Mindfulness Classes with Bernie Woods
Mindfulness is paying attention on purpose to the the present moment without judgement.
Mindfulness can help reduce anxiety, increase attention, reduce stress
and improve cognitive functioning.
Mindfulness classes are based on the creative mindfulness approach designed by Louise Shanagher.
In these classes, children are introduced to mindfulness in fun and creative ways.
Children explore ways in which they can calm their busy mind and be in the present moment.
We explore self compassion, kindness to ourselves and to others.
Activities include art, meditations, stories, discussion and hands on activities.
School Based Programmes
Introductory Sessions
40 minutes per session
An introductory session where the children will explore mindfulness through art activities, stories, discussion and meditations.
At the end of the session, each child will have a creative art activity based on the theme of the lesson (an introduction to mindfulness in this case) that will encourage the children to practise mindfulness at home and act as a catalyst for discussion at home to further embed the practice of mindfulness.
At the end of each day, an overview of the session will be emailed to you and this can be sent home via aladdin or text as a home/school link.
6 sessions-one per week over a 6 week period
40 minutes per session
Each session has a particular theme. Children will explore how to calm and relax their minds, be compassionate towards themselves and others, explore their thoughts and feelings and pay attention to the present moment through various awareness practices.
Lesson objectives are linked to the S.P.H.E curriculum: Myself-Self Identity, Myself-Growing and Changing (feelings and emotions) and Taking Care of My Body (health and wellbeing).
At the end of the session, each child will have a creative art activity based on the theme of the lesson (an introduction to mindfulness in this case) that will encourage the children to practise mindfulness at home and act as a catalyst for discussion at home to further embed the practice of mindfulness.
At the end of each day, an overview of the session will be emailed to you and this can be sent home via aladdin or text as a home/school link.
Croke Park 1 hour session
An introduction to mindfulness based on the creative mindfulness method.
Exploration of the benefits of mindfulness and how we can incorporate mindful moments into our daily routine for ourselves and for the children.
There is a practical element where everyone gets an opportunity to make a creative art activity (if they so wish) that they can use in their own classroom to explore mindfulness with the children.
Information
Bernie has delivered mindfulness classes in number of schools all around the South East and further afield. Bernie has introduced mindfulness to every class level in primary school both in single stream and multiclass settings.
Coupled with her 17 years teaching experience, Bernie is very competent and experienced with working with children.
She is very familiar with the classroom environment. Bernie adapts her content as best she can to cater to the needs in each classroom.
Reviews
What do schools say?
I found the lessons were wonderful for our children. They were perfectly paced and delivered in a very calm, happy, positive way which really benefitted the children. The children were really well motivated by the vibrant colour and the relaxing sounds and enjoyed the many different activities which fuelled their imagination and engaged them to think about mindfulness and their own well-being.
Most importantly, the children were equipped with new skills to accompany them on their mindfulness journey. Skills they will have and use for years to come.
Bernie has a great way with children, understands the needs of the classroom and sculpts lessons to those needs.
We hope to have her back in the future.
Fourth Class Teacher,
St. Saviour’s N.S.
We were lucky enough to have Bernie facilitate the Creative Mindfulness programme in term one of 2023/2024 school year. My Junior and Senior Infants had the opportunity to explore mindfulness in the most kind and nurturing way. Every child in the class learned life skills, that will without a doubt stand to them in the future. The children could not wait for Bernie to return with new creative ideas each week.
The kids were extremely engaged during each lesson and Bernie had the most wonderful way with each child. She made them feel special and safe. Bernie was extremely well organised and each lesson was planned to perfection. Lessons were hands on, creative and fun. The children created many special resources that they adore. They use these wonderful resources to practise their mindfulness skills regularly.
I would encourage every school to prioritise Creative Mindfulness with Bernie. The impact it has had on the children is simply wonderful. It was an extremely enjoyable and helpful experience for us all. I learned so much in the process. Bernie’s passion for Creative Mindfulness is incredible and this passion is what makes her lessons so special. Thank you Bernie for all you have done for us.
Junior and Senior Infant teacher
Ballyhack N.S
Bernie came to our school to do a series of mindfulness sessions with all of our classes. From the outset Bernie’s calm and soothing presence set the tone. The pupils in all classes from infants to 6th responded so positively to Bernie, she provided a wide range of techniques to develop the ability to
practise mindfulness.
Bernie adapted her content to suit individual needs and the children were
given choices in what to do. Bernie never forgot a child, even if they were absent she made sure that she left materials and instructions for them. It was an absolute pleasure to have Bernie in our school and both staff and pupils greatly benefited from her sessions. I would highly recommend this
for any other school and we look forward to having her back in our school again.
Principal,
Shanbogh N.S
Reviews
What do children say?
I felt really, really relaxed and happy during the sessions. Bernie was super sweet and really cared about us. I felt totally at ease. She made everything feel calm and relaxed. The art we made was so cool, like gorgeous and we got to keep it! It's like a special thing I'll always have.
6th Class Student
I loved these sessions with Bernie. She was so lovely, patient and kind. She really helped us to relax and feel comfortable (even if we got the giggles). She encouraged us all to be ourselves and she taught us really good skills to deal with worries. My favourite activity was the calm down cube. I have lots of ideas now that will help me relax and refocus.
Thank you Bernie!
6th Class St
It was really fun. I enjoyed everything we did.
It makes me happy.
Relaxed, calm, good.
Great fun. Recommend.
My favourite thing I made was the box because I can put all the things I made in it. I enjoyed every session.
I thought it was wonderful.
The sessions were fun.
I felt happy.
10/10. I loved it. It is brilliant. The best.
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2nd to 6th Class Individual Feedback