Introduction

Change can be difficult for young children, often causing feelings of anger or worry. In order to help PreK students cope with change, we can teach them the concept of having an Open Mind. An Open Mind is receptive to new ideas and changes, which helps children try new things and remain calm in the face of uncertainty. By contrast, a Closed Mind resists new ideas and changes, leading to feelings of anxiety and frustration. This blog post will explore how educators can support PreK students in developing an Open Mind through an engaging no-prep activity and thought-provoking discussion questions.

No-Prep Activity: The Open Mind Balloon

In this simple yet effective activity, students will learn to visualize an Open Mind as a balloon. Here’s how to conduct the activity:

1. Have students sit in a circle.
2. Explain that having an Open Mind is like having a balloon that can expand and let in new ideas.
3. Ask the students to close their eyes and imagine holding a balloon in their hands.
4. When they encounter a new idea or change, have them visualize their balloon expanding as they take a deep breath in.
5. As they exhale, have them imagine their balloon shrinking back to its original size, symbolizing their willingness to accept the new idea or change.
6. Repeat this process a few times, encouraging students to “expand their balloons” as they embrace new thoughts or changes.

This activity helps students associate the concept of an Open Mind with the physical act of taking deep breaths, making it easier for them to remember and practice in real-life situations.

Discussion Questions

Use the following questions to stimulate further discussions about the concept of an Open Mind:

1. Can you think of a time when you had an Open Mind and tried something new? How did it make you feel?
2. What are some strategies you can use to remind yourself to have an Open Mind when facing change or new ideas?
3. How can having an Open Mind help you make new friends or learn new things at school?
4. Why do you think some people have a Closed Mind? What can we do to help them be more open to new ideas and changes?
5. What are some benefits of having an Open Mind in different areas of life, such as at home, at school, or during extracurricular activities?

Related Skills

Developing an Open Mind is just one of many essential skills that contribute to a child’s social-emotional growth. Other related skills that support a well-rounded development include:

• Active listening
• Empathy and compassion
• Effective communication
• Conflict resolution
• Self-awareness and self-regulation

By fostering these complementary skills, educators can help PreK students build a strong foundation for their social-emotional development and future success.

Next Steps

Ready to explore more resources and activities to support your PreK students’ social-emotional growth? Sign up for free samples of skill-building materials, including the Open Mind concept and many others, at Everyday Speech. By incorporating these valuable tools into your teaching, you can empower your students to embrace change and thrive in a constantly evolving world.