Mindful moments to find calm for you and your kids
Change can be difficult, even when it brings something positive.
The transition from the freedom and flexibility of the summer holidays back into the structure of the school routine can feel reassuring and welcome, but it can also be challenging. Earlier mornings, busy environments, new expectations and time apart from family may take some adjustment. Children—and adults—might experience a mixture of excitement, worry, tiredness and uncertainty during this time. Allowing space for these feelings, keeping routines predictable and approaching the transition with patience can help everyone settle into the new rhythm.
Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, there are many simple tools you can use to help children navigate overwhelming feelings
Movement, breathing exercises and spending time in nature are all readily available ways to support regulation and restore a sense of calm. Even on the busiest days, a short five-minute activity can help reset the nervous system and make everything feel a little more manageable. Introducing Mindful Moments: three simple practices designed to help children pause, reset and find calm throughout their day.
My free Mindful Moments download includes three simple scripts designed to support children throughout the day: one to shake out nervous energy, one to encourage calm and regulation, and one to train the brain to focus on happy thoughts. You can find my Happy Thoughts Meditation script below. To download it and use it in your classroom or at home, simply click the link. For more free resources, practical ideas and mindful activities, be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter.
Think Happy Thoughts: Mindful Meditation
To reset the mind, stop negative spiralling, and get in a better mood.
This can be done at home, in a yoga class, or in the classroom. Just ensure that each child has their own space.
Start by finding a comfortable seated or lying-down position. Use your judgement and assess whether the children need a quick energy shake-out before beginning this meditation to release any wiggles and tension in the body.
This can be done on its own or with a calming piece of music.
Teacher rule: Sometimes, children need to get loud to help release tension, but if it turns into misbehaviour, stop the class and reassert the rules. You may need to change the position of a few children, as necessary, so that all children can gain the most from this exercise.
“Did you know that you can train your brain?
You simply have to tell it what to think.
It’s pretty simple, but it does require practice, as our brains sometimes think things that don’t make us feel good without us even knowing.
So, let’s train our brains to think happy thoughts.
To do that, all we have to do is close our eyes, take a deep breath in and out, and start to think of a person who makes you happy.
Who is that person?
What’s their name?
Why do they make you happy? What is it that they do?
Now think of a place that makes you happy.
Imagine you are there now.
Maybe it’s your bedroom at home with all your toys, or maybe it’s a place you visited on holiday.
What is it like?
What’s all around you?
Why is it a happy place for you?
Now think of a happy memory, a time that was full of fun and laughter and when you really enjoyed yourself.
Remind yourself of that memory.
Relive it in your mind.
Maybe a smile might creep across your face as you think about it.
That’s good.
Now hold on to all these happy thoughts and notice how just thinking happy thoughts has made you feel happier.
That’s the power of the mind.
Now take a deep breath in and a clearing breath out, and open your eyes when you are ready.”
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This Month Inside Laura's Teacher Club...
Back to School Children's Yoga Pack
A ready-to-use resource designed to save you planning time and help children start the new school year feeling calm, connected and confident.
Inside this month's membership you'll receive:
A complete lesson plan (adaptable from Early Years to Key Stage 2)
A calming grounding activity
Guided breathing exercises
Mindfulness prompts
Reflection & journaling activities
A fun yoga game to help children bond with new classmates
A complete yoga flow with teacher script and visual prompts
Next weeks uploads
HARVEST and AUTUMN EQUINOX themed resources
