Mental health is a vital part of children’s overall health and well-being; it includes children’s mental, emotional, and behavioral wellness. According to the American Psychological Association, recent studies have shown that children’s mental health has been negatively affected over the past few years from social media and the Covid-19 pandemic.  Learning to be mindful has had a positive effect on children’s mental health. In order to help children improve their mental health, Mindfulness, 3rd graders at Memorial, LeGrande, Cub Run, and Bonnieville Elementary schools. 

The Hart County 4-H Agent partnered with Family Resource to teach six mindfulness lessons during January and February 2024 to 114 3rd graders. The lessons focused on skills such as stress management, being present, emotional regulation, and mindful eating . Activities used were positive affirmations, coloring, yoga, breathing exercises, identifying feelings, mindful eating and practicing living in the present moment.  The 4-H Mindful Me curriculum was utilized. 

  At the end of the six series, verbal evaluations showed the following as a result of the program:

1. 100% of students said they had practiced on of the skills we had learned. 
2. 100% indicated they planned to use the skills they had learned.
3. 100% indicated that they had " filled someone's bucket"- positive affirmations 
4. 90% indicated they had tried mindful eating at home.
5. 80% indicated they planned to try new foods using mindful eating. 
6. 94% of the students said they were better able to identify their feelings.
7. 85% said they felt better prepared to handle their emotions in a more positive manner. 

One of the teachers stated, " These lessons are really needed. The kids love it and they are learning a lot. I am able to help remind them of the lessons during the day or when we need to practice one of the skills. I want this in my classroom every year."