We have been trying some small mindfulness games and activities to help us concentrate and have some calm time in Early Years. Studies have shown that if we keep this up even once a week for a few minutes at a time, we will be more able to control our emotions, it will help us pay attention and focus easier, and can also help us play with each other better.

Here we are doing Starfish Breath – sometimes called “5-Finger Breathing”. As you breathe in and out, trace around your fingers. On the in-breath, trace up the outside of your left pinky finger with your right index finger. On the out-breath, trace down the other side. Repeat for the next four fingers. Notice how you feel afterwards. This is really relaxing and we have noticed some bairns doing thisb y themselves in quiet moments.

…and we also rocked some teddies to sleep on our bellies. Asking children to concentrate on their breathing is difficult but asking them to breathe deeply but gently to make their bellies go up and down and rock a teddy to sleep works really well. Everyone was really quiet doing this and the room was very calm.

The teachers are hoping to find out more about how to do more mindfulness with the children so if you have any ideas or experience please let us know.