Professional Training in the Applied use of Mindfulness for 7-11 year olds

Programme designed to train you in incorporating Mindfulness into your Primary School or Youth Organisation

Content of the Programme

  • Content: 4 Week Interactive Online Programme
  • Skill level: Beginners
  •  Time: Online – 20 hours
  • ​ Includes:
  • Scientifically proven material delivered over 4 weeks
  • Access to class Learning Management System
  • Downloadable meditations to enjoy on your computer, tablet or smartphone
  • Discussion Forum for participants to motivate each other and share ideas
  • Highly experienced Guiding teacher in Education online to answer questions and access assignments
  • Manual on how to play each of the games included on the course
  • Certificate of completion: Professional Training in the Applied Use of Mindfulness for 7 – 11 year olds

Course Description

This is a 20 hour online training course which prepares participants to teach Mindfulness to 7-11 year olds. It has a strong emphasis on experiential learning both in the games and fun activities introduced while also focusing on participants’ personal understanding of Mindfulness and the development of their own personal mindfulness practice.
Each lesson is divided into two distinct parts: the exploration of various facets of Mindfulness from a personal perspective and from the viewpoint of the child. Personal Mindfulness practice is introduced from a theoretical and practical perspective which includes personal Mindfulness practice at the end of each session. Each new facet of Mindfulness from a child’s perspective is explored by introducing games and exercises which take between 1 and 5 minutes to practice. On completion of this course you will have a good understanding of what Mindfulness is coupled with having the beginnings of your own Mindfulness practice which is an important component to passing on the learning. You will also be in the position to introduce simple mindfulness techniques to children straight away. This course will bring you through each step of the journey from just giving it a go to full training for your school.
The initial lessons focus on cultivating intention, attention and attitude (the 3 axioms of Mindfulness). As the course progresses, children are introduced to the breath as an anchor to handle difficult thoughts and emotions. Finally compassion and self compassion is introduced as a means to develop kindness towards themselves and others.
This is a tutor led course and is carried out online in a user friendly manner – you don’t need to be online at a specific time – you self pace within each week.
Please note the course is open for a further two weeks after the end date should you require extra time to finish the course.

Who is this course aimed at?

This Professional Training in the Applied Use of Mindfulness is aimed at participants who are interested in teaching Mindfulness to 7 – 11 year olds. It will be of particular benefit to primary teachers, school principals, learning support staff and youth workers. The Irish Mindfulness Institute will provide a Certificate of Attendance as evidence of further professional education.

Research

An extensive body of academic research supports the benefits of mindfulness practice for mental performance, emotional wellbeing, physical health and more. Recent developments from the field of neuroscience show that mindfulness practice produces positive changes in the structure and functioning of the brain

What makes the Professional Training in the Applied Use of Mindfulness for 7- 11 year olds unique?

  • Tuition on how to impart the gift of Mindfulness to 7 – 11 year olds is delivered in a flexible manner online
  •  Our methods are based around games and fun in order to increase engagement and learning of the skills
  •  In understanding the current workloads of teachers and youth workers, our methods can be slotted into current classroom timetables seamlessly
  •  We provide you with tuition on developing your own Mindfulness practice and self-care
  •  Our guiding Mindfulness in Education teacher is highly experienced in bringing Mindfulness to this age group

What are the requirements?

  •  It is important for you to be able to find the time to do your own Mindfulness practice during the course – this aspect of the course will require a commitment of approximately 15 to 30 minutes a day
  •  Each week you are required to complete a short assignment (approx 150 words) recapping on your learning

Curriculum

Week 1
  •  What is Mindfulness? – tools to explain this to children
  •  Intention, Attention & Attitude – the practice of paying attention to the present moment
  •   Overcoming rejections & resistance
  •   Engaging in your own daily practice
Week 2
  • ​Neurobiology of Mindfulness
  •  The mind/body connection
  •  The Body Scan
  •  Engaging in your own daily practice
Week 3
  • ​Cultivating gratitude
  •  Handling difficult thoughts and emotions
  •  Mindfulness of relationships
  •  Engaging in your own daily practice
Week 4
  • ​Neuroscience and Empathy
  •  Kindness to self and others
  •  Engaging in your own daily practice

Certificate