Week Three - The Hippo

Grades 4 - 6

 

Subject: Where Memories Go to Make Sense - The Hippo

This week’s lesson is about memories - The Hippocampus.

Step One: The DIY Belly Buddy Crafting Project

Make your own Belly Buddy!

In order to get the most out of the Belly Buddy program, you will first need to make this week’s Belly Buddy. A Belly Buddy is an animal craft that relates to this week’s brain science lesson. You will need it for the lesson and the meditation practice. We recommend you make The Hippo Belly Buddy from a toilet paper roll. Make it as early in the week as you can, so you have time to use it during the week. Click here for toilet paper animal template.

When you are done, roll up an old sock and push it inside the toilet paper roll to give your Belly Buddy some weight and stability.

A Streamlined Option

Simply use a plush toy or place a hand on the belly while practicing the bedtime lesson and meditation.

Step Two: Play The Hippo Lesson & Meditation - 9 minutes

When your Hippo Belly Buddy is complete, (or you may choose to use an existing plush toy or to simply place a hand on the belly in place of the Belly Buddy), listen to the Lesson and Meditation below, at bedtime. You can listen with your Parent/Guardian, or on your own. You can come back and listen to the lesson as often as you like. Your Parents/Guardians also have their own Hippo Lesson to listen to. Ask them if they plan to take their Mindfulness lesson this week!

Step Three: Meditation Reflection

Consider the following questions on your own or discuss with a Parent/Guardian.  There are no wrong answers!

  1. What favorite gift did you remember yourself receiving?

  2. What did you notice in your body and mind when you remembered receiving the favorite gift?

Step Four: Do you remember your Mindful Challenge for this week?

Mindful Breathing in the morning.

Step Five: Listen to this Meditation at Bedtime - 5 minutes

Every night, at bedtime, listen to this Listening Meditation before you go to sleep. These will help you practice what you learned.

Step Six: Journal Exercise

Write about the following:

What was the favorite gift you recalled receiving?

What did you notice in your mind and body when you remembered receiving this favorite gift?

What did this teach you about your memories? Are they powerful?  Can they trigger strong emotions, feelings and sensations in the body?

Congratulations! You have completed Week Three!

Did your Parent/Guardian complete their Week Three?