Happiness in Four Pebbles

After learning about the importance of peace related to the life and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr, our class enjoyed a simple peace meditation.

This lovely book outlines a simple meditation technique, inspired by the teaching of the Vietnamese Buddhist Monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, who King nominated for a

 Nobel Peace Prize.

Each student received 4 small stones, representing a flower, mountain, water and space.

While holding each pebble, you breathe out it's unique quality:

Flower - Freshness

Mountain - Solidity

Water - Calmness

Space - Freedom

The students then drew pictures of what each stone represents while listening to this song by Betsy Rose which outlines the special qualities of the pebble meditation.

After we were done, the kids took a "gallery walk" around the classroom, enjoying one an others art work.  After the experience was complete the students used words like - peaceful, joyful and happy to describe how they were feeling.  
Mahatma Ghandi said, "If we are to reach real peace in the world, we shall have to begin with the children."  After our "Handful of Quiet", it felt as if we had begun to make a dent in it.

We have a brain in our belly. When our stomachs are stronger we get smarter!

It's not easy to be a super hero.  You need to develop focus and concentration.  Watch these adorable first graders show you how to access your inner ninja.

Movement Breaks

Movement breaks have become a well worn groove in our daily routine. These breaks give the kids (and their teacher) an opportunity to take a well deserved rest from the rigor of our academic day.  During these breaks I try to build on the children's physical stamina, so that they become more and more accustomed to getting out of their comfort zone in order to learn new and wonderful things . I also try to give them the time to "get their sillies out" and connect with one another in light-hearted, kid-friendly ways.  
Here is a short video showing the kids taking quick movement breaks between lessons.  I asked the class to record their answer to the question, "Why do we take movement breaks"? There were a few brave souls who took me up on it! I am hoping that you will hear more and more from the students as the year goes by...

Peace Out

I have been having some difficult "mom moments" lately.  I am parenting a preteen with only early childhood experience and am in particular need of the "users guide" for my 12 1/2 year old model.  Like Dorothy said to the Wizard, "You don't have anything in that black bag for me, do you?" 
I am faithful that "love conquers all" - love and peace of mind. It seems I get myself into a bind when I let my anxiety take over, or let my son's anxiety rule.I just learned that 25 percent of kids from 13-18 have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders (click here to read the article), and it is hard to say how many others suffer but haven't been diagnosed. And what about younger children?  
So lately I have been reflecting on the nature of anxiety. Anxiety can look like belligerence and disrespect in major melt down moments.  When I am able to step back from my or my son's anxiety, I am able to shine the light of consciousness on the shadows and respond with love. The affirmation "I see you, I hear you, I care about you" is my guiding light, my north star... 
Mindfulness practices are another source of strength and guidance. I am much better both as a parent and teacher after I have done my yoga and meditated!
There are more and more amazing mindfulness resources for kids and families.  One of my new favorites is "Peace Out Guided Relaxations for Kids".  You can find them on You Tube!  They are a lovely antidote for the toxicity of anxiety in both you and your child. 

  Here is a sample:

Peace and love to you and your little one!

Mind Jar - do nothing moment

Do you need a moment to calm down and center yourself?  Consider making a mind jar!

How do I make a mind jar?

Here we are enjoying a "do nothing moment", watching our mind jar settle down. 

"Moody Cow Meditates" is the companion book to "Peaceful Piggy Meditation".  It tells the story of how a mind jar came to be.  This was my son's absolute favorite story ever!  

Mindful Breathing

I don't know about you but taking a deep breath is the last thing I want to do when I am feel angry or anxious. This is because a deep breath simply isn't on the menu when I am in flght or flight mode. So the best thing I can do is practice breathing deeply during the calm times in life. This way, I am less likely to get into an agitated state to begin with and when I do it is shorter lived.
The same is true for our kids. Trying to talk a little one out of a melt down is useless. They simply aren't able to access the problem solving part of their brain. Better to practice deep breathing during quiet times. Bed time is optimal. You can have your little one use a cuddle toy as a tool for deep breathing. The stuffed animal goes for a ride on their tummy, up and down like a gentle wave. You can also have your little one put their head on your tummy so that they can feel your breath rising and falling beneath them as shown here. Give it a try and let me know how it went. Happy breathing

Belly Breathe!

Gotta love good old Sesame Street.  They understand the importance of social and emotional learning and self regulation.  Another terrific video!