my teddy and me

Parents and kids, grab your favorite teddy and join in for a little peek into poetry.

This video poem is a nice little exercise in mindfulness. Parents, it would be helpful for you to watch the video poem first and then have your child join you. Being mindful is all about becoming aware of what your senses are bringing you while you are involved in an activity; like a mindful walk or a mindful dinner prep. In our case we are using a video poem to practice being mindful. Throughout this video, you will see me using my senses as I talk about my teddy bear. For example:

• "he tickles my hand so very softly" uses the sense of touch
• "his button eyes look straight into mine" uses sight
• "butterfly kisses" is once again a tactile feeling
• "he smells like the inside of a little seashell" uses the sense of smell
• hearing is noticing how my voice is perceived by your own ears

Teaching younger children how to be mindful is often about modeling mindful behaviors. So, when you watch the video with your child, "do what I do". For example, imitate me as Teddy tickles my hand or as I smell Teddy. After the poem is done, ask your wee one how their Teddy smelled, what butterfly kisses felt like, and even what they thought of my voice.; was it loud, soft or soothing? All of these questions bring awareness to what is happening while your child is watching the video and when you pay attention to these things, that is being mindful! Each time you watch the video poem, encourage your child to pay attention to what they are feeling, seeing, hearing, or smelling as they listen and continue to mimic me throughout the poem. You are teaching/modeling a total sensory experience. This is a wonderful tool for your child to use when they are upset, stressed, about to loss control, or have lost control! During those times, bring back the teddy and have them notice teddy tickling their hand or stroking their face. You can also put an essential oil behind teddy's ears. That will help your child be aware of smell. Make sure the scent is not overwhelming; it should be one your child is fond of. The awareness helps them to "refocus" their behaviors upon what is soothing and comforting, rather than more destructive behaviors/thoughts or actions. This is what is helpful in redirecting unwanted behaviors, thoughts or actions. If you practice doing this with your child, you will begin to see them using what you have modeled.

On your mark, get ready...

These are the supplies you will need if you would like to have fun with some activities after watching the video poem:

1. Your 3 ring binder 
2. Lined Paper - for journaling
3. Drawing paper
4. Pencil or Pen - for writing, of course
5. Crayons/Markers/Colored  pencils-for creating beautiful artwork
6. 3 Hole Punch - to be able to punch holes in your drawing paper so you can be sure to keep your art and journal pages together

via GIPHY

My Teddy and Me
Holding my teddy comforts me,
He tickles my hand so very softly.
His button eyes stare straight into mine
​Reassuring me that I'll always be fine.
I flap my eyelashes as if they were wings,
To give butterfly kisses to my teddy king.
Some say he needs a bath, but I love his smell,
He smells like the inside of a little seashell.
He's always with me where ever I go,
It's as if he's like my second shadow.
Maybe someday I won't need him this much
But for now I just can't do without his touch.
Knowing this he whispers in my right ear,
I will never leave you, you have nothing to fear.
I let teddy turn out the light,
Because he keeps me brave in the dark of the night.
He's with me in the morning when we get out of bed,
With him, I know I can face a big day ahead.

ACTIVITIES FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD

1. Tell your child about your favorite childhood teddy bear. If you still have it, bring it out!
2. Ask your child how their teddy makes them feel better and journal their answers.
3. Have your child describe what their Teddy's fur feels like, how he smells and when they might be able to use teddy to comfort them. Journal their answers.
4. Get out your drawing paper and have your child draw or help them draw their favorite teddy bear (or stuffed animal).
5. Put these journal entries and their drawing into your child's special “A Peek into Poetry” binder!

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