A perfect bedtime story for all ages as a baby whale goes on an adventure. This picture book doesn't seem like a mindfulness story but the repetitive wording of "breathe" throughout is perfect for trigger breathing. It reminds you to become aware of your breath and of the present moment. Use this picture book, not only for bedtime, but also when children are experiencing anger or sadness.
This is the cutest meditation story ever. It's rhythm will keep young children's attention and Bentley Bee explains how to meditate easily through teaching the other animals. There is also a note to parents and caregivers about meditation including different types of mediation. Try this story out in your next mindfulness or even bee storytime as there
Sweet Dreams has eight simple visualizations that will help children connect their imagination/mind and body for a deeper sleep. Each meditation is around 5 to 10 minutes. You don't read the whole story together, you could if you wanted, but one visualization a night seems perfect. This is a must use to help children grasp the concepts of meditation early on.
Teaching children tapping is a lot of fun. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) uses the same meridian points found in acupuncture. Instead of using needles you use your fingers and affirmations to access and release emotions and pain your are feeling in the body. Gorilla Thumps and Bear Hugs make it easy to understand for children. This is one book everyone should have on their bookshelf to refer back to.
Both A Handful of Quiet and Mindful Moments are from Thich Nhat Hanh. His work is so simple for even the youngest child. His words are perfect for teaching children the art of breathe work, visualization, and beginning meditation:
Breathing in, I see myself as a mountain.
Breathing out, I feel solid.
An adorable picture book that compares your mind to a puppy. It makes the story relatable to children who can't process what mindfulness really is. By teaching breathing and kindness to your mind, the author helps children learn to calm themselves down and befriends their own puppy mind.
A great introduction to affirmations for children. Louise Hay was a powerhouse in helping people relax into their own power by the words they said to themselves. This book is no exception.
A fun book geared towards upper elementary and preteens it takes you on a fun list of things to bring more happiness in your life. A helpful guide for anyone wanting to become more positive and mindful.
An easy read-through for anyone. Each set of the 10 ways to let your greatness shine through can be read together or separate. They are also very rhythmic and told in a way children can understand and remember.
There are a lot of different books out there to teach children mindfulness. If you are interested in videos of mindfulness in the home, classroom, or library, leave a comment below.
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