Mindfulness and Preschoolers:
Playing With Food Words
by Maya Frost
My four daughters were all preschoolers
at the same time. I turned snack time
into a fun mindfulness game, and you
can do the same. It's simple and fun!
The most powerful way to instill a love for language
and an awareness of health in young children is to help
them use specific food words as cues for mindfulness.
Mindfulness is simply paying attention and noticing new things.
It is the very essence of fun, and all children have a natural tendency
to be mindful. That's how we learn from the time we are infants!
As children reach the age of three or so, they become fascinated
by words and the sounds they can make. As a parent, you can
significantly boost your child's language development by pointing
out certain words whenever they pop up in conversation or even on TV.
For example, you might choose the word "crunchy" as your secret word.
Turn it into a game, much like "Slug Bug!" -- that road trip challenge to
be the first to notice any Volkswagen Beetles. You want to help your
child notice your secret word, and celebrate the fact that they noticed it.
Whenever they hear the word "crunchy" (and at first, you'll
be the one saying it), they simply say, "That's crunchy!"
From there, let them notice what kind of crunchy it is.
Like celery? Like chips? Like an apple? Is it juicy crunchy or
salty crunchy of sweet crunchy? This helps your child build
important connections and draws her attention to the subtle
differences that can be found in crunchy foods. It's an engaging
and entertaining way to have an ongoing discussion about nutrition!
You can adjust the words depending on the age, language skills and
interest of your child. Other suggestions for secret words include:
"fruity," "juicy," "chewy," "tender," "mouth-watering," or "bite-sized."
Don't be afraid to introduce a word that might be above their level,
especially if it's fun to say. Why not try "succulent" or "luscious"?
Playing the secret word game is a fun way to focus on food, and
you'll find yourself becoming more aware of delicious words, too!
Yummy. :-)
© 2004-2020 Maya Frost
When sharing, please include the following:
Maya Frost is an author, mindfulness trainer, and creative change strategist.
Learn more at MayaFrost.com
at the same time. I turned snack time
into a fun mindfulness game, and you
can do the same. It's simple and fun!
The most powerful way to instill a love for language
and an awareness of health in young children is to help
them use specific food words as cues for mindfulness.
Mindfulness is simply paying attention and noticing new things.
It is the very essence of fun, and all children have a natural tendency
to be mindful. That's how we learn from the time we are infants!
As children reach the age of three or so, they become fascinated
by words and the sounds they can make. As a parent, you can
significantly boost your child's language development by pointing
out certain words whenever they pop up in conversation or even on TV.
For example, you might choose the word "crunchy" as your secret word.
Turn it into a game, much like "Slug Bug!" -- that road trip challenge to
be the first to notice any Volkswagen Beetles. You want to help your
child notice your secret word, and celebrate the fact that they noticed it.
Whenever they hear the word "crunchy" (and at first, you'll
be the one saying it), they simply say, "That's crunchy!"
From there, let them notice what kind of crunchy it is.
Like celery? Like chips? Like an apple? Is it juicy crunchy or
salty crunchy of sweet crunchy? This helps your child build
important connections and draws her attention to the subtle
differences that can be found in crunchy foods. It's an engaging
and entertaining way to have an ongoing discussion about nutrition!
You can adjust the words depending on the age, language skills and
interest of your child. Other suggestions for secret words include:
"fruity," "juicy," "chewy," "tender," "mouth-watering," or "bite-sized."
Don't be afraid to introduce a word that might be above their level,
especially if it's fun to say. Why not try "succulent" or "luscious"?
Playing the secret word game is a fun way to focus on food, and
you'll find yourself becoming more aware of delicious words, too!
Yummy. :-)
© 2004-2020 Maya Frost
When sharing, please include the following:
Maya Frost is an author, mindfulness trainer, and creative change strategist.
Learn more at MayaFrost.com