Calming Preschoolers: Mindfulness Through Art
Helping preschoolers manage their emotions can be challenging, but combining mindfulness with art offers an effective solution. Mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises, paired with activities such as painting or sensory crafts, help children express feelings, self-soothe, and stay present. These practices also align with New Zealand’s Te Whāriki curriculum, supporting emotional growth while incorporating local themes like Māori traditions and native wildlife.
Key takeaways:
Mindfulness tools: Breathing exercises, sensory activities, and guided art projects.
Art-based methods: Glitter jars, leaf rubbings, and collaborative murals.
Benefits: Improved emotional regulation, focus, and social skills.
NZ focus: Activities inspired by Matariki, native birds, and Māori patterns.
Mindfulness art doesn’t require expensive materials or special training - simple setups using natural or recycled items can make a big difference. Centres like Little Dinosaurs Childcare in Auckland show how this approach can foster emotional wellbeing in preschoolers by weaving mindfulness into daily routines.
5 Minute Drawing Meditation for Beginners - Mindful Art for Kids
Mindfulness in Early Childhood Education
In New Zealand's early childhood education, mindfulness offers young learners tools to understand and manage their emotions. Combined with creative activities, it builds on earlier approaches to strengthen emotional regulation. Here's a closer look at how mindfulness plays a role for preschoolers.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is all about staying focused on the present moment. Techniques like tummy breathing and balloon breaths encourage children to become aware of their emotions and learn to regulate them. Sensory activities, such as listening to native birdsong or exploring different textures, help ground their attention in the here and now.
Examples of mindfulness activities include gentle yoga, mindful colouring, and hands-on sensory experiences using natural materials. For instance, "Birdsong mindfulness" activities use recordings of native birdsong to connect children with Aotearoa's unique environment. Such practices align beautifully with New Zealand’s holistic approach to education, as outlined in Te Whāriki.
How Mindfulness Fits with Te Whāriki
Mindfulness aligns seamlessly with Te Whāriki, New Zealand's early childhood curriculum framework, which focuses on holistic development and wellbeing. These practices help calm children and develop self-regulation skills, supporting the curriculum's emphasis on hauora (wellbeing). By fostering respectful relationships and a sense of belonging, mindfulness reflects the core principles of Te Whāriki .
Group mindfulness activities, in particular, nurture whanaungatanga (relationships) by creating calm, inclusive spaces where children can learn to listen, share, and connect. Incorporating Māori practices like Hikitia te hā and using bilingual resources further strengthens cultural connections and honours mana whenua. These approaches not only promote self-awareness and emotional regulation but also build resilience - skills that are vital for school readiness and lifelong learning.
Educators can seamlessly integrate mindfulness into daily routines. Starting the day with gentle breathing exercises, using sensory activities during transitions, or ending with sharing circles where children reflect on their feelings are simple yet effective ways to embed mindfulness into early learning environments.
Art Activities That Promote Mindfulness
Art has a unique way of pulling children into the present moment, making it an excellent tool for mindfulness. By engaging their senses and encouraging calm focus, these activities allow preschoolers to express themselves while practising awareness. The trick lies in selecting activities that are both creative and soothing.
Sensory and Calming Activities
Finger painting is a classic example of how art can ground children in the here and now. The simple act of spreading paint with their fingers not only sparks creativity but also provides a calming tactile experience that helps regulate emotions and encourages self-expression.
Glitter jars are another wonderful tool that combine art with mindfulness. Children can create their own sensory bottles by mixing glitter, water, and food colouring in clear jars. When shaken, the glitter swirls and gradually settles, offering a visual metaphor for how our minds calm down when we pause and breathe. These jars also serve as a practical way for kids to self-soothe.
Sensory collages made with natural materials bring mindfulness into everyday explorations. By collecting leaves, sand, shells, or smooth stones during nature walks, children can create textured collages. The process of gathering, touching, and arranging these materials helps them stay focused and connected to the moment.
Breathing beads are another creative way to blend mindfulness with art. Children thread beads onto string in time with their slow, steady breaths. Each bead represents a single breath, turning the craft into a tangible reminder of their calming practice. These handmade tools can later be used to support emotional regulation.
Incorporating elements of New Zealand’s culture and environment into these activities adds layers of meaning, making mindfulness even more engaging for young learners.
