Lesson 3: Body Awareness with Marcus Meerkat

 

💛 Introduction

This gentle lesson builds on the Feel It Framework by helping children begin to notice their body sensations.

Children learn that the body gives us important signals about how we feel and that all sensations are natural and welcome.

Through Marcus Meerkat, children are introduced to the idea of feeling safe, noticing early signals and understanding their body.

This lesson continues to build a shared language that can be used throughout the day.

 

🎯 Learning Focus

• Children begin to notice body sensations

• Children understand that the body gives us signals

• Children learn that sensations can change

• Children feel reassured that all body feelings are okay

🌿 What You’ll Need

• Marcus Meerkat character card (optional)

• Calm, comfortable space for discussion

• Feel It Triangle poster (optional)

🧠 Lesson Overview

Begin by introducing Marcus Meerkat as the character who helps us notice our body.

Explain that:

• Our body gives us clues about how we feel

• Sometimes our body feels tight, wiggly, heavy or calm

• These feelings help us understand what we might need

• There are no right or wrong body feelings

Let children know that noticing their body helps them feel safe and supported.

🐾 Activity

Gather children together and invite them to gently notice their body.

Use simple language such as:

• Sometimes your body might feel wiggly or full of energy,

• sometimes it might feel slow or tired,

• and sometimes it might feel calm and relaxed.

Invite children to:

• Notice how their body feels right now

• Share if they would like to

• Copy simple movements (stretch, wiggle fingers, take a breath)

You can model examples to support children:

"My body feels a little wiggly today, so I might stretch."

💬 Reflection

Ask gentle questions such as:

• What does your body feel like today?

• Can you notice any changes?

• What helps your body feel calm or safe?

Reassure children that:

All body feelings are okay, and we all move up and down the triangle during the day.

🌈 Bringing It Into the Day

You can revisit body awareness throughout the day by asking:

"What is your body telling you right now?"

"Does your body need to move or rest?"

This helps children begin to recognise their needs and respond to them.

📎 Resources

 

 Download Full Lesson Plan

 Download Lesson Resources

🌿 Gentle Reminder

This is not about changing how children feel.

It is about helping them notice their body, feel safe and understand that all feelings are welcome.