Activity: The Nature of Mindfulness – Super Senses – 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:  

• A space large enough for children (and adults) to sit or lie down (this activity works well inside, but outside is better!)
• A collection of flowers, leaves, stones, seed pods or other tactile natural materials (enough for one each).
• A small piece of fruit or something else edible for each child (berries, grapes, sultanas, herbs, cereal, etc). Be aware of food intolerance or allergies.

Supporting resources: 

• Cool Australia audio recording – The Nature of Mindfulness – Super Senses – Early Learning
• Cool Australia factsheet – The Benefits of Mindfulness
• Cool Australia factsheet – The Importance of Mindfulness for Young Children

 Other resources:

• Kids Matter – Mindfulness for Children
• Kids Matter -Your Little Ones are Your Greatest Teachers When it Comes to Mindfulness
• Smiling Mind
• Dan Seigel on Mindful Parenting
• Rick Hanson – Resources for Happiness, Love and Wisdom
• The top 7 Non-Academic Skills for Raising the Mindful Child
• A Mindful Nation UK
• The Mental Health of Children and Adolescents Report 2015
• Mind Australia
• Mind Health Connect

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.

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.