3 Simple Ways to Embrace Autumn for Mindfulness

As the beauty of autumn unfolds, May invites a season of change, reflection, and mindfulness. With the crisp air and vibrant autumn hues, educators can embrace a 'Mindful May'. This season is not just about the transitional beauty of nature but also about cultivating a sense of awareness and wellbeing in ourselves and preschoolers in our early learning environments.

Integrating mindful moments into your daily routines as an early childhood educator offers benefits for your own well-being, and also supports a young child's social and emotional development. Here are some practical ways, aligned with the EYLF V2.0, to mindfully embrace the season of autumn together with preschoolers:

1. Reflect on the season

Set aside time for reflection. Encourage children to share their observations and feelings about the changing season. What colours do they notice outside? How does the air feel different? What are they curious about in this new season? This practice can help children to be connected with and contribute to their world (EYLF Learning Outcome 2).

We can also encourage children to think about what the changing season means to them. What are they thankful for? Create a 'gratitude tree' together by using a simple branch in a pot, where children can hang paper leaves on which they have drawn something they are thankful for. This practice can support children's development of a strong sense of wellbeing and foster gratitude (EYLF V2.0 Learning Outcome 3).

2. Create a cosy Autumn corner

Designate a cosy corner in your early learning setting dedicated to autumn, mindfulness and relaxation. Arrange comfortable cushions, picture books, and tactile resources that promote sensory exploration and relaxation. This space can support children's ability to self-regulate and manage their emotions, fostering a sense of security and belonging. A few ideas to include in this cosy space are:

• A basket of autumn leaves and pinecones.

• Soft, natural fabrics in autumn colours like burnt orange, deep red, and muted yellow for cushions and small blankets.

• Posters of serene autumn landscapes e.g. forests with colourful leaves and misty mornings.

• Gentle fairy lights in warm white or soft amber tones.

• Scented playdough in autumn colours with natural additions like cinnamon or cloves.

• A small speaker playing soft nature sounds like gentle rain and rustling leaves in the wind.

• Paper and crayons for children to gently rub the textures of autumn leaves placed underneath.

  
  

3. Go on a nature walk

Organise nature walks with the children, encouraging them to actively engage their senses. Ask them to observe the colours of the leaves, notice patterns on the bark, feel the crisp air, listen to the rustling sounds around them, and smell the earthy scents. This direct engagement with nature nurtures a sense of wonder, promotes mindfulness, and supports the development of a sense of respect and appreciation for the natural world (EYLF V2.0 Learning Outcome 2).

By spending time outdoors in nature, educators can help promote EYLF V2.0 Learning Outcome 2. 4 by:

• Providing children with access to a range of natural materials in their environment.

• Modelling respect, care and appreciation for the natural environment.

• Finding ways of enabling children to care for and learn from the land.

Mindful May

As we celebrate autumn this May, let's implement mindfulness to support connection to the natural world and well-being in our early learning environments. Let's embrace this season to reflect on our professional growth, appreciate the wonderful world around us, and empower our young learners to do the same. Here's to a mindful May filled with warmth, connection, and renewed energy in our early childhood settings!

Hello Autumn! Mindfulness Poster.pdf

Download PDF • 34.10MB