CLASSROOM Grades 1 - 3 | Week Three | The Hippo
Or, Jump To:
Week One - The Owl Week Two - The Dog Week Four - The Monkey Week Five - The Elephant Week Six - The Dolphin Week Seven - The Panda Bear Week Eight - The Pig
Subject: Where Memories Go to Make Sense - The Hippo
Requirements: You will need internet access and a laptop, tablet or smartphone for accessing this content. You will need a wired or Bluetooth connection to a speaker to amplify the audio into the classroom. You DO NOT need a screen or projector as each lesson is audio only from your device and requires students to close their eyes and/or focus on their Belly Buddy.
Step One: The DIY Belly Buddy Crafting Project - The Hippo
As with last week, it is recommend that the children start this week’s lesson with the activity of making their own “Hippo” Belly Buddy. For the Classroom version of this program it is recommended that students draw their belly buddy animal on a sheet of paper. The finished drawing can be placed on the student’s desk and used as a focal point during the meditation. Teachers may choose to tie this drawing activity to Art Education Curriculum Expectations. Drawings can be placed in a duo tang and stored in students’ desks. A favourite tool to assist students with their artwork is Art For Kids Hub
Art for Kids Hub - Art Lessons - How to Draw for Kids
Hippo - A More Challenging Version
As an alternative to drawing a picture, teachers may choose to have students create the toilet paper roll animal that is used during the bedtime version of the program. Click here for toilet paper animal template.
Step Two: Soundcheck - 30 seconds
Before beginning The Hippo Lesson and Meditation, play the Sound Check file below to ensure your speakers are working correctly and that all students can hear the audio effectively.
Step Three: Discuss Last Week’s Mindful Job
Discuss with students their success and challenges with last week’s Mindful Job
Last Week’s Mindful Job: Practice a Body Scan and notice when their brain’s Guard Dog has been triggered.
The following questions may help you prompt the discussion:
Put up your hand if you remembered to practice a Body Scan before bedtime last week?
How did it go? What did you notice?
Did it make you feel sleepy? Did you fall asleep?
Did anyone notice that the brain’s Guard Dog / Amygdala barked last week?
What did you notice in your body when your brain’s Guard Dog was barking/triggered?
Were you able to calm the brain’s Guard Dog? How did you do this?
Step Four: Play The Hippo Lesson & Meditation - 6 minutes
Now that the Sound Check is complete, you will play the Lesson below. Listen and learn with your students!
Step Five: Meditation Reflection - 5+ minutes
Here are some questions to drive follow up discussion. There are no wrong answers!
What favorite toy did you imagine yourself playing with?
What did you notice in your body/mind when you remembered playing with your favorite toy?
Step Six: Mindful Job
Remind students of this week’s Mindful Job: Mindful Breathing in the morning.
Step Seven: Daily Meditation - 4 mins - Various Times During the Week
With the audio lesson complete, you are encouraged to take time during the balance of the week to practice with students the guided meditation/s below (the Hippo Belly Buddy craft is not required for these practices). The ‘Daily Meditations’ are in support of each week’s lesson, but you can come back to them as often as you like. Typically they are 3 - 6 minutes each. These meditations are also included as a part of the Bedtime Program.
These meditations are a useful tool to help settle students after a recess, lunch break, or physical activity.
Step Eight - Additional Activities (Optional)
JOURNAL
Have the students draw a picture of themselves playing with their favorite toy.