Description
The Mindful Heart is a practical and easy-to-follow guide for teachers which simplifies introducing mindfulness to the classroom, integrating it within the Irish SPHE curriculum. It guides children and teachers in learning evidence-based mindfulness practices which will support their emotional well-being and positive mental health.
The book contains 10 lesson plans which are adapted to suit classes from junior infants to sixth class. Each lesson presents the core components of mindfulness in a practical, fun, creative and child-friendly way.
Every lesson comes with a comic book, workbook pages and a vast array of supporting online resources including videos, further activity resources, guided meditations and Irish language resources. These are all available on the accompanying comprehensive Digital Companion Page.
There is a strong emphasis on supporting teacher’s own mindfulness practice and the curriculum includes a range of ideas and supporting resources to help teachers take care of their own well-being while also supporting a mindful atmosphere in the classroom.
The Mindful Heart curriculum is a perfect support for schools that wish to promote positive mental health and well-being for both students and teachers alike and is aligned with the Irish Primary schools SPHE curriculum.
About the Authors:
Louise Shanagher is a children’s therapist, mindfulness teacher and trainer. Louise has a BA and MSc in Psychology and further qualifications in Play Therapy and Mindfulness. She is the creator of the Creative Mindfulness Kids method and has trained hundreds of people to be children’s mindfulness teachers. She is the author of six books: The Mindfully Me series, Ireland’s first series of mindfulness books for children and the Kindfully Me series. Louise is passionate about promoting positive mental health for children and young people. She believes that all children should get the opportunity to learn how to practise mindfulness and self-compassion and believes that these practices will help children lead happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. More Information on www.otb.ie/creative-mindfulness.
Paul McNamee is a curriculum designer and mindfulness course facilitator. He has a BA in psychological studies and a higher diploma in psychology as well as qualifications in training design and delivery. He has worked on the design and delivery of online professional development courses on mindfulness and well-being for primary school teachers for a number of years. Paul has a regular mindfulness meditation practice and has been involved in organising mindfulness meditation-based retreats and mindfulness-based family activities. He has a passion for youth mental health issues and believes that education should be about providing young people with the tools to understand their internal experience and successfully navigate the world around them.
Illustrator: Thomas Masselis
Recommended ages: 5-12
