There are many definitions for Mindfulness.
Mindfulness is “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experiences moment by moment.”
John Kabat Zin Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program at the University of Massachusetts,
Mindfulness is paying attention to your life, here and now, with kindness and curiosity. One of the primary ironies of modern education is that we ask students to “pay attention” dozens of times a day, yet we never teach them how. The practice of mindfulness teaches students how to pay attention, and this way of paying attention enhances both academic and social-emotional learning. Amy Saltzman
What does it mean for children?
Learning how to be mindful helps children in numerous ways; attention, listening, self regulation & awareness, which leads to less impulsiveness & more emotional awareness . They are more able to learn with a decrease in distracting & impulsive behaviors. They learn to develop more positive relationships with others by noticing their thoughts, feelings and reactions /emotions that eventually lead to more thoughtfully responding not just reacting. It does takes time and daily practice. I use many different children's books, songs, arts and crafts and movement to keep it fun, interesting and meaningful.
Let the children explain...