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Mindfulness can be a tough concept for students to grasp! Using tangible tools, like structured mazes, can be helpful for this skill. You might be thinking, “Wait, mazes can teach mindfulness?!” and the answer would be “YES!” Students need to focus on the present moment in order to complete this task. Here’s 3 ways to make this work in your setting!
Pre-Made Animal Mazes
These full color animal maze cards are so fun for students. In order to use them, students can use their finger, a dry erase marker, or dried glue (just a little prep involved) to use these. Simple and effective! When would or could students use these? I love using mazes during a quiet time/mindfulness time. Having a scheduled time in your day for students to practice quiet, mindful activities can really change your classroom dynamic. These are a great structured activity! They can also be helpful for students to engage with if they struggle to stay present and focused during mindful activities and meditations. Even on their own, mazes can teach mindfulness. The act of attending to the maze and being mindfully tuned into it is a great stepping stone!
I also like these for transition tasks. Students can transition to a new activity and complete a maze as a simple and structured routine before they begin what’s next. Mazes like these can also provide a positive and relaxing distraction in a calming corner of your classroom.
Black and White Animal Coloring Mazes
These black and white animal maze cards are a similar vibe, but with the mindful coloring aspect, too! Students will trace the maze and mindfully color the picture. Like the previous maze cards described, these make excellent transition tools, calming activities, and structured options during a mindfulness time. I have had students in the past who love to keep these in a folder, share them with caregivers or other service providers, and begin to develop pride around their work. This is a huge step for students who often are reluctant to teacher led tasks!
Plastic Maze Tracers
These pre-made plastic maze tracers from Hand2Mind are really fun for structured mindfulness time. One set comes with tons of double sided mazes in fun shapes. These are really sturdy and durable and can be set out for students to enjoy in a leisure corner, during free time, or even as a fidget while a teacher engages the class in a read aloud.
I love these maze tracers because they’re a really productive fidget, but they are quiet! Students aren’t clicking buttons or becoming over stimulated. These mazes can teach mindfulness through consistent and repeated use. Students must tune into the present moment and quietly focus on the maze itself. They are also easy to store and easy to clean. I can see these being beneficial in early childhood through elementary age classrooms. I have used these for students who need a “reset” before re-joining the class. After their emotions level, students trace the mazes a few times and are more ready to jump back in to the group plan!
So, folks, there you have it. Had you ever considered that mazes can teach mindfulness? I hope these ideas have helped get your wheels turning on how you can integrate mazes into your classroom. There are so many more creative and simple ways that you can use these tools to challenge students, slow them down, and allow them the opportunity to attend to the present moment. Mindfulness matters!
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