0144 - Breathe In and Play: Mindfulness Practice with Children and Adolescents

Course Description

Hours: 12

Mindfulness is increasingly being shared with children and adolescents in educational, medical, mental health, community and home settings. Research shows that mindfulness practice with children and adolescents can reduce stress, improve emotion regulation, foster academic learning, reduce anxiety, increase executive function and promote overall well-being. With all these known benefits, it is understandable why adults would want to start teaching children early on. But how can we engage children in practicing mindfulness, when it is associated with sitting still for long periods of time? 

This experiential workshop will offer an introduction to sharing mindfulness and conducting inquiry with children and adolescents in engaging and age-appropriate ways, informed by the intersection of mindfulness and neurobiology. Through story, art, music, movement and ‘formal’ mindfulness practice, participants will learn to share mindfulness and neuroscience information with children and families in age-appropriate, playful and creative ways. All practices will be infused with the attitudinal foundations of mindfulness; acceptance, beginner’s mind, letting go, patience, trust, non-judgment, non-striving, as well as self-kindness and compassion.

In addition to didactic teaching and small group discussions, participants will have the opportunity to lead mindfulness-based practices and inquiry intended for children and families. With step-by-step scaffolding, participants will further develop their skills and confidence in sharing mindfulness with children and adolescents.

Notes

For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:

Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 519-884-0710 ext. 5234

Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.

Website: wlu.ca/fswpd

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Child and Youth Mental Health Certificate : Child and Youth Mental Health Certificate
• Therapeutic Models of Mindfulness : Therapeutic Models of Mindfulness