Contents:
- Introduction
- Teaching by Age Group
- Begin the Relaxation Practice
- Breathing
- Deep Relaxation
- Guided Sitting Meditation
- Guided Walking Meditation
- Meditation for Older Kids and Young Teens
From the ebook:
Introduction
It doesn’t matter if kids are 4 or 14, they can learn meditation appropriate for their age.
For the youngest, by imitating the deep relaxation of their pets, they can learn to snuggle down and relax and let go in a deep relaxation.
Here is how to teach kids of most abilities a relaxation technique when they feel stressed and need a break, or they need uninterrupted quiet time to work out solutions to problems. Pair kids up with an older child if they need assistance.
You are going to be the teacher for this lesson rather than a participant as with teaching sitting and walking techniques to reduce stress. After all, you would not be able to see how your kids are doing if you were lying down with the group.
Provide a quiet area that is carpeted, or has a thin mat or thick blanket on the floor or grass for each child. Preferably kids should remove their shoes. You and the children begin by sitting cross-legged in a circle facing in. This is time to give the kids the philosophy about this relaxation technique.
Teaching by Age Group
If your group is school age you could say something like: "Relaxation practice is a time to rest your body and mind. When your body is fully resting and you are breathing evenly and regularly it is easier for you to work out solutions to problems you may be having a home, school, or with friends."
If your group is preschoolers you can say something like: "You are pretending to rest like a starfish laying on a rock at the sea, feeling so calm and warm. Taking time to lie all stretched out on your back is a way to feel good if you are upset, and need quiet time to think of ways to be happy again with your friends and family."
Children and Meditation - Free Ebook is available at this link at BellaOnline.com.
Article and ebook by Susan Helene Kramer
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