaltDesignCo: lightandsaltdesignco.com For other payment methods (credit card, apple pay, etc.) as well as Freebies, offers and more! -------- NOTES * Colors may vary depending on your screen * No materials nor frame are included for this * THIS PRINT IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. COMMERCIAL USE IS NOT ALLOWED. COPYRIGHTS ARE RESERVED. * If you needed any additional change, please send me a message beforehand and we can create a custom listing for you with a small fee. ----- © ALL DESIGNS are property of LightandSaltDesignco. This design is copyrighted.
Mood Meter Poster, Therapy Office Decor, Counsellor Posters CBT, Emotions Poster, Calming Corner, Mindfulness Poster, Check In With Yourself YOUR PURCHASE INCLUDES: - Instant Download Printable - Includes the following sizes: • A2 - 420 x 594mm | 16.5 x 23.4in • A3 - 297 x 420mm | 11.7 x 16.5in • A4 - 210 x 297mm | 8.3 x 11.7in • PDF Version * Colours may vary slightly depending on the computer screen, printer, paper and ink you use. _____________________________________________________________ NOTES: - This product will be delivered as a INSTANT DOWNLOAD. - I recommend using Heavyweight Matte Card Stock. - NO physical copy will be sent to you. - Digital Products are not eligible for returns or exchanges. - Please message with any questions or concerns via Etsy Message. _____________________________________________________________ HOW TO: 1. Add to Cart & Purchase. 2. Download files. 3. Unzip if necessary with Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free to open, view and comment on). 4. Choose the size and format that you need. 5. Print and Frame or Hang as is. If you need assistance accessing and downloading your purchase follow this link: https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-gb/articles/115013328108-How-to-Download-a-Digital-Item?segment=shopping _____________________________________________________________ IMPORTANT All designs are for personal use only and can not be resold or redistributed.
Looking to create a calm space in your classroom to teach young children ways to calm down? Use this colorful and engaging resource to help your students identify their big feelings and learn techniques to calm down and manage those feelings. Looking to save $$? Grab this resource as part of the Techniques to Calm Down BUNDLE! ⭐️There is so much included in this resource so please download the Ways-to-calm-down-PREVIEW for more details!
These pages are great for teaching meditation, mindfulness and deep breathing to your students. The download includes 5 different deep breathing coloring pages. The coloring is open-ended so the same page can be used multiple times. -Great for a whole class or a calming corner.-Easy to leave for a s...
Transform your classroom into a peaceful oasis with these vibrant and soothing Rainbow Classroom Calming Corner Posters. This digital download includes a set of beautifully designed posters, specifically crafted to create a calming and inclusive environment for your students. Rainbow Theme: Each poster features a stunning rainbow design, incorporating a harmonious blend of colors to create a tranquil atmosphere in your classroom. Calming Affirmations: The posters include positive and calming affirmations, empowering students to manage their emotions and find inner peace. Visual Prompts: Alongside the affirmations, each poster showcases visual cues, such as nature elements or mindfulness symbols, to help students connect with their feelings and practice self-regulation. High-Quality Printable Files: This digital download provides high-resolution files in a printable format, ensuring that you can easily print and display the posters in your classroom. How to Use: Download: After purchasing this listing, you will receive a link to download the digital files. Print: Print the posters using your preferred printing method or take them to a local print shop for professional results. Display: Hang the posters in your classroom's calming corner, a dedicated space where students can go to relax, reflect, and recharge. Create a Soothing Environment: Combine the posters with soft lighting, cozy seating, and calming activities to establish a serene and inviting atmosphere. Please note that this listing is for a digital download only. No physical items will be shipped. Promote a positive and calming atmosphere in your classroom with these Rainbow Classroom Calming Corner Posters. Download now and start fostering a tranquil learning environment for your students!
