May 2025

"Matter of Principal"

Growing Mindful Hearts and Minds

Dear Families,

At NEE, we are always looking for meaningful ways to support the development of the whole child—not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. This month, we are focusing on the practice of mindfulness, a valuable skill that helps children (and adults!) calm their minds, regulate their emotions, and build positive habits for lifelong well-being.

So, what is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is simply the practice of paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and kindness. It helps us pause, notice our thoughts and feelings, and make choices with care. For children, this might mean learning how to calm down when they’re upset, take deep breaths when they feel overwhelmed, or notice the beauty of a small moment—like the sound of a bird or the feeling of sunshine on their face. Mindfulness isn’t about sitting still for a long time—it’s about being present, even for just a moment.

How can parents support mindfulness at home? You don’t need special equipment or a quiet room to practice mindfulness. Here are a few simple, fun ways you can try it at home with your child:

· Mindful Breathing: Take a few deep breaths together. You can try “bubble breathing” (pretend to blow a big bubble), or “smell the flower, blow out the candle” breathing.

· Gratitude Moments: At bedtime or around the dinner table, take turns sharing one thing you’re thankful for from the day.

· Mindful Walks: Go on a walk and take turns noticing five things you can see, four you can hear, three you can touch, two you can smell, and one you can taste or imagine tasting.

· Emotion Check-Ins: Ask your child how they’re feeling and what they notice in their body. Help them name emotions and talk about what helps them feel calm.

· Tech-Free Time: Build in small moments each day to be device-free and simply connect with one another. Play a game, read a book together, or just chat about the day.

These small, mindful practices help children build self-awareness, increase focus, and develop empathy. And just like any skill, the more we practice at school and at home the stronger it becomes.

Warmly,

John Deines 

Principal Educator