Activity
Curiosity vs. Boredom
Boredom can be a common feeling for many people, but it can also make us feel disconnected from the present moment. In this social emotional learning activity, your child will explore the difference inherent in boredom vs. curiosity by participating in a mindfulness practice and then creating a book. Ideal for fourth and fifth grade students, this activity will help learners build greater self-control and find attentiveness and happiness in the present moment.
What You Need:
- Curiosity Saved the Cat worksheet
What You Do:
- Ask your child the following questions, and reflect on their answers to show you are being attentive:
- How does it feel to be bored?
- Where do you feel boredom in your body?
- What are some ways to overcome boredom?
- Tell your child that bringing kind and curious attention to the present moment can help overcome boredom!
- Have your child to take a few deep breaths and become as still as they can.
- Invite them to look around the room and notice things they may not have noticed before.
- Instruct them to stay in silence and notice the lighting, textures, shadows, and colors around them.
- Have them take a few deep breaths.
- Engage in a conversation about what your child experienced. Ask them the following questions:
- What did you notice?
- Did you notice anything you hadn't noticed before?
- Where can you use curiosity to overcome boredom?
- Review the Curiosity Saved the Cat worksheet with them.
- Work together to create a book that shows how a cat practices mindfulness of senses, just like you both did.
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