Calming/mindfulness corner posters designed to help children learn and understand their emotions in a creative way! Perfect for homeschool, classroom, preschool, therapy or guidance counseling. This is a digital download. no physical item will be mailed to you. *This is for personal use only. Please to not redistribute the files in any way.* Unlimited prints. You will receive a 5 page pdf file size A3 and a link to the editable version After your purchase, you will be able to download these files from etsy. If you need help, here is an article with instructions on how to download your digital files: https://www.etsy.com/help/article/3949. HOW TO PRINT 1. Download your files. 2. Choose the size and format that you need. 3. Print on your home printer or order prints online (choose from the local printing services that you like) NOTE 1. The colors on your monitor screen may differ from the printed image. It depends on the model of your device and the type of the printer. 2. Choose matte and heavy weight paper for printing - your poster will look very high quality. 3. These files are for personal use only. You cannot sell posters and files commercially, but you can print them as many times as you need.
Ever felt like your students could benefit from slowing down and taking a moment calm? Well, you're in for a treat. Mindfulness isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changer. It's about hitting the pause button, taking a deep breath, and diving into the magic of the present moment. And here's the kicker – it's not just for adults; it's for kids too! So, picture this: A classroom where calm reigns supreme, thoughts find their chill, and focus becomes a superpower. That's the power of mindfulness. And guess what? We're not stopping there. We're bringing you the tools to create a Calming Corner that'll turn your classroom into a sanctuary of serenity. Let's dive in! (GREAT NEWS! I've put together exclusive FREEBIES for mindfulness. Click here to receive them!) Mindfulness meditation is a way of focusing the mind so that it is fully attending to what’s happening right now, to what we’re doing, and to the space that we’re currently in. Cultivating mindfulness means to be present, to pay attention, and to be aware of our emotions and the way that we respond to them. Recent neuroscience research points to many benefits of mindfulness meditation: ➧ increased focus ➧ a sense of calm ➧ decreased stress ➧ decreased anxiety ➧ improved impulse control ➧ greater empathy for others ➧ improved conflict resolution skills Our students need opportunities to practice mindfulness mediation. Since the human mind often wanders from the present. Our brains have a tendency to become absorbed with thoughts about the past or the future. This kind of thinking makes us anxious. Academic pressure now affects kids as early as kindergarten, resulting in less time for play and other stress-reducing activities. Today’s students are faced with an unprecedented amount of anxiety. The pressure only grows greater in middle and high school. Surveys have found students reporting stress and fatigue as much as 75% of the time. What’s needed is a way to decrease anxiety and help students to manage their emotions. That’s where mindfulness comes in. Infusing moments of mindfulness in the classroom is not only powerful, it’s also quite simple. In general, to practice mindfulness, have students start by bringing attention to their own body. Then, have them breathe in through their noses and out through their mouths. When they notice that their mind has wondered away from the present moment, they should gently bring their attention back to their breathing. It’s also a great idea to intentionally plan moments of mindfulness in the classroom! Here are some simple ways to do just that… 1. A Mindful Moment At the beginning of class, or after a transition, have your students close their eyes and take several deep breaths. Ask them to pay attention to their breathing and what it feels like. 2. A Mindful Break Once or twice during a standard length class, just stop. Have your students stand up and stretch and then sit back down and do 30 seconds of mindful breathing. This takes no more than a minute, and it gives everyone a needed break. 3. A Mindful Quote Use motivational and inspirational quotes to help focus students’ minds during a moment of mindfulness. It’s as easy as sharing a quote, or you can download this free set of mindfulness quotes and put together a container to pull from all year long. If you'd like me to send you a free set of 24 mindfulness quotes and the materials to make a container like above, add your name and email address below: Yes! Please send me MINDFULNESS RESOURCES! 