In the hustle and bustle of daily life, mindfulness has emerged as a powerful tool to help us manage stress, improve focus, and foster emotional resilience. For elementary school counselors, introducing mindfulness practices to young children can be a transformative way to support their overall well-being.
Understanding Mindfulness
So, what is mindfulness, anyway? Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the “here and now”. It includes paying special attention to our breathing, thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Mindfulness encourages us to focus on our five senses while taking in the beauty around us. This promotes a sense of clarity, calm, and peace.
Why Mindfulness is Helpful for Students
Learning to be mindful can:
- Improve concentration and focus
- Teach emotional regulation skills
- Reduce stress
- Foster happiness
- Enhance learning and academic progress
- Improve social skills
How School Counselors Can Teach Mindfulness
One of the most effective and engaging ways to teach mindfulness is through storybooks! They capture students’ attention, simplify complex topics, encourage empathy, and make learning fun!
Check out these 6 must-have books about mindfulness to add to your school counselor library:
- “What Does It Mean to Be Present?” by Rana DiOrio
- “Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness” by Maria Gianferrari
- “I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness” by Susan Verde
- “Mop Rides the Waves of Life” by Jaimal Yogis
- “Alphabreaths: The ABC’s of Mindful Breathing” by Christopher Willard & Daniel Rechtschaffen
- “Yoga Animals in the Forest: A Forest Friends Adventure” by Teresa Anne Power
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Books that Teach Mindfulness
1. “What Does It Mean to Be Present?” by Rana DiOrio
This book introduces mindfulness through simple and relatable examples. Children learn how to appreciate the present moment by focusing on their five senses and thoughts. They also learn how to become aware of and grateful for their surroundings as they read this engaging storybook.
2. “Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness” by Maria Gianferrari
In Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness, children follow along with a young child and their dog. The duo experiences each moment of the day to its fullest. Children are encouraged to just “be like a dog” as they take in everything around them using their senses.
This mindfulness book also includes a guided breathing exercise you can practice with your students.
3. “I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness” by Susan Verde
“I Am Peace” encourages young children to breathe, smell, and be present in the here and now. This guidebook teaches kids to pay attention to their feelings and manage their emotions in healthy ways. The calming illustrations help students visualize how and why they need to have peaceful moments to just be with themselves.
With this storybook, you’ll also find a guided meditation that your students will love!
4. “Mop Rides the Waves of Life” by Jaimal Yogis
Next up — “Mop Rides the Waves of Life!” Mop is a little surfer with funny hair who is often embarrassed at school. He wishes life could be more like surfing!
One day, he learns that the lessons of the waves can help him bring the joy of surfing into his daily life—breathing, letting the bad waves go by, and riding the good ones. With these things in mind, Mop is ready to “surf the waves of life”, and your students will be, too!
5. “Alphabreaths: The ABC’s of Mindful Breathing” by Christopher Willard & Daniel Rechtschaffen
In this cute book, students learn and practice playful breathing and movement exercises that go along with each letter of the alphabet. Kids learn memorable techniques like “Redwood Breath” to help them connect to nature. Other strategies, like “Heart Breath” and “Wish Breath”, make it easier for them to remember to be grateful while calming their minds and bodies.
This book is a fabulous introduction to mindfulness for young children!
6. “Yoga Animals in the Forest: A Forest Friends Adventure” by Teresa Anne Power
The final book you’ll want to add to your mindfulness toolbox is “Yoga Animals in the Forest.” This playful storybook shows children a variety of simple yoga poses and mindfulness exercises they can use to stay calm.
As the bear emerges slowly from hibernation, he looks for ways to find energy, think clearly, stay calm, be positive, and relax again before it’s time for bed. Several different forest animals help the bear achieve these states of mind through easy yoga poses. The clear illustrations help children fully understand how to complete each pose!
Other Ways to Teach Mindfulness
You can also teach students how to be mindful by incorporating mindfulness throughout the day and adding it to your school culture.
Mindfulness Activities
Encourage teachers to start the day with brief mindfulness activities like deep breathing exercises or guided meditation.
Educators can use these kid-friendly breathing posters to make this process easy! Lots of cute designs for every major holiday and all four seasons are included.
Mindful Moments
Educate your school staff on how to integrate mindfulness into transitions between activities to help students reset and refocus:
- To and from special activities like PE, art, and music
- Going to and leaving the cafeteria
- On the way in and out for recess
Getting the entire school staff on board with this goal will allow students multiple opportunities to practice mindfulness every day!
Mindfulness Clubs
Finally, implement a mindfulness club where students can practice being mindful together and learn new techniques in a fun, lighthearted way.
Depending on your school’s schedule, this club might meet for a few minutes before or after school once a week or during a designated monthly club time. Do what works best for you and your school!
Integrating mindfulness into the elementary school setting offers numerous benefits for students’ mental, emotional, and academic well-being. As school counselors, we play a crucial role in introducing these practices and creating a supportive environment for students to explore mindfulness. By cultivating mindfulness, we can help children develop essential life skills that will serve them well beyond their school years!
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