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Meditation for Kids
Meditation isn’t just for adults. In fact, the children I’ve worked with have all been very enthusiastic about their experiences with meditation - even those who were hesitant in the beginning.
Studies have shown that meditation can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, dealing with emotions, and focusing attention, as well as creating a mental state that is more conducive to learning. Please see the links below for more information.
In my work with children, I combine mindfulness techniques with guided meditations that allow the children to use their imaginations. Classes consist of a short meditation (usually no more than 5 minutes), sharing and an art project. The artwork is particularly important because it allows them to process what they experience and gives them a visual reference to remember what was important to them.
Click here for classes for children.
Comments from kids:
Comments after a test anxiety reduction exercise at Seth Boyden Elementary School in the week before statewide testing began this spring:
- "I felt like I was floating on a cloud"
- "I have trouble sleeping at night, and sometimes I take something to get to sleep. This made me feel like I do when I take it"
- "It was really relaxing"
- "It made me feel calm"
- "I felt like I was floating on a field of flowers"
Comments in a meditation class:
- "I felt all my anger just go away"
- "Are we going to meditate today? Yeah!”
Links:
This award winning book is full of great information about meditation for kids, meditatons to use, and instruction on leading kids in meditation.
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Sarah Wood’s book - Sensational Meditation for Kids |
Here are some great links on using mindfulness practices in schools:
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