Students in elementary school quickly take to, and enjoy, our simple mindfulness and meditation methods; this is confirmed by several scientific studies and long experience.  The methods are easy to learn, easy to use and can easily be integrated with existing curricula. They are not expensive, they are well liked by both students and teachers, and they have been adjusted to different age groups. Some exercises you, as a teacher, can implement in  your  student groups right away, others you need to learn in short training courses. Begin with the method that you feel attracted to and experience as the easiest. Below are some examples of exercises for elementary school. You can also download more exercises as a PDF document.

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Stillness:
Peel an organge
Take a few deep breaths and relax your body.
Let go of the past and the future,and bring your attention to the present moment.
Let your attitude be open and receptive.
Take a moment to appreciate where the orange cames from; look carefully at its color, texture and shape.
Notice the wonderful smell as you begin to peel it.
See, as if for the first time, how the orange is formed into sections and then gently break it apart. Eat one section at a time, very slowly, as if you had never tasted this fruit before.
How do you chew? On one side of the mouth or the other, or both? How many times do you chew before swallowing? Slow down if you start to hurry.
Whenever you notice any distraction from the moment-to-moment experience of eating, stop with your mouth empty, take a deep breath, and then continue.
Allow feelings of enjoyment to arise as you experience the pleasure of eating mindfully.
(The Wellness Book by Herbert Benson, Eileen M. Stuart, Simon & Schuster, 1993)

Peaceful Touch:
A simple touch exercise for two people
Let one person sit comfortably on a chair. The other person stands behind the chair and puts her hands softly on the others shoulders, close to the neck. Let it be an open touch. Both should be as relaxed as possible. The giver, focusing on her hands, and tries to open up fully to  the impressions of the other. She pays attention to the breathing of the other (is there any movement) and listens with all her mind to the other´s silent story. After about 5 minutes the one giving touch says, I’m about to remove my hands from your shoulders, she waits, a few moments and removes her hands. The two people switch places and the exercise is repeated. Practice in silence, you can talk when you have finished.

Reflection:
Here is how to create a life talk
Sit in a circle and place a candle in the middle. Ask a question about life. For instance: What is the meaning of life? What is love? Peace? The good? Start with a few moments of stillness and silence, letting everyone come to rest within. Then let each one speak in turn. Let everyone express whatever he or she wants. No one can comment or discuss what is said. Everyone listens with intense presence to the speaker. A talking stick can be used. The speaker holds the stick and passes it on to the next person when she has finished.

Movement:
Peace Power Qigong
The Peace power qigong is a medical qigong for youngsters, which fosters an inner and outer peace and helps you to take in the powers of nature. It consists of beautiful, strong movements, accompanied by an effective concentration. The movements help the body to open up, stimulate the circulation and develop the intuition. The method, strengthening one’s health in general, is especially good for the spine, and the inner organs, relieves stress, balances the functions of the brain and opens up for wisdom.
 The Peace power qigong has two parts - one consisting of movements and the other of stillness. It harmonizes with the feelings and thinking of teenagers, and balances the hormones. According to Chinese medicine you need to strengthen your powers of the soul and find a way to handle and express these during adolescence. Qigong, at the output of hormones at this age, helps to balance them and the subsequent feelings like fear, aggression and their lovelife.
The Peace Power qigong is created within the Biyun School
 
Children's Qigong (for student up to 10 yrs old)
To identify with the deer, the bird, the bear, the monkey and the tiger and mimic their movements awakes dormant powers in the child. It stimulates the five central bodily organs, which according to Chinese medicine are connected with these animals: the heart, the lungs, the liver, the kidneys and the spleen. The method counteracts restlessness and stress, stimulates the child's imagination and power of concentration and helps to create a harmonious and loving relationship to nature and fellow human beings. The Children´s Qigong is suitable for children up to 10-12 years old. For the youngest children the method is more like fun healthy play.
Read more about our teacher training for Peace Power Qigong and Children's Qigong

The Power of Nature Yoga
The Power of Nature Yoga of the Dream of the Good is designed for grade school students and intended for practice in the classroom. It consists of large, powerful movements in combination with effective focus inspired by nature. The exercises awaken dormant strengths in the children, promoting the connection between the inner and outer environment contributing to a more loving relationship with nature and fellow human beings. The movements help the body to open up and release tensions and they are especially good for the spine. Simultaneously, they stimulate the blood circulation  supporting the inner organs. The program takes about 15-20 minutes.
Read more about our teacher training in yoga