Kids of all ages can benefit from mindfulness activities. In fact, mindfulness for kids can be a creative way to address common concerns in learning and helping children with attention, self-regulation, self-awareness, coping skills, and concentration. Mindfulness activities can be a way for kids to be more present in the moment, and more aware of themselves in every situation, including in the home, in the classroom, and while performing everyday activities. Here, you’ll find fun mindfulness activities and mindfulness exercises kids will love. Use these as ways to address attention and emotions. The best part is, mindfulness isn’t just for children…the self-awareness activities listed here can be used by older kids, teens, and adults!
Mindfulness for Kids
First, check out some of our mindfulness tools here on the website. Read here to understand more about what mindfulness is and some fun mindfulness activities that can be used in the classroom or home.
There is much research on the impact that mindfulness activities have on learning, attention, social-emotional skills, cognition, and overall well-being.
Here is a library of activities and exercises to help with mindfulness in kids:
For themed mindfulness ideas, try these winter mindfulness activities that incorporate movement, awareness, into coping strategies for kids.
Sensory mindfulness strategies
Sensory input has a huge role on our mindfulness. For example, the sensory input we experience controls what our thoughts are drawn to. This impacts actions, behaviors, words, etc. We cover this concept in detail in our blog post on sensory and attention.
Use a sensory bottle to help with calming, self-regulation and an awareness of self. Here is information on How to Make a Sensory Bottle.
Mindfulness for self reflection
Additionally, self-reflection pays a part in mindfulness. If we are practicing attentiveness in the moment and attending to internal and external experiences, we can self-reflect on what worked, what didn’t work, and how to make things work better next time.
One way to foster an awareness of self is by conducting an emotions-check in as well as a feelings check in. Both can offer information about how various outside stimuli or thoughts impact our overall wellbeing and mindset.
Watch this space for more mindfulness strategies coming soon!