Mindfulness in Education
Mindfulness and Wellbeing Workshops & Courses for Students, Teachers and Parents
Mindfulness in Education
Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP)
The following three courses have been developed by the Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) a UK based charity, which promotes these courses internationally and is committed to ongoing independent research into their effectiveness. To find out more about MiSP click here: https://mindfulnessinschools.org
Paws b (Mindfulness for 7-11 year olds)
This is a twelve session mindfulness course for primary schools based on six themes that support wellbeing and teach mindfulness skills. It uses child-friendly visuals and film clips, offering bite sized mindfulness practices that children can practice at home or at school. It is usually taught twice a week over a six week period. For details about the Pws b curriculum click here: https://mindfulnessinschools.org/teach-paws-b/paws-b-curriculum/
.b (Mindfulness for 11 – 18 year olds)
This is a ten session course for young people that teaches the skills of mindfulness and supports better mental health. It uses eye-catching visuals, video clips and activities that bring mindfulness to life for young people. There is also a dedicated website where students can watch and listen to guided mindfulness practices. It can be taught over the course of one school term. For details about the .b curriculum click here: https://mindfulnessinschools.org/teach-dot-b/dot-b-curriculum/.b Foundations (Mindfulness for Teachers and those who work with young people)
This is an eight week training (which sometimes involves an initial taster session), designed specifically for teachers and adults in the school community. The intention is to support stress reduction and teach the foundations of mindfulness. Some participants may also complete this course as a foundation for training to teach either the Paws b or .b courses. Please email me if you would like to know more: dominic.cogan@icloud.comMindfulness and Wellbeing for Teachers and Students
Mindfulness and Wellbeing for Teachers (Croke Park Hours)
These are tailor-made workshops designed to respond to the particular needs of a school or college. These can typically range from a two-hour one-off session to a series of sessions run over a few weeks which allow staff to learn skills that can be practiced and developed over time. Stress management and developing resilience are often key components of these workshops
Awareness Days
Designed as a mindfulness retreat for students and run over a school day, typically from 10am to 2pm. These are usually held in Dublin at The Sanctuary and can be booked directly with The Sanctuary. For details: https://www.sanctuary.ie/awareness-days/
Mindfulness and Wellbeing for Parents
8 Week Parents Plus Course for Parents of Teens.
The course has been developed by Parents Plus, an educational charity based in Ireland. This evidence-based course is designed to help parents improve their parenting skills through a variety of methods including: video analysis of parent teen interaction, group discussion and practical inputs from the trainer. Parents have time to talk about the challenges and the joys of parenting with fellow parents. Each session addresses the two stands of the course: Positive Parenting and Positive Discipline. Some topics covered include: Connecting with your Teenager, Family Problem Solving, Establishing Rules with Teenagers and Parent Self-Care. The course can be run in schools or community centres or similar public venues.
To find out more about Parents Plus go to https://www.parentsplus.ie
Other Parenting Courses and Workshops
These courses can be run over four to six sessions and are designed for children aged 5 – 12.
They employ simple mindfulness techniques designed to support both parent and child. One day workshops are also sometimes offered.
Six Week Course Description: Mindful Parent, Mindful Child
- Designed for parents and guardians of children aged 4 to 12
- Supports both parent and child in reducing stress
- Each week features a different topic with supporting handouts
- A chance to meet other parents in a friendly supportive environment
- The course features a variety of teaching methods including short video clips, talks on the topic for the week, group discussion and the chance to practice mindfulness to reduce stress.
A typical course will cover these topics:
Wk 1: Learning to be a More Mindful Parent:
What are some of the challenges of being a parent in today?
How can I learn to be more mindful when interacting with my child?
Wk 2: The Anxious Child, The Anxious Parent
Strategies to manage worry and anxiety for both self and child
Wk 3: Time and Technology
Creating healthy routines around screen-time, exploring both the advantages and disadvantages of technology use, enhancing family time.
Wk 4: The Angry Child, The Angry Parent
Cooling down strategies for self and child, effective ways of communicating with your child when there is conflict
Wk 5: From Self-Esteem to Self-Compassion
How to nurture a healthy self-compassion in your child that avoids the pitfalls of comparing self with others
Wk 6: Growing your Mindfulness Practice to Support Healthy Mind States for Parent and Child
Finding ways to take better care of yourself, in the important work of parenting. Teaching your child how they can better mind themselves.
