Mindful Sensory Garden
To develop mindfulness and present-moment awareness through sensory garden exploration.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Engages in mindful activities
- Uses senses deliberately
- Shows calming during mindfulness
- Chooses mindfulness independently
Materials
- Sensory garden area
- Lavender and herbs
- Wind chimes
- Textured plants
Instructions
GUIDING MINDFUL WALKING: 'Let's walk very slowly through the garden. Feel each step. The ground is soft under your feet. Walk like a gentle cat—quietly, carefully.'
USING FIVE SENSES: 'Close your eyes. What can you HEAR? Birds? Wind? Now open them—what can you SEE? Now smell—rub this lavender leaf. What does it smell like?'
TEACHING PRESENT MOMENT: 'Right now, in this moment, we're safe and calm in our garden. Right now, there's nothing to worry about. Right now, we can just BE.'
MAKING IT A TOOL: 'When you feel worried or upset, you can come to our mindful garden. Use your five senses. It helps your brain calm down.'