What is mindfulness to you? (3rd-5th Grades)

This invented zine character was described by one student
as looking like a "disgruntled librarian".  You can see the student's
work in brainstorming for her ideas in her sketchbook.

During this Mind Move Make class we switched it up a little bit!  I didn't put out the yoga mats as I usually do.  Instead, we started class sitting on the floor together in a circle.  This was a much more intimate beginning to the class, and proved to be much better for encouraging conversation and connection.  I think we will start all of our classes this way for the rest of the year.

The girls in the class, a lovely collection of 4th and 5th graders, have participated in Mind Move Make for the entire year.  Many of them also participated in one or all of the sessions from last year.  After spending so much time cultivating mindfulness practice, I was curious about their personal ideas about mindfulness.  In their sketchbooks I had them answer the question, "What is mindfulness to you?".  I explained that I would share my idea of what mindfulness is, but that I would go last so that my response didn't influence what they would say.  The conversation lasted quite a while; everyone was attentive and interested.

Here are some of the ideas and responses that were shared:

"Making yourself calm and putting your mind to the present." -E.D.

"Mindfulness is breathing and paying attention to your breathing and finding your anchor, relaxing and maybe dancing." -J.W.

"Calm silence with joy in the air." -G.F.

After that we spent two minutes practicing mindful breathing, as we do each class.  There was something fantastic about practicing in closer proximity to everyone in class, in a circle on the floor.  We will continue practicing this way for our last six classes!

During every class this session, the girls have kept a gratitude journal.  Each week they write three things that they are thankful for in their journal, and on a small piece of paper they write one of the three things and place the gratitude paper offering in the singing bowl.  During our last class we will read many of these to remember all the things we've been thankful for over the twelve weeks of the class.

Art-wise, the girls are extremely self-motivated with the zine project.  During this class I introduced them to a Zine Checklist of requirements that I expect them to fulfill when the zine is complete.  The list asks each student if she has:

• Created interesting fonts, especially for the front cover and back cover                      

• Included at least one cropped, close-up image 
• Used at least three different types of media  
• Layered and blended colors in an interesting way 
• Included a message of hope     
• Developed an interesting layout for the zine

I believe each girl will be incredibly successful with meeting each of these goals. Here are a few photos of the artist at work!   

One inventive student decided to decorate her leg with remnants from the art room floor during our discussion!