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At the Center for Pragmatic Buddhism we welcome everyone - singles, families, old, young and children (of all ages). On this page we want to give some resources for families with children to explore Buddhism and Mindfulness. The link above is to a blog site on Mindfulness for Children.
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Teaching resources:
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Mindfulness - A Guide for Teachers by Amy Saltzman: “This brief document provides a working definition of mindfulness, an overview of the scientific rationale for offering mindfulness to children and adolescents, a review of the professional and personal benefits of practicing mindfulness, specific suggestions for developing your own mindfulness practice (which is a prerequisite to sharing mindfulness with your students), and two examples of practices you can use in your classroom.” http://www.contemplativemind.org/Mi...
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BuddhaNet: Buddha Dharma Education Association Buddha Studies for primary and secondary school and lesson plans for the life of the Buddha for all levels.
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Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC)'s The Art of Buddhism: A Teacher's Guide This guide focuses on the cultures of three countries: India, China, and Japan. The guide identifies grade level appropriateness for some lessons and activities. Resources listed include: "Buddhist Festivals" (with suggested activities for elementary and middle school levels); "Books and Magazines on Buddhism"; "Films and Videos about Buddhism"; "Web sites on Buddhism"; "Local and National Buddhist Temples and Education Centers"; "Embassies and Consulates"; and "National Educational Resources."
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Teach, Breathe, Learn: Mindfulness in and out of the Classroom by Meena Srinivasan (Book)
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Books:
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Just Say Om!: Your Life’s Journey by Soren Gordhamer (Teens) This book is an honest, unique, and invaluable guide to Buddhist teachings that validates your feelings and guides you to a more balanced, peaceful life.
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Wide Awake: A Buddhist Guide for Teens by Diana Winston Written in a style that will have immediate appeal to young ‘seekers’, this book addresses such relevant topics as peer pressure, emotional difficulties, stress, fostering peace, and even protecting the environment.
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A Pebble in Your Pocket by Thich Nhat Hanh (ages 8 to 12) Young readers will learn about handling anger, living in the present moment, and “interbeing”—the interconnectedness of all things.
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Zen Ties by John J. Muth (ages 4 to 8) This is part of whole series of children’s books by Muth involving Stillwater the Giant Panda.
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An Awesome Book of Thanks by Dallas Clayton (ages 4 to 8) Part of a series by Dallas Clayton about how beautiful life can be.
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Buddha at Bedtime: Tales of Love and Wisdom for You to Read with Your Child to Enchant, Enlighten, and Inspire by Dharmachari Nagaraja (ages 4 to 8) These 20 thoroughly modern retellings of ancient Buddhist tales give parents a fun, low-pressure way to impart wisdom and moral guidance without preaching. Each story highlights a moral or ethical dilemma that echoes those that children face in their own lives, providing insight and enlightenment that they can use to defuse trying situations.