4. Attention Check During a long lesson, stop and ask your students to pause and “check their attention.” Is their mind on what is being done in class, or has it been wandering? This gives kids the chance to deliberately redirect their attention to the matter at hand. 5. Finger Labyrinths Traditionally, labyrinths are used for mediation and relaxation. Often, people walk through labyrinths. Give students the same sensation with finger labyrinths. I’ve made a collection of them that students can use when they need to focus their minds. Students simply trace the spiral paths as they practice mindfulness. Add your name and email address below to receive the finger labyrinths and mindfulness quotes in your email inbox! Yes! Please send me MINDFULNESS RESOURCES! 6. Mindful Closure At the end of class, have students close their eyes and focus on their breathing again. Ask them to think of what they have learned and perhaps congratulate themselves on their progress and accomplishments. As teachers. we have many opportunities to introduce students to mindfulness practices. Of course, one of the most important ways we can do this is by cultivating mindfulness in ourselves. If we, as teachers, are present and aware of our own emotions and responses, we set an invaluable example for our students. Many of these mindfulness activities work well in a Calming Corner in the Classroom. Add the quotes or labyrinths to the calming corner to help students when they need to take a step back and become more present in the moment. Find more ideas for creating a calming classroom environment here. Thanks so much for stopping by! Mary Beth
What's inside this article: The benefits of deep breathing exercises for kids, how to teach deep breathing, plus activities and printables.
Looking to create a calm-down space for your kids? Learn the must-have calming corner items that will help keep them regulated and content.
How to make a mindfulness glitter calm down jar for kids! Step-by-step directions for making a calming glitter jar, with a printable recipe.
Are you looking to enhance your calm down corner with some inspirational calm down corner posters? Bring calmness into your pre-k, preschool or kindergarten classroom with these 10 gorgeous calm down corner posters. Made with the young learner in mind, these calm down corner posters will be a great addition to your Calm Down Corner. What’s Included? 10 Calm Down Posters (8.5x11) 2 Versions - Color & Black and White PLEASE NOTE: This is a digital download. Did you know these Calm Down Posters are part of a money saving BUNDLE????????? Social Emotional Learning Posters BUNDLE
This Calm Rainbow themed calming corner provides posters and visual aides to support social emotional learning in your classroom. A calming corner is designed to create a safe place for your students when they lose control of their behavior and/or emotions. The calming corner will provide students with visuals and resources that will help them learn new breathing techniques, self regulate their emotions through mindfulness and practice Yoga poses. See the preview for more details! ⭐️I also created a FREE resource to help you get started! ⬇️⬇️ SLIDES AND HOW TO INTRODUCE AND IMPLEMENT CALM DOWN CORNER FREEBIE INCLUDES: Posters and Visual Aides Option to call it 'Calming Corner' or 'Calm Corner' Binder Covers Positive Affirmations Posters Breathing Techniques Star breathing Heart breathing Rainbow breathing Calming Countdown 40 Calming Strategies and a poster with 9 strategies 24 Feelings Cards and a poster with 16 feelings 11 Yoga Poses Cards and poster Reflection Sheets for Yoga and for visiting the Calming Corner 4 Coloring Sheets Bin/Basket labels Bulletin Letters/Bunting Directions on how to use a Calming Corner Blank templates so you can customize (PowerPoint) **This is a ZIP File. The posters and visuals are all part of a PDF file and are not editable. However, I have included a PowerPoint file with blank templates and the font embedded so you can customize. If you have any issues downloading either file email me at [email protected]. I hope you and your students enjoy this space! ⋆Prints on standard 8.5 x 11 paper. Cardstock is recommended for more product durability. Lamination will help with longevity of product. ⋆This product is for personal and classroom use only. ⋆Please reach out to me if you have any questions, comments, concerns. I am happy to provide assistance! I hope you and your students enjoy, thank you! Let's be friends! Instagram Pinterest Follow me on tpt!
