5 Books to Teach Mindfulness in Elementary Classrooms

mindful.org

"You cannot transmit wisdom and insight to another person. The seed is already there. A good teacher touches the seed, allowing it to wake up, to sprout, and to grow...We all have a seed of mindfulness in us. If we keep practicing, the seed will grow strong, and anytime we need it, the energy of mindfulness will be there for us." -Thich Nhat Hanh

In my post--4 Simple Ways to Teach Mindfulness in Your Classroom--I discussed the science of mindfulness and why it's so beneficial to students. Introducing a concept like mindfulness can be very complicated, but it can also be simple. One of the best ways to introduce mindfulness to your students is through books! I'm sharing my top picks that all teachers should add to their Amazon Wish List. (Disclaimer: These are in no particular order and are all so awesome in their own unique way that I can't rank them or pick a fav!)

1. A Handful of Quiet by Thich Nhat Hanh
In this book you'll find a simple pebble meditation that can be practiced with your students. Each pebble represents a different human quality and helps kids form social-emotional skills through the practice of awareness, breathing, and positive affirmations.

2. Mindful Movements: Ten Exercises for Well-Being by Thich Nhat Hanh
This unique book provides 10 incredible exercises to practice moving meditation. The exercises can be adapted to meet the needs of all age groups and abilities.

3. Sitting Still Like a Frog by Eline Snel
This is honestly one of the best books I've ever purchased for my classroom! It includes creative mindfulness activities for kids. The activities are very kid-friendly and easy or them to understand. It also comes with a CD of guided exercises which mesmerize my kids. I think there's something cooling and calming about hearing a voice other than their teachers and classmates ;)

4. What Does It Mean to Be Present? This creative book with beautiful illustrations teaches kids what it truly means to be present by showing them what being present doesn't mean. Of course when they hear the word present, most kids think of birthdays or other holidays. This sweet story shares simple ways for kids to ( present in their own lives.

5. Planting Seeds: Practicing Mindfulness with Children by Thich Nhat Hanh

If you haven't noticed yet, I really like Thich Nhat Hanh. His mindfulness resources are excellent and this one is no exception. This book has incredible ideas for implementing mindfulness in the classroom from breathing, to games, to compassion. It also comes with a CD of songs which my kids and I sing during our morning mindfulness!

Those are my top pics. Would you add anything to the list? Let me know in the comments below :)