Tiny bodies wiggle, giggles erupt, and yet, amidst the vibrant chaos of a kindergarten classroom, a sense of calm is beginning to bloom.  A mindfulness teacher is visiting regularly, introducing these young learners to the powerful practice of connecting with their breath and focusing their attention.  These aren't your typical meditation sessions; they're interactive and engaging, designed specifically for the kindergarten classroom.

Students are learning simple breathing techniques, like "smelling the flowers and blowing out the candles," and then sharing how these practices make them feel.  This helps them develop emotional awareness, a crucial skill for navigating the ups and downs of childhood.  "It's so nice to see the littles take a moment to slow down and focus on their breathing," says Mrs. Vick, a Kindergarten teacher. "They're learning early on to tune into their breath and check in with their bodies—something they might not typically do or fully understand yet."  The sessions are filled with leadership opportunities, too.  Rotating students get to invite the chime, a signal for quiet attention, and choose the "Mystery Breath" of the week, adding an element of fun and anticipation to the practice.

Beyond the breath, Mrs. Robinson uses a variety of tools, including engaging discussions, colorful picture books, and short videos, to link mindfulness to important social-emotional learning (SEL) concepts.  They explore how mindfulness helps with emotional regulation, cultivates heartfulness, and even learn a bit about how their brains and bodies work together.  Mrs. Cook, a kindergarten teacher, observes, "Mindfulness with Mrs. Robinson is empowering our students to become more aware of their inner world and is giving them the skills and strategies they need to navigate their emotions and situations with greater ease and resilience."

The learning doesn't stop in the classroom.  Each week, the kindergartners take on a new mindfulness challenge, encouraging them to practice self-reflection and apply what they've learned to real-life situations.  These challenges help solidify the concepts and empower the children to use mindfulness techniques throughout their day, fostering a sense of calm and focus that will benefit them both in and out of the classroom.