Mindful Music and Dance - The Art of Mindfulness

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TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

Social and emotional learning (SEL) helps children manage emotions, create and achieve goals, maintain relationships, learn how to feel empathy, and make good decisions. The SEL approach will help children establish positive habits in communication, cooperation, and decision-making. By incorporating SEL in early reading, children will be better equipped to build confidence and foster positive peer networks.

BEFORE READING
Talk to the reader about what he or she enjoys about music or dancing.

Discuss: What do you enjoy more: music or dancing?

Why? How does that activity make you feel?

AFTER READING
Discuss how the reader can add music, dancing, or both to his or her mindfulness routine.

Discuss: Can you set aside time each day to listen to music or dance? How can you use music or dancing to focus on the present moment?

SEL GOAL
Some students may struggle to identify their feelings and tune into their inner sensations and emotional experiences. This makes it hard for them to control their impulses and regulate their behaviors. Help readers develop these skills by learning to tune into their minds and bodies. Music, rhythm, and dancing can help readers slow down, focus on the present, and control their breathing.

GROW WITH GOALS
Making music and dancing mindfully can help keep you in the moment and tuned in. Try these things:

Goal: Focus on your breathing as you listen to a song.

Goal: Pay attention to how each muscle moves as you dance.

Goal: Read song lyrics you have written without judgment. Everything you create is special.

TRY THIS!
Freeze dancing is a fun way to be mindful while moving. Have a friend or adult help you with this activity. He or she will pause the music whenever they like.

1. Check in with how you are feeling.
2. When the music plays, dance any way that feels right to you.
3. When the music stops, FREEZE! Is your breathing fast or slow?
How does your body feel?
4. Continue dancing every time the music starts. Freeze when it stops.

When you are done, think about your experience. Then it’s your turn
to freeze the music for your friend!