Mindfulness
Mindfulness (n.) – the ability to focus on one’s awareness in the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations and the environment around us.
Why is it Important?
Mindfulness teaches children to focus on the present, to be aware of themselves and their surroundings, to use their senses effectively and collaboratively. Mindfulness has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety, improve decision making, improve self esteem and self awareness, improve health and body image, improve focus and attention, and create a positive “ready to learn” environment for all.
Meddy Teddy is Here to Help!
Who is Meddy Teddy?
Meddy Teddy is an adorable, moveable, bendable, loveable teddy bear. He is a fun way to introduce and share yoga moves and poses as well as introduce and discuss principles of mindfulness.
Why is he here?
Meddy Teddy is a fun, different and engaging way to incorporate mindfulness into your curriculum. He is relatable and can be used to introduce new ideas in mindfulness and yoga.
How can we use him?
Many kids enjoy mimicking Meddy Teddy’s poses and exercises. He can be seen below performing a yoga series that the students can do along with him. You can also encourage students to bring a stuffed animal, toy or doll of their own for a “yoga break” during the day.
Meddy Teddy is ready for some closer to nature poses!
Yoga is a great way to connect the mind and body. The poses below are both easy to implement as well as impactful for children of all ages and adults alike. Use these as an activity to start the day, a redirection when needed, or a quick and simple way to break up the norm. Hold each pose for 10 seconds. The possibilities are endless…
Tree Pose
- Stand tall, with your feet together.
- Reach your arms out to the side.
- Move your right foot up your left leg turning your right leg out to the side as far as you feel comfortable.
- Raise your arms over your head.
- Repeat on the left side.
Owl Pose
- Stand tall with your feet together.
- Reach your arms out to the sides.
- Lean forward while lifting one leg behind you.
- Don’t forget to breathe.
- WHOOOO! WHOOOO!
- Hold the pose and repeat with the opposite leg.
Toadstool Pose
- Stand tall with your feet together.
- Reach towards the ceiling as high as you can with both hands.
- Slightly bend both knees and hold the position.
- Don’t forget to breathe.
Rabbit Pose
- Squat on the floor.
- Spread your knees as far apart as you can.
- Hop up into the air and repeat.
Bear Pose
- Start on your hands and knees.
- Lift hips up towards the sky by straightening your legs (hands remain on the floor).
- Let your head hang down.
- Make sure to breathe.
- Come out of position by lowering your knees back down to the floor.
Skunk Pose
- Start on your hands and knees.
- Make sure to keep hands under shoulders and knees under hips.
- Arch your back up towards the ceiling.
- Look towards your tummy with your head.
- Relax and Repeat.
Fox Pose
- Start on your hands and knees.
- Reach your left arm in front of you.
- Lift your right leg behind you.
- Hold.
- Repeat on the opposite side.
- Continue repeating on alternating sides.
- Make sure to breathe.
Porcupine Breathing
- Kneel on the floor.
- Touch your big toes together and spread your knees hip width apart.
- Round out your back if you’d like (think about sticking out your quills).
- Bring your head down to the floor while breathing out.
- Hands can go where they are comfortably relaxed.
Log Pose
- Lay flat on your back
- Rest your arms where they are comfortable.
- Breathe in and out and relax.