Finding our centre When Meditating, it is important to find our centre. This helps us focus on our breath and instantly calms us.	No right or wrong There is no right or wrong way to meditate or relax. Some children prefer to sit up, others lie down. Some children lie face up, some face down. They do not have to remain totally still. Some children take longer than others to find a comfortable position. Children are encouraged to remain silent, so not to disturb others around them.	Meditation When meditating in a sitting pose, sit tall with a straight back. Hands can be on the knees - hands facing up or down or placed gently in the lap.
Guided Medititaion Children have amazing imaginations. Guided Imagery takes children on an adventurous journey in their minds. Visualisation can encourage children to find their 'special place' that they can go to anytime they need to.	Affirmation Tree An affirmation is a positive statement we make about ourselves. An affirmation is always written or said in the present tense. I AM ............. !	Growing an Affirmation tree Expressing affirmations to ourselves allows us to grow....in the same way we grow our affirmation tree
Writing Affirmations Writing affirmations for ourselves is a fantastic exercise. We do not truly have to believe the statement to be true. Repeating the affirmation several times to ourselves and writing it out is an important part of projecting our goals and desires. It affirms our belief in ourselves.	Growth Watching childrens confidence and self awareness grow in our classes is extremely rewarding.	Working together Group exercises are another way to increase trust, confidence and friendships
Concentrating on the Breath Learning to breathe and listen to the breath is highly important when learning to meditate.	Belly Breathing Belly breathing is a fantastic and easy technique for children. Breathe in to fill the tummy (like inflating a balloon), and exhale slowly. Breathing is slow and steady. Placing our hands on our tummy allows us to feel our tummies fill up.	Blowing Bubbles Blowing bubbles are a great way to practice our breathing technique. Bubble blowing also helps us release our worries. Using our imagination, we fill each bubble with our worries and we watch them float away.
Bucket Filling When we feel good about ourselves, we have a full bucket. Only when our own buckets are full are we able to fill the buckets of others and help them feel good about themselves. Bucket filling is an important part of the CHARM KIDS program.	Actions help fill buckets Children express what things they can do to fill the buckets of others. Children become so much more aware of the importance of kindness. Filling the buckets of others keeps our own buckets full.	'Have you filled a bucket today' 'Have you filled a bucket today' is a beautiful book by Carol McLoud. One of our favourite resources used by CHARM KIDS
Stretching Being aware of our bodies is important for our physical and mental health	Relaxing our bodies Learning different ways to relax our bodies is so much fun. Imagining being a 'floppy ragdoll' is a great way for children to understand the concept of relaxing their bodies. A wonderful technique for children who have trouble sleeping.	Our mind are very powerful Its great to use our imaginations. Floating through the air as a big balloon...feeling free and relaxed while observing and being grateful for the world around us
Strike a pose Yoga is another fantastic form of relaxation. Children love learning the different poses. Yoga encourages concentration and focus. It strengthens growing bodies.	Working together Our fun activities help children benefit and learn from each other. Children learn to communicate positively. They learn respect for others, patience, how the listen and be co-operative.	Support each other Helping others is important....being positive within ourselves radiates confidence and high self-esteem. This positivity effects others around us, soon they start to feel the same.
Massage Massage is a wonderful way to relax. When our bodies are relaxed and our muscles not tense, we can think more clearly and positively. Self massage is a fantastic technique to do, when you are feeling tense, worried or anxious. Being able to calm ourselves is a valueable tool.	Learning while having Fun 'Silent Ball' is a fun game that teaches children the importance of listening. When someone is speaking it is important to look at them. This demonstrates to the person speaking that you are paying attention and interested in what they are saying. This game also helps with focus and concentration.