Mindfulness in March
As Spring and Spring Break approaches, the sun starts to stay out longer, warm weather is just around the corner, and trees and flowers are getting ready to bloom. With this brings a perfect opportunity to put away the video games and devices to be able to get outside and enjoy some mindfulness activities with our kids. We also have state testing upon us this month, it brings on Test Anxiety for many of our students. Parents can help their children prepare for the worries that come with Test Anxiety, by helping them practice coping skills below.
Mindset: All things are difficult until they are easy.
Mindfulness is a critical self-regulation strategy for people of all ages. It can help us feel calm, focused, and in control.
How to Practice Mindfulness at Home:
Using the 5,4,3,2,1 model, this exercise is calming, grounding, and fun.
- 5- things you can see
- 4- things you can touch
- 3- things you can hear
- 2- things you can smell
- 1- thing you can taste
Mindfulness Activities for Outdoors:
- Take a walk- Taking note of your surroundings and enjoying the beauty around you.
- Go on a scavenger hunt- A great family, fun, activity
- Reading- Laying on a blanket, under a tree, enjoying the quiet with a good book.
- Blowing Bubbles- There’s just something fun and calming about watching those bubbles float and Pop!
- Gardening-Plant a garden or a pot of flowers together. Taking care of and watching your plants grow is very satisfying.
- Have a picnic- sharing food outside and being fully present in conversation and listening.
- Watching Clouds- Lay back and watch the clouds, sharing what shapes you see.
How to cope with test anxiety:
Identify the feelings you have around testing by completing these sentences...
- When I think about the test, I feel…
- When I think about the test, I worry about…
To cope with these worries I can…
- take deep breaths
- count to 10
- use a stress ball
- use positive self- talk (I can do this, I won’t give up, I’ll do my best, I’ll focus on one thing at a time, etc.)
- take a short break
- drink water
Important Dates in March:
Friday March 17th: Grade Prep (No school for students)
Wednesday March 22nd: Parent Teacher Conferences
Thursday March 23rd: Parent Teacher Conferences (No school for students)
Friday March 24 - Friday March 31st: Spring Break
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