This class is so much more than a storytime! It includes a variety of learning activities, a wonderful discussion, and the tools to continue learning and practicing new skills beyond the class with take away activities. 

Each class in this Mindfulness Storytime series includes:

1. An original, moral-based fictional story
2. An original coloring sheet that connects to the story
3. In class discussion about the animals presented in the story as well as the moral 
4. In-class activity to reinforce the moral of the story
5. Suggested activity for taking the learning beyond the class - for practicing the mindfulness techniques learned in class! 

Moral based stories are so much more than entertainment. They provide children with the knowledge and skill necessary to navigate life's difficulties, thrive, and grow! The attached coloring sheet provides kids with a hands on activity. When kids have a hands on activity to do while they are listening to a story (or lecture) they are able to grasp and process the material much more quickly, as well as stay focused and calm! 

--"The more parts of your brain you use, the more likely you are to retain information," says Judy Dodge, author of 25 Quick Formative Assessments for a Differentiated Classroom

The story will be followed by a discussion as well as an activity. 

WEEK 1: The first week we will read "Betsy the Ungrateful Bunny." Students will complete and share their Gratitude Jars. They will also be encouraged to incorporate the Gratitude Jars (or journals or grateful stories or thank you letters) as a part of their morning routines/daily life. Implementing a daily practice of gratitude is such a simple thing to do, and with so many benefits to their well-being, why not start now! 
Numerous studies have shown that a gratitude practice in kids has SO many wonderful benefits, including:
*increased self esteem
*increased optimism and overall happiness
*improved sleep
*improved ability to deal with stress
*reduced aggression and depression
*increased resilience

WEEK 2: In the second week we will read "Marlo the Mouse Believes in Himself." Students will complete and share their "Things I Love About Myself" activity sheet. They will also be encouraged to incorporate the concept of self-love and appreciation into a daily practice by journaling. One simple way to encourage this is by taking a moment at the end of the day to reflect - "I was great today when...". This journal then becomes an ongoing record of reasons to believe in ourselves, feel confident, and resilient! 

WEEK 3: In the third week we will read about "Hudda the Hermit Crab." This story reinforces the concepts of oneness and love. Hudda the Hermit Crab is a fascinating character full of unique quirks that make him not only unique but admirable! In this story he shows readers that through the practice of presence he is able to experience higher levels of happiness and connection to life around him. 

WEEK 4: In the fourth week we will read about "Charlie the monarch caterpillar." In this story Charlie exemplifies the cost of not being present. He misses out on his life as a caterpillar! During the discussion we will discuss not only the necessity of being present, but how to practice it. During the in class activity, students will center themselves, and then not only observe, but appreciate everything that is happening in the present moment. They will be encouraged to incorporate present moment awareness practices into their daily life!