Here at Blue Mango Theatre we feel it’s very important for teachers and students feel supported. Emma Reynolds, artistic director of Blue Mango Theatre is a trained MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) teacher. She has also trained in mindfulness for students at MiSP (the Mindfulness in Schools Project, UK).
We are now offering schools the following teacher training session:
Emma Reynolds is an accredited MBSR teacher (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction). Emma is also trained in Paws B, a training to teach Mindfulness to students, from MiSP (Mindfulness in Schools Project, UK). She is also the director of Blue Mango Theatre (English speaking theatre for schools) www.mbsr-mindfulness.com
We propose to offer a 2 hour session on Mindfulness aimed at teachers of all Student ages. Combining elements from the MBSR course, and Mindfulness for school children (Paws B from the Mindfulness in Schools Project, UK).
Our objective is to bring a better understanding of what stress is, how the body reacts to stressful situations, and how mindfulness can help calm the mind, allowing teachers to be more skillful when dealing with potentially stressful situations.
There are now over 30 years worth of scientific research that consistently show how mindfulness practices can enhance our physical and mental well-being.
Practicing mindfulness, and mindful meditation can improve:
And reduce:
We will look briefly at the new discoveries in neuroscience around neuroplasticity and reflect on how altering our ways of thinking can literally change the brain, allowing us to get better at stepping out of old automatic ways of thinking and doing that do not serve us. We will offer practical advice on how to be more in the present moment, and therefore less lost in rumination and worry. And finally we will show how certain practices can be adapted to the classroom experience, allowing teachers to bring mindfulness into the classroom. Through these exercises children can also gain practical tools they can bring to their own experiences which they may find stressful such as exams, speaking in public, and dealing with relationships at home and in the school playground.
During the two hour session we will explore why we have stress and look at how we can work with our thoughts and not get tied up in them, leading to rumination. We will do some mindful practices such as mindful walking, mindful movement, plus short meditations as a group.
We also include a participants’ handbook for teachers to read more about the science behind the themes we will be exploring, plus reminders of the exercises.
– Offer an introduction to Mindfulness for teachers
– Provide practical tips to aid stress reduction for teachers
– Offer practical tips and practices teachers can do with their students in the classroom
For teachers with at least intermediate level English. No previous knowledge or experience needed in meditation.
2 hour session, up to 16 participants. Ideally with space to move chairs back and be able to stand. Available October 2018- June 2019
It would be important to be in a space where participants are not interupted.
We run Mindfulness retreats in the summer in France for more information please click here