Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments In Nature, written by Rachel Williams and illustrated by Freya Hartas

 




Description from the publisher:

"Bestselling author Rachel Williams and illustrator Freya Hartas invite children to Slow Down and watch 50 nature stories that command calm and foster mindfulness.

All around us, nature is working wonders. Every day, hour by hour, magical transformations happen right in front of you. But it’s not always easy to see them . . . In this beautifully illustrated collection, 50 moments in nature are paused for you to watch them in detail. Then you should go outside and explore and see what you find when you take the time to slow down. Gorgeously illustrated, this charming collection celebrates the small wonders happening all around us every day."

Text Features: 

  • Informational picture book
  • Select poems about nature
  • Table of Contents
  • Two-page spread for each mindful moment story



Critical Literacy Suggestions:

Read & Discuss: 
  • BEFORE reading: Read the blurb. Ask children what they think a "mindful moment" is? What are some other words they think might be connected to 'mindful' -- create a word cloud (e.g., calm, quiet, still, peaceful). Discuss things in nature that children have experienced wonder and amazement about.  Review the Table of Contents and choose one of the book's 50 mindful moments to explore.
  • DURING reading: Read the title and predict what amazing things might be shared. Read and share moments of wonder as children process the information shared.  
  • AFTER reading: Have children Turn and Talk about something amazing they learned and something they are still wondering. Or tell a partner which part came to life in their mind as they listened. Ask children why it's important to practice mindfulness related to nature–slowing down to notice and appreciate nature? Evaluate your shared access to nature and how you could intentionally expand that access (which could be as simple as seeking plant donations and displaying photographs/art works related to nature).
Write & Act: 
  • Draw and write a sentence to explain something interesting/amazing/surprising learned from the mindful moment story. 
  • Use what was learned to create a poster telling others what they've learned. 
  • Create a "Call to Action" poster convincing others to protect and/or pause to appreciate a mindful moment. 

Learn More:

  • Research Nature Conservation groups in your local area. 
  • Visit a local nature conservatory or park to see what mindful moments you can create.

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