MaiStoryBook Library

MaiStoryBook: Mindful Mr. Sloth + *How to Be Mindful* Sloth Craft

by MaiStoryBook


Introducing a sweet SEL read to help littles slow down, be present, and be mindful~ featured in the MaiStoryBook Library Collection:

“Mindful Mr. Sloth” by Katy Hudson

*~Click here to purchase your own copy of “Mindful Mr. Sloth” to start on your own reading adventure! (This is an affiliate link~ a small percentage of your purchase will go to MaiStoryBook to help create Reading Resources for your littles)*

Book Synopsis/ Review

Sarah always goes fast~ she loves doing everything as fast as possible, all at once. Mr. Sloth is the opposite. He is slow, doing things nice and easy, one at a time. Can Mr. Sloth’s more mindful ways help show Sarah the benefits of slowing down and enjoying life?

This sweet tale of unlikely friendship weaves in a theme of mindfulness, encouraging littles to stop, breathe, and be present in every moment. Plus, I love how it includes a mini chart in the back about *how to be mindful,* with 4 simple steps to help guide littles. The delightful illustrations are also sure to charm, making for a captivating read aloud with and important SEL message for children who may be impulsive or constantly seeking novelty.

Vocabulary

  • trampling (p. 4) to crush and step on
  • serenade (p. 4) to sing to someone
  • impatient (p. 7) don’t like waiting too long and can get upset
  • wheezed (p. 21) making a whistling or raspy sound when you breathe
  • predicted (p. 26) saying what you think is going to happen in the future

Themes/ Main Idea

  • Take the time to slow down, breathe, and be present in the moment. There are joys to be discovered when you are mindful of each moment.
  • Life can be enjoyed at different speeds. Find a balance between full-speed ahead, and taking times to slow-down and be mindful.

Interactive Read Aloud Strategies

  • Practice breathing strategies with Mr. Sloth: balloon breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, 5 finger breathing, box breathing, etc.
  • Movement: Practice Mr. Sloth’s intentional, slow actions. Take deep breaths to smell the flowers or smell what’s around you. Take a few moments of silence to hear what is around you.
  • Discuss: What do you like to do really fast? What do you like to do that is slow?
  • SEL: Watch and notice how Sarah’s expression changes throughout the story as she spends time with Mr. Sloth. How is she feeling?
  • SEL: How does Mr. Sloth’s feelings change as he spends time with Sarah?

*How to Be Mindful* Sloth Craft

Are you someone who does a lot of things, all at once, as fast as possible; or someone who does things one at a time, at a nice, easy pace? Typically, I am an all go-go-go kind of person, alway keeping myself busy with projects, but with the colder weather finally settling in here in SoCal, I’m finding more moments for staying indoors, lighting all the candles, and sipping a cup of warm tea. This featured read, “Mindful Mr. Sloth,” is a gentle reminder to pause, take a breath, and truly enjoy festivities of this season in the moment. It is a perfect read to encourage you and your littles to be present, be aware, and to appreciate all that you and others around you do. Plus, if you need a few pointers/ reminders on *how to be mindful,* check out this featured craft inspired by the story to help guide you on your mindfulness journey.

Materials

Directions

  • Choose a ”Mindful Mr. Sloth” Cover template. There are colored and black and white versions. There are different headings: “How to Be Mindful” and a personalized version “Mindful __________”
  • If you chose the black and white version, color it in
  • Write your name in the blank to personalize the craft if you chose the personalized version. Ex) ” Mindful __Maya___” •Cut the Sloth Cover in half on the dotted line so that you have two pieces. The “Inside Mindful Template” will go in between the two pieces and attach them together.
  • Next, choose an “Inside Mindful Template”. There are colored versions, or black-and-white versions.
  • There are also 4 differentiated response versions. One with headings and picture responses, headings and written responses, headings only, and blank.
  • Fill in the template.
  • Focus: Write/ Draw where you are and what you are doing to practice focusing on the present
  • Relax: Write/ Draw what activities help you relax
  • Breathe: Practice the breathing techniques and/or choose a favorite. Or add your own •Use Your Sense: Write/ Draw what you notice with your 5 senses.
  • Cut out the Inside Mindful Response Template. **Keep the top and bottom tabs on! Do not cut them off*
  • To connect the Inside Template and Sloth Cover, fold back the two tabs. Tape or glue the front side of the bottom tab to the top-back of the bottom half of the sloth cover. Then, tape/glue the front side of the top tab to the bottom-back of the top half of the sloth cover.
  • Next, fold the top half of the Sloth half way down, folding the inside template behind. Fold the bottom half of the Sloth up to meet the top half in the middle, folding the inside template behind.
  • The inside template  should fold in on itself as you close the Sloth cover halves to make it a whole Sloth, and then when you open the Sloth Cover, your responses will be revealed! Surprise!

Enjoy Your *How to Be Mindful* Sloth Craft

  • Use your sloth craft to guide you on how to be mindful each day.
  • If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, use the steps in the Sloth Craft to slow down and breathe.
  • Share your Sloth craft with friends and family and model how you practice being mindful
  • Share your Sloth Craft and ask friends and family how and when they practice mindfulness.
  • Share your Sloth Craft and have a mindful moment together with peers and/or family.
  • Display your Sloth crafts for a reminder to be present and mindful in each moment.

~ I hope you are starting off the year with plenty of *inspiring* reading adventures, Mai Friends! Tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary or FaceBook , find me on TikTok, or contact me via email to share your own *How to Be Mindful* Sloth Crafts and your own reading adventures! I’d love to hear how you are changing the world!~*

Enjoy More SEL Read Aloud Videos Here!

*~Until next time, Happy Reading