CREATE A LOW-KEY MINDFUL PLAY ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN

 

As September unfolds and the school year gains momentum, the multifaceted impact of this bustling transition on new children becomes increasingly evident. For both those returning and those new to the childcare environment, September is a season of mixed emotions, marked by excitement, curiosity, and apprehension. These feelings often leave children feeling unsettled throughout the day.

Within this whirlwind of emotions and activity, teachers have a unique opportunity to soothe the chaos by establishing a low-key, mindful classroom. Such a space can serve as a grounding sanctuary for children, offering the stability they need to navigate this bustling period with greater ease.

 

USE THESE TIPS TO CREATE A LOWKEY MINDFUL PLAY ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN

• Keep noise levels moderate. Avoid loud music or overstimulating electronic toys.
• Choose neutral-colored materials and decor. Too many bright colors can be visually distracting.
• Design cozy, cushy spaces for reading, building, playing quietly. Include beanbags, pillows, cushions and soft blocks.
• Have a mix of activities available - energetic areas for movement but also calmer zones for relaxation.
• Provide open-ended materials like loose parts, blocks, art supplies, natural items that spark creativity and focus.
• Allow time for free play without too many instructions or transitions. Let imagination flow uninterrupted.
• Teach and model mindful breathing, stretching, relaxation techniques during the day.
• Keep mess to a minimum. Have cleanup be part of the play routine rather than an interruption.
• Use soft lighting like lamps, fairy lights to create a relaxed ambience. Avoid harsh overhead lighting.
• Play soothing, instrumental background music at a low volume during play times.
• Use neutral sensory materials like rice (if your program allows food for play) water beads, sand that provide calming tactile input.
• Build in sensory breaks between high-energy activities to allow the nervous system to reset.

The biggest part of a play-based environment is PLAY, which allows the children to be: Present, Low-key, Attuned, and Mindful throughout the day.

For children struggling with September anxiety, use loose parts and open-ended materials in play as a source of comfort and growth.

Open-ended, loose parts can provide an escape from the burden of perfectionism and the fear of judgment, allowing children to explore without the weight of rigid expectations. Also, open-ended materials can encourage creative expression, allowing children the freedom to shape their experiences and emotions in a safe and non-judgmental space. Finally, the flexibility of these materials, along with their sensory engagement and problem-solving potential, nurtures self-confidence and autonomy.

Moreover, these materials foster social interaction and mindfulness by offering children a sense of control over their surroundings and emotions which can transform their play experiences into opportunities for growth, creativity, and emotional well-being.

PROVIDE PLENTY OF THESE OPEN-ENDED MATERIALS TO SPARK CREATIVITY AND FOCUS DURING PLAY:

• Blocks - Wooden, cardboard, foam, or magnetic blocks allow for imaginative building.
• Art supplies - Paint, crayons, colored pencils, scissors, glue, and paper offer endless options for creating.
• Dramatic play - Child-sized play kitchen, clothes, prop boxes spark pretend scenarios.
• Loose parts - Items like pebbles, acorns, seashells, beads inspire nature exploration.
• Sand and water - Tactile and moldable materials for pouring, digging, shaping.
• Play dough - Roll, cut, smash, and sculpt this classic sensory material.
• Puzzles and games - Encourage problem-solving, strategizing, and critical thinking.
• Building toys - Wooden blocks, magnetic tiles, Legos for engineering structures.
• Dress-up clothes - Spark role playing different characters and professions.
• Musical instruments - Drums, shakers, xylophones for expression through rhythm.
• Puppets - Finger puppets, hand puppets motivate language and storytelling.
• Nature items - Pinecones, feathers, leaves, seed pods to examine and arrange.
• Fabric - Scarves, ribbons, lace, felt to incorporate into creations.
• Containers - Baskets, buckets, tubes to fill, dump, and transport materials.

HOW TO INCORPORATE OPEN-ENDED MATERIALS IN THE PLAYROOM

• Set up distinct learning zones that feature different open-ended materials. For example, have a building area, art studio, reading nook, etc.
• Rotate the materials every few weeks to maintain novelty and sustain interest. Refreshing on a regular basis will prevent boredom.

• Model curiosity and creativity by asking the children open-ended questions to spur new ideas. "I wonder if you could build a bridge using these blocks?"

• Allow ample time for free exploration. Uninterrupted free time is key to mindful play.
• Keep materials organized on low, open shelves so the children can access them independently.
• Make clean-up part of the play routine. Assign tasks, use timers, play clean-up songs.

·         Show the children how to use the materials purposefully. If a child seems aimless or lost, prompt them to build a structure or create a pattern. "Let's make a pattern with these beads using alternating colors." Or "I'm going to use this play dough to create the letters of my name."

• Promote sharing by having materials all together, in baskets or on trays in between the children's spaces. Have the children share ideas and teach each other new techniques.
• Set expectations for proper use and care of open-ended materials to encourage responsibility.
• Rotate materials to small groups or activity centers to control chaos when needed.
• Observe play themes and emerging skills for future curriculum plans.

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