South Hills Child Development Center, Inc.
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Mindfulness

10/2/2011

4 Comments

 
At South Hills, we assist the children in focusing on mindfulness.  Before we ask the children to draw anything connected to their Project Work, they look at many examples of the object that will be drawn.  They spend long periods of time quietly staring at, and observing the object.  We discuss the shapes of which the object is comprised.  (ALL objects are created from recognizable shapes!).  The children then begin to draw.  They later return to the object they were observing and make note of what might have been excluded.  It is a way to be present, to be more observant, and to be still and calm.

The children also learn breathing strategies here.  Deep, mindful breathing creates calm, and increases awareness, attention, and observation. You may have noticed signs throughout the school that say BREATHE.  The children all recognize these signs, and they know when they see them (and their location changes constantly so it is always a surprise!), they will close their eyes, and take a deep breath in through their nose, and then breath out through their mouth, as though they are blowing out candles silently and lightly.  Teachers also practice this mindfulness, and parents are welcome as well!

As you know, to enter our nature based play area, Heart Rock Hollow, the children stop, close their eyes, and breathe deeply three times before stepping onto the boardwalk path.  It is a way to transition from active play to quieter, reflective, observant activities.

This type of breathing has proven to calm children (and teachers!).  It is especially useful for our many children with attention deficit issues or hyperactivity.  But we all can benefit from these calming strategies throughout our lives.  Deep breathing results in a more relaxed physical and mental state. School age students at South Hills have told me they use breathing to calm themselves prior to tests or school presentations.  I love to hear that!  It is my hope that the children who learn strategies to calm themselves and to increase their attention at the preschool level will utilize them throughout their lives!

I will keep you posted regarding other mindful practices we incorporate throughout the year…

♥Ms. Connie
4 Comments
Eric Brink
10/12/2011 01:42:47 am

I think this is wonderful. My wife studies and practices breath-work and will be very happy to hear Laurel practices this at South Hills. A super way to slow down and collect themselves in such a fast paced society. A tool that will definitely help the kids in the future! Thanks South Hills!

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daycare centers link
5/14/2012 03:56:02 pm

The information regarding the step taken by you in the development of the children. So this such a great way in their support. I enjoyed every single part of it and I will be waiting for the new updates.

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Ms. Pam
10/12/2011 03:22:27 am

Whenever I see the children stop and breathe before entering Heart Rock Hollow, I smile. They are so good at following the tips that they learn here at school. Heart Rock Hollow is a peaceful place, and the children know this.

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Kurt Spence
10/19/2011 10:23:28 am

Ms. Pam, I could not agree more. Max often talks of Heart Rock Hollow and with a smile and sense of peace. This is a special place for the children.

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    Ms Connie Kerr Vogt
    Director/Owner of South Hills Child Development Center Inc.

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South Hills Child Development Center Inc.

3808 Caughey Road
Erie, PA 16506
(814) 838-7114 | Email
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