Video edited on: Splice (Info at the end of post)
This week I chose to do another written mindfulness activity; this one includes journaling. I got the idea from another class I am in (Elementary Field Experience Seminar) and I started to see the changes in myself after the first time we did it, and am still continuing to see positive changes in myself throughout this week, so I thought it would be a great exercise to share! At the beginning of every class, we get 5-15min of alone time where we pick a spot to sit outside and journal (written or drawings) any thoughts that arise for us as well as write out our five senses which are (as well as your heart):
- Sight: What are you seeing around you? (Ex: Trees, sky, grass)
- Hearing: What do you hear around you? (Ex: Cars, people talking, generators)
- Smell: What do you smell? (Ex: Wet grass, smoke, fresh air)
- Taste: What do you taste? (Ex: Coffee, gum, food)
- Touch: What are you feeling around you? Or sitting on? (Ex: Wet grass, gravel, soil, seat cushion)
- Heart: What are you feeling in this current moment? What is your heart feeling? (Ex: Happy, content, emotional)
This activity has taught me that being alone with your thoughts is not so scary, and that writing them out can get a lot off your chest. Also, being aware of your five senses allows you to come into a state of being present, and I feel that humans of all ages do not get enough time in this state.
What this activity would look like with your students (any grade):
- Every student would have a pen and a journal that is there’s to keep – this allows them to continue this mindfulness practice at home or wherever makes them comfortable.
- This practice could be done outside, inside the classroom, pretty much anywhere that is a quiet / calm environment as well as at any time of the day!
- Explain what the five senses are and give some examples of them like I did above.
- And let them enjoy being outside or sitting in silence in the classroom where they are alone with their own thoughts and feelings. Allow them to write or draw or both, because some students may feel more comfortable doing one over the other!
Outcome:
Creates calmness amongst the classroom and allows for a fresh start to the day, break in between lessons or a way to wrap up the day before heading home.
* I encourage you to give this mindfulness journaling a try either individually or with your student’s multiple times a week and see what benefits you gain from this practice! 🙂 *
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