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Time

10-15 minutes

Level

Primary / Junior / Intermediate

Material

Clipboard, writing materials

Purpose

To help students develop a deeper mind/body awareness within themselves and with the world around them

Discuss with students the importance of appreciating the world around us and using our senses to build a deeper awareness of the beauty that is everywhere. A daily walk is a way to nurture present moment awareness.

  • Before going outside, brainstorm with students what they think they will see/hear/feel.
  • Once outside, students find a spot to sit that is away from others.
  • Then, students are asked to look around and notice the things they can see/hear/feel.
  • Students can draw or write about what they see/hear/feel (optional).
  • To consolidate the activity, gather as a group and share the drawings/writings.
  • Breathing techniques can be incorporated in the practice to help students refocus when distracted.

Practicing awareness using the senses is a grounding technique and element of mindfulness, which can be cultivated to calm anxiety, regulate emotions, and improve concentration and alertness (Felver, Celis-de Hoyos, Tezanos, & Singh, 2016; Sampaio de  Carvalho, Pinto, & Marôco, 2017).

Felver, J. C., Celis-de Hoyos, C. E., Tezanos, K., & Singh, N. N. (2016). A Systematic Review of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Youth in School Settings. Mindfulness, 7(1), 34-45. doi:10.1007/s12671-015-0389-4

Sampaio de Carvalho, J., Pinto, A. M., & Marôco, J. (2017). Results of a Mindfulness-Based Social-Emotional Learning Program on Portuguese Elementary Students and Teachers: a Quasi-Experimental Study. Mindfulness, 8(2), 337-350. doi:10.1007/s12671-016-0603-z

Taking time to acknowledge and celebrate the world around us, all of the living and non-living things that God created provides an opportunity to make meaningful connections to Scripture. It also provides opportunity to live our Catholic values and virtues through action.

(7i) A responsible citizen who contributes to the common good.

Belonging and contributing: to develop a sense of connectedness to others and understanding their relationship with the world around them