Ever felt like your students could benefit from slowing down and taking a moment calm? Well, you're in for a treat. Mindfulness isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changer. It's about hitting the pause button, taking a deep breath, and diving into the magic of the present moment. And here's the kicker – it's not just for adults; it's for kids too! So, picture this: A classroom where calm reigns supreme, thoughts find their chill, and focus becomes a superpower. That's the power of mindfulness. And guess what? We're not stopping there. We're bringing you the tools to create a Calming Corner that'll turn your classroom into a sanctuary of serenity. Let's dive in! (GREAT NEWS! I've put together exclusive FREEBIES for mindfulness. Click here to receive them!) Mindfulness meditation is a way of focusing the mind so that it is fully attending to what’s happening right now, to what we’re doing, and to the space that we’re currently in. Cultivating mindfulness means to be present, to pay attention, and to be aware of our emotions and the way that we respond to them. Recent neuroscience research points to many benefits of mindfulness meditation: ➧ increased focus ➧ a sense of calm ➧ decreased stress ➧ decreased anxiety ➧ improved impulse control ➧ greater empathy for others ➧ improved conflict resolution skills Our students need opportunities to practice mindfulness mediation. Since the human mind often wanders from the present. Our brains have a tendency to become absorbed with thoughts about the past or the future. This kind of thinking makes us anxious. Academic pressure now affects kids as early as kindergarten, resulting in less time for play and other stress-reducing activities. Today’s students are faced with an unprecedented amount of anxiety. The pressure only grows greater in middle and high school. Surveys have found students reporting stress and fatigue as much as 75% of the time. What’s needed is a way to decrease anxiety and help students to manage their emotions. That’s where mindfulness comes in. Infusing moments of mindfulness in the classroom is not only powerful, it’s also quite simple. In general, to practice mindfulness, have students start by bringing attention to their own body. Then, have them breathe in through their noses and out through their mouths. When they notice that their mind has wondered away from the present moment, they should gently bring their attention back to their breathing. It’s also a great idea to intentionally plan moments of mindfulness in the classroom! Here are some simple ways to do just that… 1. A Mindful Moment At the beginning of class, or after a transition, have your students close their eyes and take several deep breaths. Ask them to pay attention to their breathing and what it feels like. 2. A Mindful Break Once or twice during a standard length class, just stop. Have your students stand up and stretch and then sit back down and do 30 seconds of mindful breathing. This takes no more than a minute, and it gives everyone a needed break. 3. A Mindful Quote Use motivational and inspirational quotes to help focus students’ minds during a moment of mindfulness. It’s as easy as sharing a quote, or you can download this free set of mindfulness quotes and put together a container to pull from all year long. If you'd like me to send you a free set of 24 mindfulness quotes and the materials to make a container like above, add your name and email address below: Yes! Please send me MINDFULNESS RESOURCES! 4. Attention Check During a long lesson, stop and ask your students to pause and “check their attention.” Is their mind on what is being done in class, or has it been wandering? This gives kids the chance to deliberately redirect their attention to the matter at hand. 5. Finger Labyrinths Traditionally, labyrinths are used for mediation and relaxation. Often, people walk through labyrinths. Give students the same sensation with finger labyrinths. I’ve made a collection of them that students can use when they need to focus their minds. Students simply trace the spiral paths as they practice mindfulness. Add your name and email address below to receive the finger labyrinths and mindfulness quotes in your email inbox! Yes! Please send me MINDFULNESS RESOURCES! 6. Mindful Closure At the end of class, have students close their eyes and focus on their breathing again. Ask them to think of what they have learned and perhaps congratulate themselves on their progress and accomplishments. As teachers. we have many opportunities to introduce students to mindfulness practices. Of course, one of the most important ways we can do this is by cultivating mindfulness in ourselves. If we, as teachers, are present and aware of our own emotions and responses, we set an invaluable example for our students. Many of these mindfulness activities work well in a Calming Corner in the Classroom. Add the quotes or labyrinths to the calming corner to help students when they need to take a step back and become more present in the moment. Find more ideas for creating a calming classroom environment here. Thanks so much for stopping by! Mary Beth
A calm corner is a safe place generally in the corner of the classroom or home where children can go to regulate their emotions or need a break. These products can help children recognise emotions and coping strategies to help calm them down. *Items aren't eligible for returns or exchanges
In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and tranquility can be a challenge. Creating a dedicated meditation corner can be a game-changer.
