The Early Learning Center preschool at Lehigh Carbon Community College, Schnecksville, recently gave parents and their children, ages 3 to 5, a chance to experience the college’s “Mindful Me Program.”

The 10 families toured the ELC classroom on March 2 and participated in some “Mindful” exercises designed to create self-awareness in young children.

“Mindfulness helps children become aware of their surroundings, and encourages them to think before they act,” ELC Administrator Elizabeth Lipman said. “The Reggio Method suggests educators attempt to create a comfortable classroom environment that provides multiple ways for children to express themselves and delve deeper into their interests.

“Open-ended questions are posted throughout the classroom to encourage the children to think about what they are doing.”

Classes start with ringing a chime followed by three deep breaths.

The children sit together making two fists pretending one is holding a flower and the other is holding a candle.

They alternate smelling the flower and blowing out the candle three times.

This approach is based on a song, “Smell the Flower, Blow the Candle Out,” by David Kisor.

“The counting and breathing technique is also used when the children become upset,” Lipman said. “It requires practice, but can help the child calm down.

“And, once the child becomes more relaxed, we work out a solution together.”

Kristen Zook of Slatington brought her son Coulson, 3-1/2, to the open house.

“I think the setup and surroundings for the children are great,” Zook said. “This is Coulson’s first time here, and we are planning to have him attend in the fall.

“He is enjoying himself so much that he does not want to leave.”

Jason Greenawald of Whitehall also attended the presentation.

“We are looking for a preschool for Matthew, 2 1/2,” Greenawald said.

“We have a 6-month-old, and my wife stays at home with Matthew and the baby.

“We want to keep Matthew active, and social interaction with other kids would be a good thing. Matthew will be back.”

New Tripoli resident Janine Teixeira’s son attends the preschool.

“My son Levi, 4, has attended school here since September and loves it,” Teixeira said. “I love the Reggio Method. It is what drew me into having Levi come here two days a week.

Teixeira said the preschool emphasizes science, nature and the arts.

“One day, Levi was following bird tracks in the snow, and then the following day most of it melted,” Teixeira said. “There was a patch of snow still left in the driveway, and I asked Levi why?

“He said because the car was parked there earlier blocking it from melting. I have seen such a difference this program has made helping Levi improve his problem solving abilities.”

Emma Noel, 5, the daughter of Walnutport resident Lori Mankos, attends the program.

“It is absolutely amazing, they learn about daily living skills, have adult conversations, and develop their own sense of rhythm, letting them dance to their own beat,” Mankos said. “I wish the Early Learning Center had an elementary school program.”

“We are trying to teach the children a sense of taking care of themselves,” Lipman said.

Part of story time included watching a video called “Cosmic Kids Yoga,” which teaches the children about nature and using their imaginations with the combination of yoga moves.

They learned about how a tree grows by having the children stand up and grow into a tree by spreading out their arms, representing the branches, and wiggling their fingers, for the leaves.

At the end of the video, the kids sat quietly with their eyes closed and hands closed together taking deep breaths, putting themselves at peace.

“I prefer this pre-school for my son Cyrus, 4, because of the education, the staff and how secure it is,” Asimo Long of Slatington said. “Ms. Liz (Lipman) is approachable whenever I have a question.

“The love and compassion I have witnessed among the ELC staff has helped make learning more fun for Cyrus.

“The lessons for the day are always visible around the room, and there is a section with family portraits posted so the kids can see their families.

“Cyrus has been here a year and enjoys it.”