Think a Thought: A Book About Mindfulness
What’s inside...
Think a Thought is a children's book that introduces the concept of mindfulness through engaging illustrations and simple, yet profound, narrative. It guides young readers on a journey of self-awareness and presence, encouraging them to notice their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you feel when you take a slow, deep breath?
Can you think of a time when being calm helped you solve a problem? What happened?
What is one happy thought that makes you smile?
How can you help a friend feel peaceful when they're upset?
Why do you think it's important to be mindful of our thoughts and feelings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by practicing a mindfulness exercise together before diving into the discussion to set a calm and focused tone.
Share your own experiences with mindfulness to make the conversation more relatable and encourage your child to open up.
Listen actively to your child’s responses, validating their feelings and thoughts to foster a safe and open dialogue.
Connect the themes of the book to daily situations your child encounters to help them apply mindfulness in real life.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their thoughts after the conversation to reinforce their understanding and engagement with the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Mindfulness and Self-awareness
Explanation: The story encourages children to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, promoting mindfulness through engaging illustrations and scenarios.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking moments throughout their day to recognize and reflect on their emotions, aiding in emotional regulation and self-understanding.
Example Lesson: Emotional Regulation
Explanation: Through the narrative, children learn practical techniques to manage their emotions, such as deep breathing and focusing on the present moment, which are depicted in easy-to-understand contexts.
Real-World Application: Kids can use these techniques during stressful situations, like examinations or conflicts, to calm themselves and think clearly.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book illustrates how recognizing our own thoughts can lead to an understanding that others have similar thoughts and feelings, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: This understanding can help children interact more compassionately with peers, improving their social interactions and peer relationships.
Example Lesson: Concentration and Focus
Explanation: By practicing mindfulness, as shown in the book, children can improve their ability to concentrate and focus on tasks at hand, whether at school or during other activities.
Real-World Application: Enhanced focus can lead to better academic performance and more meaningful engagement in hobbies and tasks.
Example Lesson: Happiness and Contentment
Explanation: The book conveys that through mindfulness, one can appreciate the present moment and find joy in the little things, rather than always seeking external validation or material gains.
Real-World Application: Children learn to find satisfaction and contentment in their lives, appreciating what they have rather than feeling constant desire for more.