New Zealand-Inspired Art Projects
Connecting mindfulness to Aotearoa’s rich culture and natural beauty makes these activities even more impactful. For instance, Matariki star mobiles allow children to paint or colour the seven stars of Matariki while reflecting on gratitude and the significance of this Māori celebration.
Native bird art pairs visual creativity with auditory mindfulness. Children can paint tūī, kererū, or fantails while listening to recordings of native birdsong. This activity not only sharpens their focus but also deepens their connection to New Zealand’s natural heritage.
Leaf rubbing using native plants like ferns or pōhutukawa is another simple yet soothing activity. The repetitive motion of rubbing crayons over leaves calms the nervous system while celebrating local flora.
For a more intricate project, kōwhaiwhai pattern painting introduces children to traditional Māori designs. Creating these flowing, repetitive patterns requires steady focus and careful movements, turning the process into a meditative experience that also honours indigenous culture.
While individual projects are valuable, group art activities take mindfulness a step further by fostering social connections and a sense of community.
Group Art for Building Connections
Collaborative murals are a fantastic way to bring children together. By working on a large canvas depicting familiar New Zealand landscapes - like beaches, mountains, or bush scenes - kids not only exercise their creativity but also strengthen relationships and a sense of belonging.
Another idea is shared sand art, which combines mindfulness techniques like box breathing with collaborative creativity. Using natural materials, children can create designs together, learning resilience while connecting with nature and each other.
Group mosaics offer another opportunity for teamwork. Children gather natural materials like stones or shells and contribute their individual pieces to a larger design. This activity encourages communication, respect, and inclusion while boosting self-esteem and emotional awareness. It’s a beautiful way to show that every contribution matters.
Miniature community peace gardens are another collaborative project that blends mindfulness, sustainability, and creativity. Using recycled containers, children can plant seeds, arrange stones, and add artistic touches while discussing the concept of peace. These small gardens become shared symbols of calm and cooperation.
What makes these group activities special is their ability to create inclusive, calming spaces where kids can practise mindfulness together. Ending sessions with sharing circles allows children to reflect on their feelings and experiences, deepening their self-awareness and fostering whanaungatanga - the sense of connection and relationships within the group.
How to Start Mindfulness Art Activities
You don’t need fancy tools or specialised training to dive into mindfulness art with young children. All it takes is a bit of preparation, a welcoming space, and a clear introduction to help preschoolers explore their emotions through creativity.
Setting Up the Right Environment
Creating the right atmosphere is essential. Choose a quiet area with plenty of natural light, comfortable seating, and art supplies that are easy for children to reach. Keep the space uncluttered and use soothing colours and textures to make it inviting. The idea is to focus on the process of creating rather than the outcome - there’s no right or wrong way to express oneself here .
Take Little Dinosaurs Childcare, for example. They’ve made this approach part of their daily routine. By combining a calm, secure environment with child-led exploration, they give children the freedom to express themselves creatively while gently guiding them. This balance helps mindfulness through art thrive and sets the stage for meaningful, culturally enriched experiences.
Adding Māori and New Zealand Elements
In New Zealand, mindfulness art becomes even more enriching when it incorporates te reo Māori and bicultural themes. For instance, introducing children to Māori colour names like whero (red) or kākāriki (green) blends language learning with creativity. Traditional Māori designs, such as koru spirals or kōwhaiwhai patterns, encourage slow, intentional movements, making the process itself a mindful activity.
Projects inspired by local themes - like manu (birds), ngahere (forests), or moana (the sea) - help children connect with their cultural and natural heritage. Displaying their artwork with labels in both Māori and English, and inviting children and their whānau to share stories about their creations, fosters a sense of belonging and inclusivity . These elements don’t just enhance the creative process; they also deepen children’s cultural connections and emotional engagement.
Adjusting Activities for Different Children
Mindfulness art works best when it’s tailored to the needs of each child. For younger children, focus on sensory-rich activities, while older preschoolers might enjoy more intricate projects. Adjusting for different learning styles is also important - some children may prefer quiet, individual work, while others thrive in group settings.
