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Students at The Stewart School have created and illustrated a mindfulness book designed to help classmates, families and the broader school community practice calming strategies.
Throughout the school year, students explored activities such as Butterfly Hug, Buddy Breathing, Mindful Walk and other techniques aimed at helping them stay calm, focused and ready to learn.
The project was led by teacher Cara Dean, who introduced mindfulness activities to help students build self-awareness, manage emotions and improve focus. The lessons were inspired by the Upper Canada District School Board’s Mindful Educators workshop and resources from School Mental Health Ontario.
Students later partnered with their Grade 5 and 6 reading buddies to create a book featuring eight mindfulness activities. Working together, the teams wrote and illustrated each page, drawing on the strategies that resonated most with them.
Older students also helped their younger partners use Canva to design the finished pages.
The completed books arrived in the classroom last week, giving students their first chance to see their work in print.
Each Grade 1 student received a full-colour copy, while two additional books were donated to the school library so other students and families can access the mindfulness activities.
