Practicing Mindfulness with Children is the fruit of decades of development and innovation in the Plum Village community's collective practice with children. Based on Thich Nhat Hanh's thirty years of teaching mindfulness and compassion to parents, teachers, and children, the book and enclosed CD covers a wide range of contemplative and fun activities parents and educators can do with their children or students. They are designed to help relieve stress, increase concentration, nourish gratitude and confidence, deal with difficult emotions, touch our interconnection with nature, and improve communication.

Planting Seeds offers insight, concrete activities, and curricula that parents and educators can apply in school settings, in their local communities or at home, in a way that is meaningful and inviting to children. The key practices presented include mindful breathing and walking, inviting the bell, pebble meditation, the Two Promises or ethical guidelines for children, children's versions of Touching the Earth and Deep Relaxation, eating meditation and dealing with conflict and strong emotions. Also included are the lyrics to the songs on the enclosed CD that summarize and reinforce the key teachings, as well as a chapter on dealing effectively with conflict in the classroom or difficult group.

"Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, poet, scholar and human rights activist. In 1967 he was nominated by Martin Luther King, Jr. for the Nobel Peace Prize. He is the author of more than 100 books. . " "A complete overview of all of Thich Nhat Hanh's practices for children, 'Planting Seeds. . .' is full of hands-on activities to help children and adults relieve stress, increase concentration and confidence, deal with difficult emotions and improve communication. It includes over 30 full-color illustrations and an audio CD with songs and easy-to-follow practices." Source: The books back cover.

Nice overview of mindfulness practices as developed by Plum Village. I'd give this 4 stars for newbies . . . But there was not much here that I'd not read elsewhere. I did like the focus on equipping families and educators with tools to work with kids . . . Inc,using curriculum and activity ideas and practical application (bullying, nightmares, autism). ( )