For children with special needs, small adjustments can make a big difference. For example, provide larger brushes for those with fine motor challenges or offer alternative materials for children sensitive to certain textures. Cultural backgrounds also matter; understanding each child’s preferences and involving their whānau in planning helps create a more inclusive experience. At Little Dinosaurs Childcare, this personalised approach ensures that every child, from ages 2 to 5, can participate meaningfully in mindfulness art . This flexibility is key to fostering a supportive and inclusive creative environment.
Benefits and Challenges of Mindfulness Art
These observations build on our earlier discussion of how mindfulness art plays an important role in early childhood education. While it offers a range of benefits for preschoolers, it also comes with practical hurdles for early childhood centres.
Benefits of Mindfulness Through Art
Engaging in mindfulness regularly helps young children improve their social interactions and manage attention-related challenges. Art, as a form of creative expression, provides preschoolers with a way to process and express emotions without needing advanced verbal skills. Activities like mandala colouring or sensory painting allow children to explore and regulate their feelings, which can ease anxiety and encourage calm behaviour.
Mindfulness-based art also enriches connections to te reo Māori and bicultural themes, broadening its impact beyond emotional regulation. Reflective prompts during art sessions - such as asking, "What inspired your colour choices?" or "How do you feel while creating this?" - enhance emotional awareness and help children build a richer vocabulary to express themselves. By immersing all their senses in the present moment, children experience improved mental and emotional wellbeing, which lays the groundwork for future academic success and resilience.
However, despite these advantages, implementing mindfulness art in early childhood settings is not without its obstacles.
Common Challenges and Solutions
While the benefits are clear, early childhood centres often need to navigate several challenges to make mindfulness art a practical reality.
Resource limitations. Many centres struggle with limited budgets, insufficient art supplies, and a lack of quiet spaces. A practical solution is to use affordable, natural materials like leaves, stones, or recycled items. Partnering with local organisations or applying for community grants can also help stretch resources.
Measuring effectiveness. Traditional methods of assessment often don’t align well with preschool settings. Instead, centres can observe changes in children’s behaviour, collect feedback from children and their whānau, and document their artwork and reflections. Some centres also use wellbeing models like Te Whare Tapa Whā to monitor progress.
The path to addressing these challenges starts with small, manageable steps. Centres can begin with simple activities using accessible materials, seek community support, and prioritise staff training. Gradually, these efforts can grow into a sustainable programme where obstacles become opportunities for creative, tailored approaches that benefit both children and educators.
Little Dinosaurs Childcare: Supporting Mindfulness Through Art
At Little Dinosaurs Childcare in Epsom, Auckland, mindfulness and art are seamlessly woven into daily learning. This family-run centre has created a nurturing space where children’s emotional development flourishes through creative activities and well-planned practices.
A Caring Environment for Emotional Growth
One of the centre’s standout features is its small group size - just 27 children aged 2–5. This intimate setting allows educators to form meaningful connections with each child, offering the kind of personalised attention that makes mindfulness activities impactful. It also ensures activities can be tailored to suit each child’s needs.
Daily routines include sensory art projects that encourage children to focus on the present moment. Activities such as painting with natural materials gathered from the centre’s outdoor spaces or working on group murals foster mindfulness and teamwork. These creative outlets help children explore and process their emotions without needing advanced verbal skills, creating a calming and inclusive environment.
The centre emphasises the use of natural, affordable materials like leaves, stones, and recycled items. This not only supports sustainability but also strengthens children’s connection to their surroundings. Each session begins with a group check-in, where children are encouraged to share their feelings, setting a calm and focused tone for the day.
Te Whāriki and Mindfulness Working Together
Little Dinosaurs Childcare’s curriculum is deeply rooted in Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood education framework, which focuses on holistic development, belonging, and wellbeing. This alignment makes the integration of mindfulness and art a natural fit, enriching the children’s learning experience.
The centre incorporates elements of Māori and New Zealand heritage into its activities. Native birdsong might accompany quiet moments of reflection, while events like Matariki are celebrated with collaborative art projects. During creative sessions, children also learn simple te reo Māori phrases, which not only strengthen their sense of identity but also enhance emotional awareness. These cultural elements add depth to the mindfulness practices, making them even more meaningful.
"Our curriculum emphasises creative expression like visual arts, drama, music & dance, as well as foundational literacy and numeracy."