This Calm Corner Kit is packed with a variety of resources designed to help you create a cherished calm down corner in your classroom. Ideal for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners, these tools support emotional well-being and guide young learners in finding their inner calm. The kit includes: - Calm Corner Poster - 20 Emotion Flashcards: Help children recognize and express their feelings. -Emotion Wheel: A hands-on way to explore and express feelings. - 20 Coping Strategy Cards: Provide practical ways for kids to manage their emotions. - 3 Weather Breathing Posters: Fun and engaging breathing exercises inspired by weather themes. -5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Poster: A simple technique to help kids stay grounded in the present moment. -It's Okay to Feel Your Feelings Print: Encourages emotional acceptance and understanding. - 12 Frog Yoga Flashcards & Frog Yoga Poster : Introduce playful yoga poses that promote mindfulness and relaxation. -Days of the Week Yoga Posters and Flashcards: Combine movement and learning with daily yoga activities. -Affirmation Cards: Boost self-esteem and positivity with daily affirmations. -Encouragement Coloring Cards: Creative coloring activities with uplifting messages. -Sunny Thought Prompts: Encourage gratitude and positive thinking, with a bonus idea to extend into a circle time activity. -Calm Caterpillar Pattern Strips: Complete the pattern with pom poms or playdoh. A sensory tactile activity. -Joy Jar and Fill the Frames Coloring Pages: Encourage children to think of people and things they hold dear. -Color Grounding Poster - Find each color in the room. This comprehensive kit offers everything you need to cultivate a peaceful and supportive environment in your classroom, helping young children navigate their emotions with care.
Beautifully designed vibrant Bilingual English/Spanish Calm Down Corner Poster Set of 10. It is perfect as décor for your home, office and classroom. Curated wall art prints to help you create a calming, safe & cozy space whether you’re a parent, teacher or counselor. Includes cards for mindfulness with visual breathing exercises. > Fun and easy to use & understand > Teach self-regulation skills and calming strategies > Print instantly from home or office! 👉 Get yours today!
Playful breathing activities for kids, a fun list of 18 mindful breathing exercises to try with your kids, great for parents and teachers.
Looking for a way to teach emotional regulation to toddlers and young children? Check these calming corner ideas for kids.
Calming tools are really wonderful for kids who are quick to anger or have a difficult time calming down when upset. In my post about tips for helping an angry child calm down, I added
How to make a calming corner that supports self-regulation and use it effectively, including what to do when your child refuses to use the calming corner.
A fun, colorful poster for any child from young toddlers to older kiddos! This inhale/exhale poster is perfect for displaying in your child's bedroom or play space, in a classroom "calm corner", or in your office. Perfect also for teachers, principals, practitioners who may work with young patients, including therapists + counselors of any kind! We love to display this poster to add calmness + mindfulness to your or your little one's day, and reinforce the practice of using breath as a powerful tool to regulate the big emotions they may experience! You will receive one (1) zip file containing five (5) various sizes for printing: - 1 JPG file - size 8 x 10 inches (20cm x 25cm) - 1 JPG file - size 8.5 x 11 inches (21.59 cm x 27.94 cm) - 1 JPG file - size 11 x 14 inches (27 cm x 35 cm) - 1 JPG file - size 12 x 18 inches (30 cm x 45 cm) - 1 JPG file - size 16 x 20 inches (40 cm x 50 cm) You also receive one (1) PDF of preparation instructions for your product. You'll find these files as a digital download in your Etsy purchases. HOW TO USE: Download the files and print (card stock recommended). We recommend framing once printed for mindful + relaxing home, classroom or office decor! Your purchase includes one (1) zip file containing five (5) various size options and one (1) PDF file with instructions for your digital download. Unlimited prints can be made of any of these files. We recommend printing on card stock paper for best results! ____________ NOTE: this is a digital download, not a physical product. To access your printable: 1) Head to your Etsy account and click on "Purchases and downloads". 2) Download your file(s). 3) Print at home or at your preferred print shop. ____________ Please reach with any questions about your purchase! Note: Please do not copy or sell this product, or give this product to anyone else without their purchase from our shop. We are a small one-woman business and appreciate you supporting us!
