In today’s fast-paced world, helping young children develop mindfulness skills can set the foundation for emotional regulation, focus, and empathy. Incorporating mindfulness activities for preschoolers into the daily routine can support their social-emotional development in a fun and engaging way.

Related resources:

• social skills activities for preschoolers
• social skills lessons

To support educators and caregivers, we’re sharing three engaging mindfulness activities for preschoolers, including a free mindfulness video lesson, Wiggling Body Scan. These activities are designed to help young children develop focus, emotional regulation, and self-awareness through simple and fun exercises.

Watch the Free Mindfulness Video Lesson: Wiggling Body Scan

Why Mindfulness Matters for Preschoolers

Mindfulness helps children stay present, manage emotions, and develop self-awareness. Teaching mindfulness at an early age can:

• Improve emotional regulation, making it easier for children to express and manage feelings.
• Increase focus and attention, helping with learning and daily activities.
• Foster empathy and kindness, promoting social connections and cooperation.

Simple Mindfulness Activities for Preschoolers

Try these engaging and easy activities to help preschoolers practice mindfulness every day:

1. Breathing Buddies

Materials: Soft toys or stuffed animals.

Instructions:

• Have children lie down and place a soft toy on their belly.
• Guide them to watch the toy rise and fall as they breathe in and out.
• Encourage them to focus on their breathing as they observe the movement.

2. Listening to the Bell

Materials: A soft bell or chime.

Instructions:

• Ring the bell and ask children to listen closely.
• Have them raise their hand when they can no longer hear the sound.
• Discuss how they felt while focusing on the sound.

3. Wiggling Body Scan (Video Activity)

Materials: Wiggling Body Scan Video:

Instructions:

• Play the video and have children follow along.
• As the narrator mentions a body part, children wiggle that part.
• After wiggling, they pause and notice how their body feels.
• The activity ends with a full-body wiggle and relaxation.

Integrating Mindfulness into Daily Routines

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be a separate lesson—it can be seamlessly woven into daily activities:

• Morning Check-Ins: Start the day with a quick breathing exercise or mindful moment.
• Transition Moments: Use a short mindfulness activity to help children refocus between activities.
• Calm-Down Corners: Create a space where children can practice mindfulness when feeling overwhelmed.

By incorporating mindfulness activities for preschoolers into daily routines, educators and caregivers can create a more focused, calm, and emotionally aware learning environment.

Want More? Access Additional Free Resources!

Watch the Free Mindfulness Video Lesson and start exploring mindfulness with your preschoolers today! This interactive activity is designed to make mindfulness fun and accessible for young learners.

Want more tools to support skills like mindfulness and emotional regulation? We offer a free 30-day trial where you can use our thousands of video lessons, worksheets, and games.