ISHI, Simple Tips from a Solid FriendActivity Guide

(Activities can be split into 2 or 3 sessions.)

To purchase the book:http://www.ishitherock.com/purchase-a-book/ishi-simple-tips-from-a-solid-friend-

picture-book

ISHI is an optimistic little rock that live inside of all of us!

Make your own Ishi rock, a solid friend to remind you to be mindful, happy and kind.

TALKING POINTS: What is a friend? What are some of the friendship qualities that you have? Younger: Discuss joining in with others & it's more fun than playing alone. What are some things you enjoy doing with others? Alone? What interests do you have? What interests can you share with others?

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE: sending kind thoughts to yourself and others (from Mindful Schools Curriculum)

Video Clips:1. Kindness Boomerang https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=nwAYpLVyeFU&list=PL18E57B38F77E3D43&index=22. Kid President Things We Should Say More Often

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI-ZteQ8JGU&index=24&list=PLzvRx_johoA-YabI6FWcU-jL6nKA1Um-t

3. Kid President Boys vs Girls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRsBM94fADo&index=88&list=PLzvRx_johoA-YabI6FWcU-jL6nKA1Um-t

4. Notebook Babies- What is a Friend? https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1&v=wZHmsVRshwU

SMILE ISHI! Take pictures of your Ishi around the school to show how you could show kindness to others. Maybe Ishi invites you to sit with him at lunch in the cafeteria? Ishi helps a friend understand how to solve a math problem. Ishi picks up garbage in the school hallway. Ishi simply smiling and a group of Ishi's smiling back.

FIND YOUR ROCK: There are no rules to choosing your rock. Big or small? Long or short? Dark or light? Round or bumpy? It’s up to you!

MAKE IT YOUR ROCK: Draw a face on your rock! Make a happy face on the rock to remind you that you can always choose to be happy.

NOTE: If you are doing this activity with a group, it may be a good idea to use the rocks to communicate how everyone is feeling. Draw a happy face on one side and a not-so-happy face on the other side. Does anyone have the not-so-happy face up today? Does someone need extra kindness that day?

TINY ISHI Make a tiny Ishi for your pocket. Whenever you are feeling a little anxious or upset, you can rub your Ishi.

NAME YOUR ROCK: Ishi means “rock” in Japanese, but it also means “wish” and “intention”. It is my wish and intention to always be happy, kind and mindful, and that’s why I named my rock ISHI. What will you name your rock?

MY ROCK, MY INNER MINDFUL SELF

NAME: ___________________________________________________________________

MEANING OF NAME: ______________________________________________________

BIRTHDAY: _______________________________________________________________

ZODIAC SIGN: ____________________________________________________________

PLACE OF BIRTH: _________________________________________________________

HEIGHT: _________________________________________________________________

WEIGHT: _________________________________________________________________

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

MY ROCK, MY INNER MINDFUL SELF

NAME: ___________________________________________________________________

MEANING OF NAME: ______________________________________________________

BIRTHDAY: _______________________________________________________________

ZODIAC SIGN: ____________________________________________________________

PLACE OF BIRTH: _________________________________________________________

HEIGHT: _________________________________________________________________

WEIGHT: _________________________________________________________________

Other suggested activities:

PASSING ON THE KINDNESS WITH THE ISHI BOOK:

HAPPINESS LIST: Write down 3 things that made you happy today!Focusing on the positive will make you a happier person!

HOW ARE YOU FEELING TODAY? Write it down on a piece of paper?

Happy / Sad / Nervous / Excited / Disappointed / Numb / Lonely / Scared / Frustrated / Anxious / Confused / Exhausted / Empty

SHARE THE FEELING: Pass the piece of paper to the person to your left.

What advice would you give to someone who’s feeling XXX?

GIFT OF GIVINGWhat would you want to give to someone that you cannot buy with money? ORWho do you want to cheer up? Who might be in need of Ishi’s positive spirit? As a class, decide on 3 people / organization to give the book to and pass it on!

COME UP WITH YOUR OWN TIP! Identify a feeling you’ve felt that you struggled with and come up with a tip that has worked for you. If you haven’t figured out how to feel better / If you haven’t found a tip, have your classmates help you! Maybe they’ve felt the same way!

The ISHI book reminds you to be mindful of your emotions and to be kind to yourself throughout the tough moments in everyday life. The book also reminds you to be mindful and kind to others and encourages you to pass the kindness on along with the book.