Activity: The Nature of Mindfulness – Mindful Explorers – Early Learning

Quick summary: This activity is designed to help children to tune into each of their senses, their environment and their inner thoughts and feelings. Children develop skills in focus, attention, resilience, emotional intelligence and regulation of the body and emotions. 

Activity developed in partnership with the

Following this lesson is an ideal way for students to participate in Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day – the largest nature-care event in Australian schools. So, get growing! It only takes a minute to register for Schools Tree Day.

This activity is designed to help children develop mindful practices through sensory and play-based experiences.

EYLF Learning Outcome	Elaborations
Outcome 1: Children are connected with and contribute to their world	Children feel safe, secure and supported Children develop their emerging autonomy, interdependence, resilience and sense of agency Children develop knowledgeable and confident self-identities Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect
Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing	Children become strong in their social, emotional and spiritual well being Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, enquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical well being

 

Equipment needed:  You don’t need anything for this activity, just somewhere to go for a wander. It could be inside, in your outside play space or in a nearby natural environment. You may, however, wish to use a gentle-sounding bell or triangle as a way of gathering the children’s attention.

Supporting resources: 

• Cool Australia factsheet – The Benefits of Mindfulness
• Cool Australia factsheet – The Importance of Mindfulness for Young Children

 Other resources:

• Smiling Mind
• Headspace
• Bright Tomorrows
• Mind Australia
• Mindfulness for Kids
• Mindfulness for kids – four easy mindfulness exercises for children

Topic: Nature of Mindfulness.

The curriculum adviser: Anja Tanhane is a highly experienced educator who designs mindfulness training and programs. Find out more about Anja here and check out her website.

 

The team at Cool Australia continually reviews and refines our Early Learning resources in line with expert advice and current educational practices.