A Mindful Morning with Year 2

On a golden autumn morning, the Year 2 students stepped out of the school gates for a special experience—a local Wellbeing Walk designed to connect with nature, enjoy movement, and practice the strategies we’ve explored in class, including mindfulness, gratitude, laughter, and healthy habits.

Beginning at Partridge House
Our first stop was the beautiful gardens of Partridge House, just across the road from school. Surrounded by greenery, we came together to play the “Giggle Game,” a whole-group activity designed by Annie Harvey to build joy and connection. There were plenty of laughs and smiles! In their small groups, students participated in a Treasure Hunt, then worked collaboratively to draw or write something they found calming in the garden—some noticed the colourful flowers, others were drawn to the tall trees or birdsong. It was a peaceful way to tune in to the moment.

A Stroll Down Jetty Road
From Partridge House, we set off toward the beach via Jetty Road. As we walked, students were given prompts to observe the world around them. This part of the journey helped the children connect their wellbeing learning to the everyday world around them. We gathered on the lawns of the foreshore to enjoy our Brain Break together.

Calm and Creativity at the Beach
Our final stop was the beach—a perfect place to slow down and reflect. In small groups, the children were invited to create patterns, mandalas, or artworks in the sand using natural materials like shells, seaweed, and sticks. This mindful, hands-on activity was a wonderful mix of creativity, collaboration, and calm. It was so good to take our shoes off and feel the sand between our toes.

Looking Back with Gratitude
On the return walk to school, students shared their favourite moments and what they noticed.

“I felt calm when I was doing my sand art,” one student reflected.

Another said, “I loved how everyone was quiet at Partridge House—it felt peaceful.”

The Year 2 Wellbeing Walk was more than just a journey through our local area—it was a shared moment of reflection, joy, and connection. A reminder that looking after our wellbeing can be woven into the everyday.

Article shared by Lindy Francis, Year 2 Teacher