Ever felt like your students could benefit from slowing down and taking a moment calm? Well, you're in for a treat. Mindfulness isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changer. It's about hitting the pause button, taking a deep breath, and diving into the magic of the present moment. And here's the kicker – it's not just for adults; it's for kids too! So, picture this: A classroom where calm reigns supreme, thoughts find their chill, and focus becomes a superpower. That's the power of mindfulness. And guess what? We're not stopping there. We're bringing you the tools to create a Calming Corner that'll turn your classroom into a sanctuary of serenity. Let's dive in! (GREAT NEWS! I've put together exclusive FREEBIES for mindfulness. Click here to receive them!) Mindfulness meditation is a way of focusing the mind so that it is fully attending to what’s happening right now, to what we’re doing, and to the space that we’re currently in. Cultivating mindfulness means to be present, to pay attention, and to be aware of our emotions and the way that we respond to them. Recent neuroscience research points to many benefits of mindfulness meditation: ➧ increased focus ➧ a sense of calm ➧ decreased stress ➧ decreased anxiety ➧ improved impulse control ➧ greater empathy for others ➧ improved conflict resolution skills Our students need opportunities to practice mindfulness mediation. Since the human mind often wanders from the present. Our brains have a tendency to become absorbed with thoughts about the past or the future. This kind of thinking makes us anxious. Academic pressure now affects kids as early as kindergarten, resulting in less time for play and other stress-reducing activities. Today’s students are faced with an unprecedented amount of anxiety. The pressure only grows greater in middle and high school. Surveys have found students reporting stress and fatigue as much as 75% of the time. What’s needed is a way to decrease anxiety and help students to manage their emotions. That’s where mindfulness comes in. Infusing moments of mindfulness in the classroom is not only powerful, it’s also quite simple. In general, to practice mindfulness, have students start by bringing attention to their own body. Then, have them breathe in through their noses and out through their mouths. When they notice that their mind has wondered away from the present moment, they should gently bring their attention back to their breathing. It’s also a great idea to intentionally plan moments of mindfulness in the classroom! Here are some simple ways to do just that… 1. A Mindful Moment At the beginning of class, or after a transition, have your students close their eyes and take several deep breaths. Ask them to pay attention to their breathing and what it feels like. 2. A Mindful Break Once or twice during a standard length class, just stop. Have your students stand up and stretch and then sit back down and do 30 seconds of mindful breathing. This takes no more than a minute, and it gives everyone a needed break. 3. A Mindful Quote Use motivational and inspirational quotes to help focus students’ minds during a moment of mindfulness. It’s as easy as sharing a quote, or you can download this free set of mindfulness quotes and put together a container to pull from all year long. If you'd like me to send you a free set of 24 mindfulness quotes and the materials to make a container like above, add your name and email address below: Yes! Please send me MINDFULNESS RESOURCES! 4. Attention Check During a long lesson, stop and ask your students to pause and “check their attention.” Is their mind on what is being done in class, or has it been wandering? This gives kids the chance to deliberately redirect their attention to the matter at hand. 5. Finger Labyrinths Traditionally, labyrinths are used for mediation and relaxation. Often, people walk through labyrinths. Give students the same sensation with finger labyrinths. I’ve made a collection of them that students can use when they need to focus their minds. Students simply trace the spiral paths as they practice mindfulness. Add your name and email address below to receive the finger labyrinths and mindfulness quotes in your email inbox! Yes! Please send me MINDFULNESS RESOURCES! 6. Mindful Closure At the end of class, have students close their eyes and focus on their breathing again. Ask them to think of what they have learned and perhaps congratulate themselves on their progress and accomplishments. As teachers. we have many opportunities to introduce students to mindfulness practices. Of course, one of the most important ways we can do this is by cultivating mindfulness in ourselves. If we, as teachers, are present and aware of our own emotions and responses, we set an invaluable example for our students. Many of these mindfulness activities work well in a Calming Corner in the Classroom. Add the quotes or labyrinths to the calming corner to help students when they need to take a step back and become more present in the moment. Find more ideas for creating a calming classroom environment here. Thanks so much for stopping by! Mary Beth
Well it turns out you can dramatically help your child stay balanced, calm and avoid over-stimulation by creating a calm down space. A calm down corner is a safe space for angry, upset, frazzled, overstimulated children to go to calm down. And in today’s post, I’m going to show you exactly how to create your own calm down corner.
