Why Mindfulness Matters For Educators

Apr 8
3 min read

As educators, we're often constantly on the go juggling multiple tasks at once and trying to meet the needs of all children in our care. It's certainly easy to lose sight of our own well-being amidst the daily routine. However, when stress takes over, our ability to connect and respond to children diminishes. Prioritising mindfulness and self-care is therefore crucial, not just for us, but for the quality of care we provide.

Simple ways to practice mindfulness

Start small and begin with short, daily mindfulness exercises. Take 5-10 minutes each morning to sit quietly, focus on your breath, and let go of any thoughts or distractions.
Try incorporating mindful movement into your daily routine. This could be as simple as taking a mindful walk around the the yard or doing some gentle stretches while children are transitioning from one area to another.

The calming power of nature

As educators, we're always on the lookout for ways to calm children's minds. From soothing lullabies to calming essential oils, we've tried it all. But have you ever considered the simplest and most effective solution of all... nature? Spending time outdoors has a profound calming effect on children. The natural world has a way of quieting their minds, reducing their anxiety, and promoting a sense of well-being. In today's digital age, where screens and stimulation are constant companions, it's more important than ever to expose our children to the calming power of nature.

Ways to encourage children to spend more time in nature

Schedule regular outdoor time by making it part of the daily routine, whether it's a walk around the yard in the morning or an adventure in the vegetable garden.
Foster curiosity by encouraging children to explore and ask questions about the natural world.
Get messy! Plan time for children enjoy the outdoors without worrying about them getting dirty.
Make it fun! Play scavenger hunt games, go on nature walks, have picnics outside, or play in the rain wearing gumboots and jackets.

Mindful movement

Mindful movement for children refers to a practice where children engage in physical experiences while being fully present and aware of their body and surroundings. Mindful movement encourages children to focus on the sensations and movements of their body, enhancing their mindfulness and self-awareness.

Some ways children can move mindfully include:

Yoga
Dance
Walking in nature
Simple martial arts

How mindfulness can help us connect with children

Mindfulness matters for educators because it allows us to be more present and connect with young children, which is essential for fostering trust and supportive relationships. Effective strategies educators can implement to achieve more mindful connections with children in early learning settings include:

Being present and attentive.
Listening actively.
Showing empathy.
Sharing stories.
Encouraging creativity.
Modelling positive behaviour.

These approaches, when practiced mindfully, deepen connections with children and promote their emotional and social growth.

What happens to a child's brain when adults connect with them?

Increased neuroplasticity by stimulating brain development and learning.
Stronger emotional regulation.
Development of social skills by teaching empathy and communication.
Boosted confidence and self-esteem, which encourages exploration and learning.
Improved stress response, reducing anxiety and supporting healthy coping mechanisms.
Increased motivation and engagement, fostering curiosity and active learning.
Development of secure attachment, promoting emotional security.
Facilitation of language development.

Find out more

Check out our one hour A Mindful Start online or the face-to-face professional development course where we share simple and effective tips, tools and strategies to implement mindfulness and mindful movement into your Early Childhood Education and Care setting.