Mindfulness
in Early Childhood Education
“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way:
on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”
-Jon Kabat-Zinn, Founder of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Importance of Mindfulness in ECE
Mindfulness has a powerful role in supporting both
emotional and cognitive development in young children.

Benefits for Young Children
Social & Emotional Development: Improves
empathy, cooperation & conflict resolution
Emotional Regulation: Helps children manage
stress, reduce impulsivity & express emotions
Cognitive Focus & Learning: Enhances
attention span & executive function
Physical & Mental Well-being: Reduces
anxiety & promotes relaxation

Mindfulness Activities
Physical-Focused: Mind-Focused:
Quiet Mindfulness:
Silent Walks
Doodling
Calming Music
Yoga & Stretching
1 Word Reflection
Silent Contemplation
Deep Breathing
Journaling (Drawing)
Meditation

Long-Term Impact
Builds resilience and coping strategies
Supports academic performance and emotional intelligence
Helps children develop lifelong habits for well-being

Advocation
Use Play-Based Approaches:
Integrate mindfulness into storytelling, music,
sensory play and movement games

Wondering
“How can mindfulness be adapted for
children with special needs?”

Quotes

Educator

Child

Mindfulness strategies promote confidence in
problem solving and navigating stresses. This
builds on resilience in children.
It gives us a chance to have a quiet space, do
things differently, to be nicer to our friends.

Resources

Books:
Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing
by Christopher Willard & Daniel Rechtschaffen
Breathe with Me by Mariam Gates
Video:
Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing
https://youtu.be/Dnvn6t51TyQ?si=-2jV4YHvj54B4F9W
Music:
Relaxing Music For Children - Be Calm and Focused
by KIDZEN
https://youtu.be/XgxRHa26JLo?si=saIf_Ty2n3p_gCal
Yoga Posters:
Bits of Positivity
https://bitsofpositivity.com/the-ultimate-list-of-freeyoga-pose-printables-for-kids-mindfulness-resources/
References:

1. Bhandari, C. & Douglas, S.N. (2024, July/August). Embedding Mindfulness Into Early Childhood Classroom Routines.
Childhood Education Innovations.
https://ceinternational1892.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/EmbeddingMindfulness.pdf
2. Duff, C. (2024, January 3). The Implementation of Mindfulness in Early Childhood: Diversity in the Uses and Functions of
Mindfulness and What This may Mean for Children’s Well-being. Mind, Brain, and Education. (Volume 18-Number 2).
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mbe.12399
3. Quote fancy. (n.d.). Mindfulness Quotes.
https://quotefancy.com/quote/1282980/Jon-Kabat-Zinn-Mindfulness-means-paying-attention-in-a-particular-way-onpurpose-in-the
4. Rosati, N. (2023, February 28). Mindfulness Training in Early Childhood Education.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372022420_Mindfulness_training_in_early_childhood_education

By Eunice Fong