I have been volunteering for Susan Kaiser Greenland’s Inner Kids Foundation since 2005, and this year I had the privilege of editing her new book,Mindful Games, in addition to helping her present hercurriculum for children in a simple, accessible format throughtheMindful Games Activity Cards.The dynamic and engaginglessons, games, and songsused in Susan’s meditationclasses for children are finally available to the broader public! In the Mindful Gamesbook, Susanwalksthe reader through more than 50 activities she has developed for children, teens, and families. And thecompanion Mindful Games Activity Cardsoffer clear, step-by-step instructions for each activity, making them easy to use at home, in the classroom, or on the go.
—AH
Mindful Games Activity Cards consists of 55 5X7 cards, each devoted to a game or activity. On one side of the card is a simple description of the game, followed by clear, step-by-step instructions. Theopposite side of the card lists the supplies needed, the suggested age level, and tips for leading the activity. Each card also liststhe “life skills” emphasized in the activity (see below). The cards come in a beautifully designed box that fitsnicelyon a bookshelf orcan be taken along with you!
MINDFUL GAMESLIFE SKILLS
ABOUT THE CREATORS
Susan Kaiser Greenlanddeveloped the Inner Kids mindful awareness program and teaches secular mindful awareness practices to children, parents, and professionals around the world. Sheis also a corporate attorney and represented ABC and CBS radio and television stations for many years. While working as a lawyer, she volunteered in schools and at the Boys and Girls Clubs, teaching mindfulness to children. Eventually, she left the practice of law to teach mindfulness to kids and families full-time. In 2000, she established the Inner Kids Foundation with her husband, the author Seth Greenland, bringing mindful awareness to underserved schools and neighborhoods in Los Angeles.She is the author of The Mindful Child(Free Press 2010).
Annaka Harrisis the New York Timesbestsellingauthor ofCONSCIOUS: A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind (HarperCollins 2019). She is also the author of the children’s book I Wonder(Four Elephants Press 2013)anda consultant for science writers,and her work has appeared in The New York Times. Sheis an Inner Kids volunteer teacher and has been working with Susan Kaiser Greenland and Inner Kids since 2005.
ENDORsem*nTS
“A wonderful, fun, and engaging way to bring mindfulness into a child’s life.”
Daniel Goleman, author of the #1 bestseller Emotional Intelligence
“The practical benefits of mindfulness are wide-ranging and undeniable.
Mindful Gameshelps bring this transformative practice into the routines of those who will carry it into the future: our children.”
Congressman Tim Ryan
“Susan Kaiser Greenland captures the essence of mindfulness in a way that very few people can. As an experienced practitioner and teacher, her insight shines through on every page and Mindful Games will undoubtedly be a wonderful resource for every parent and child alike.”
Andy Puddicombe, founder of Headspace
“Mindful Gamesinterweaves engaging and practical mindfulness exercises for children with a sophisticated and nuanced exploration of the psychology and insight wisdoms underlying them. This is an invaluable resource for anyone with children in their lives—indeed,for anyone at all. Highly recommended.”
Joseph Goldstein, author of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening
“Mindful Gamesoffers science-proven ways to strengthen a child or teen’s mind by supporting the development of their brains and interpersonal relationships. Wise, practical, captivating and fun, Mindful Games blends the life’s work of Susan Kaiser Greenland into an at once useful and fascinating masterpiece.”
Daniel J. Siegel, MD, author, Mind: A Journey to the Heart of Being Human
“Susan Kaiser Greenland has played a foundational role in making mindfulness practices developmentally appropriate for young people. In Mindful Games, she builds on her previous work by emphasizing play and creativity in teaching mindfulness skills. This is truly the way forward for making mindfulness a true exploration rather than just another chore or ‘to do’ for our kids.”
Chris McKenna, Program Director, Mindful Schools (mindfulschools.org)
“InMindful Games, Susan Kaiser Greenland offers a highly engaging and easy-to-understand set of activities to use with groups of children… Susan draws on her own deep understanding of meditation and mindfulness practice, as well as her extensive knowledge of child development and research…
This book is certain to enrich the lives of any reader.”