Deep Breathing Visuals Interactive Breath Board for SEL, Calming and Self-Regulation will be a great addition to your Social Emotional Learning materials all school year. Practicing deep breathing will help your students develop mindful habits. These deep breathing strategies can help students calm and self-regulate during times of frustration, anger, or anxiety. These posters could be added to a Calming Corner or be used during Whole Group Instruction for mindfulness practice. Use the half sheet option on a smaller scale to add to a Calm Down kit. Featuring: Whole page visual with interactive breathing icons. Use with whole or small group or within a calming corner or safe space. Half page visual with interactive breathing icons. Smaller size is perfect for on the go or for individual student use. To prep/set up: Laminate visuals and cut out interactive icons. Place Velcro dots onto visuals and icons. To use: Students will take 5 deep breaths. You can have students remove an icon with each breath OR place an icon onto the board with each breath. Use similar to a token board or a countdown visual, whichever option works best for your students. These creative strategies will add a new element to your classroom behavior management and will help your students develop mindful habits. Visuals/Posters are not grade specific and could be used for preschool children, elementary classrooms, or special education students. Designed to be printed and laminated for long-lasting use. Don't forget that if you leave a review on a paid resource, you will earn TpT credits to use on future purchases! I truly appreciate feedback on products as it helps me know what products are an asset to your classroom. You may also like... Winter Mindfulness Posters for SEL February Mindfulness Breathing Posters for SEL March Mindfulness Breathing Posters for SEL, Calming and Self-Regulation April Mindfulness Breathing Posters for SEL, Calming and Self-Regulation Spring & May Mindfulness Breathing Posters for SEL, Calming and Self-Regulation
Spark & Wow Calm Down Threading Boards | Create and inspire calm with this powerful sensory resource! This set includes 2 threading boards, 8 laces in 4 colors, 2 threading pens and an activity guide. Add this sensory resource to calm down corners, therapy resources or social-emotional learning activities. This threading activity can act as a tool to assist in the practice of mindfulness. Children will also explore their creativity as they doodle new designs every time they play. Push the pen into the threading holes, pull it out and listen to it "pop." The boards connect so children can create vertically or horizontally. The activity guide includes information on the benefits of calming skills and mindfulness activities, plus a guided mindfulness activity. The boards are made of durable rubber to last for years of use. Includes: 2 threading boards, 8 laces, 2 threading pens and an activity guide. Size of each threading board: 7.7"L x 5.5"W. Length of strings: 40". For ages 3+.
5 Finger Breathing mindfulness calming tool
Here's my strategies for effectively using a classroom peace corner. How to introduce it & how to teach students how to use peace corners.
Learn how to set up a calm down corner for kids, with printables and calming tools to help them process big feelings and emotions.