Creative activities such as making mandalas from natural materials or storytelling through art support Te Whāriki’s goals of communication and emotional expression. Programmes like Dino Discovery Groups and Transition to School incorporate mindfulness-based art projects to help children build confidence and independence.
"Enhanced by programmes like Dino Discovery Groups and Transition to School, we foster confidence and independence."
At Little Dinosaurs Childcare, mindfulness isn’t treated as a separate lesson - it’s embedded in how children learn, create, and interact. This approach allows emotional regulation and artistic expression to grow hand-in-hand, all within a framework that honours New Zealand’s cultural values and educational principles.
Conclusion: Helping Preschoolers Through Mindfulness and Art
Mindfulness art provides preschoolers with an effective way to manage their emotions and build resilience. Activities like mandala colouring, sensory-based art projects, and crafts inspired by nature help young children stay present while finding healthy ways to process their feelings. Studies indicate that these practices can lead to up to a 30% improvement in attention and self-control, along with reduced anxiety levels and better moods.
Educators can easily incorporate these techniques using simple, everyday materials. Items like paper, leaves, and shells can be transformed into tools for fostering self-awareness, confidence, and a positive sense of identity. These practices align naturally with New Zealand's Te Whāriki framework, which emphasises holistic development and reflects local cultural values.
An excellent example of this approach in action is Little Dinosaurs Childcare. With a small group size of just 27 children, the centre ensures personalised attention, making it easier to integrate mindfulness into creative activities. Rather than treating mindfulness as a standalone lesson, they weave it into artistic expression, creating an environment where emotional and artistic growth go hand in hand. This tailored approach highlights how mindfulness art supports both individual development and a sense of community wellbeing.
"Our curriculum emphasises creative expression, including visual arts, drama, music & dance, alongside foundational literacy and numeracy."
The benefits extend beyond the classroom, fostering calmer, more supportive learning environments. These practices help children develop skills for smoother transitions, stronger friendships, and better coping mechanisms - building a strong foundation for their journey into school and beyond.
For both families and educators, mindfulness art transforms everyday moments into opportunities for growth. By blending creativity with mindfulness, they help preschoolers navigate their emotions and discover the joy of self-expression, laying the groundwork for lifelong emotional and social wellbeing.
FAQs
How can mindfulness art activities be tailored for children with special needs or different learning preferences?
Mindfulness art activities can be tailored to fit the needs of children with special requirements or diverse learning styles by emphasising adaptability and personalisation. Start by selecting materials and techniques that are simple to handle and sensory-friendly. Options like soft brushes, textured paper, or non-toxic paints work well for creating a comfortable experience. Keep instructions straightforward, breaking them into small, easy-to-follow steps to help build confidence and provide support.
Pay close attention to each child’s preferences and needs. Some may thrive with hands-on activities like clay modelling, while others might find tranquillity in colouring exercises. Offer plenty of positive reinforcement and encourage them to explore their creativity without worrying about the final outcome. The goal is to foster a safe and welcoming space where every child feels free to engage with art and mindfulness in their own way.
How can parents use mindfulness and art to help their preschoolers manage emotions at home?
Incorporating mindfulness and art into your preschooler's daily life can be both enjoyable and beneficial for their emotional health. A simple way to start is by encouraging them to draw or paint their feelings. This creative outlet allows them to express emotions they might not yet have the words to describe.
Another idea is blending art with mindfulness. For instance, you can guide your child to focus on their breathing as they colour in patterns or work on a craft. Using natural materials like leaves, stones, or shells for these activities can also help them feel more connected to their environment, promoting a sense of calm and awareness.
These small, creative practices can play a meaningful role in teaching your child how to manage their emotions in a positive and engaging way.
How can incorporating Māori and New Zealand elements into mindfulness art activities benefit preschoolers?
Incorporating elements of Māori culture and New Zealand heritage into mindfulness art activities offers tamariki (children) a unique way to connect with the rich identity of Aotearoa. By weaving in traditional Māori patterns, storytelling, and themes inspired by nature, these activities do more than just spark creativity - they nurture a deep respect for the land and its history.
These art-based mindfulness practices also help children stay grounded in the present, process their emotions through creative expression, and foster a strong sense of connection and belonging. This approach aligns seamlessly with Te Whāriki, New Zealand's early childhood education framework, which places a strong emphasis on cultural responsiveness and supporting emotional well-being.
