1. In Class Mindfulness Training
"As the world spins faster and faster and technology continues to grow and pull us into its web, mindfulness, resilience and being a focused learner will be crucial skills for all children"
Janeen Sanders
Janeen Sanders
The Little Soul In Class Mindfulness Program is a 4 or 8 week Secular Mindfulness Program that takes place once a week or bi-weekly, in the classroom. The duration of the program is your choice and depends on your schools needs and resources. Each session is about 15 minutes in length.
This program uses developmentally appropriate language for explaining key mindfulness concepts and practices to youth. This program focus’s on the development of mindfulness, a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, emotions, sensations and surrounding environment as well as the development of heartfulness, the intentional nurturing of positive mind states such as kindness and compassion.
Here are some known benefits of Mindfulness for children:
. Better Focus and Concentration
. Increased Sense of Calm
. Decreased Stress and Anxiety
. Improved Impulse Control
. Increased Self Awareness
. Skillful Responses to Difficult Emotions
. Increased Empathy and Understanding of Others
. Development of Natural Conflict Resolution Skills
Before the commencement of the program, Little Soul will often schedule a short presentation for administration, teachers, school council and interested parents. This presentation will offer a brief overview of the program, the research and neuroscience that supports it and how it will be delivered in the school. The most effective programs are when the entire school community is on board, however, this program can also be delivered, and is effective on a class by class basis.
In addition, each classroom teacher will receive resources throughout the program that they can refer to when the program is done, so as to keep these mindfulness techniques going. The best success is short, but frequent moments of mindfulness each and every day!
This program uses developmentally appropriate language for explaining key mindfulness concepts and practices to youth. This program focus’s on the development of mindfulness, a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, emotions, sensations and surrounding environment as well as the development of heartfulness, the intentional nurturing of positive mind states such as kindness and compassion.
Here are some known benefits of Mindfulness for children:
. Better Focus and Concentration
. Increased Sense of Calm
. Decreased Stress and Anxiety
. Improved Impulse Control
. Increased Self Awareness
. Skillful Responses to Difficult Emotions
. Increased Empathy and Understanding of Others
. Development of Natural Conflict Resolution Skills
Before the commencement of the program, Little Soul will often schedule a short presentation for administration, teachers, school council and interested parents. This presentation will offer a brief overview of the program, the research and neuroscience that supports it and how it will be delivered in the school. The most effective programs are when the entire school community is on board, however, this program can also be delivered, and is effective on a class by class basis.
In addition, each classroom teacher will receive resources throughout the program that they can refer to when the program is done, so as to keep these mindfulness techniques going. The best success is short, but frequent moments of mindfulness each and every day!
"We use the language you presented and call back to the experience often. A student of mine was waiting to be picked on the carpet and of her own volition began using some of the breathing techniques we had learned. She was so mindful and trying to be so patient. It was so special. I think it is so valuable to help the kids learn to listen to their bodies and hear their feelings". Grade 2 Teacher
"We loved everything about this program! From the language that can be used to describe concrete steps my students can take (mindful bodies, anchoring your hand etc.) to tools that can be used (jar, bowl, expanding contracting sphere, beanie babies, use of music)". Grade 1 teacher
"We loved everything about this program! From the language that can be used to describe concrete steps my students can take (mindful bodies, anchoring your hand etc.) to tools that can be used (jar, bowl, expanding contracting sphere, beanie babies, use of music)". Grade 1 teacher
FULL School Mindfulness Minute!
2. In-Class Mindfulness and Yoga Program
This program encompasses all the elements of the 1st program but also builds in 10 minutes of chair/in-class yoga! 25 mins for session. No yoga mats or moving of desks will be required. Children will be taught simple and effective yoga postures they can do at their desk to increase oxygenation of the blood (more blood flow to brain = better learning!), gain physical strength, balance and have fun!
Because this yoga program is done right in the classroom, teachers and students will be encouraged and guided to add a few minutes of yoga stretching every day for better physical, mental and emotional health. (Good for teachers too!)
3. In School/Class Yoga Classes
A 4 or 8 week Yoga and Mindfulness session during the school day, either during gym time or another designated time. Each class is 30 minutes and will include: physical warm-ups, breath work (pranayama), brain boosting yoga postures, community building games and activities to strengthen intuition, concentration, inclusiveness and connection. We end with simple relaxation and mindfulness techniques to calm anxiety, promote emotional awareness, self-regulation and self-esteem … making kids happier, more focused and better ready for learning.
These classes can be run in a community space with full mats (provided), or in the classroom, at desks, shoes on, no experience needed!
This In School program is paid for by parent council/school grants or other special funding.
These classes can be run in a community space with full mats (provided), or in the classroom, at desks, shoes on, no experience needed!
This In School program is paid for by parent council/school grants or other special funding.
4. Recess Yoga and Mindfulness Club!
Similar in benefits to the In School Program, this 30 minute @ Lunch Little Soul program runs during the 2nd school nutrition break.
This @ Lunch program is "by choice" and is paid voluntarily by parents. Registrations forms are provided for students to take home.
Kids love these classes! They are fun, engaging and a welcome break during the school day - especially during those cold winter months when going outside is sometimes restricted.
5. Mindfulness and Mandala Art
Mandalas and Child Development:
Mandalas are valuable tools for supporting children’s emotional, cognitive, and creative development. Through the process of creating or colouring mandalas, children are invited to explore their inner experiences in a structured yet imaginative way.
The word mandala originates from Sanskrit and translates to “circle.” A mandala is a geometric, circular design that radiates outward from a central point in a balanced and symmetrical pattern. Circular forms are widely recognized in nature, appearing in structures such as flower petals, tree rings, spiderwebs, seashells, and crystal formations. These natural patterns reflect harmony, balance, and organization — principles that are also beneficial for children’s learning and emotional growth.
In psychological and educational contexts, mandalas are often viewed as symbolic representations of wholeness and integration. They can serve as visual frameworks that help children organize thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a safe and contained format.
Developmental and Therapeutic Benefits:
Research and art therapy practices suggest that mandala creation can support children in several key developmental areas:
• Emotional Expression: Provides a safe, non-verbal outlet for children to express thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may be difficult to communicate through words.
• Self-Regulation and Calming: The repetitive and rhythmic nature of mandala art can promote relaxation and help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Focus and Concentration: Working within a structured circular design encourages sustained attention and supports the development of mindfulness skills.
• Cognitive Organization: Mandalas offer a visual and spatial framework that can help children process information and structure their internal experiences.
• Self-Awareness and Insight: Creative engagement with mandalas can help children develop greater awareness of their emotions and personal responses.
• Creativity and Imagination: Encourages exploration, experimentation, and creative confidence.
• Behavioural Regulation: The calming and focusing qualities of mandala work may help reduce impulsivity and support emotional balance.
Art therapist Cathy Malchiodi (2003) highlights the role of structured creative expression, such as mandala-making, in promoting relaxation responses in the body, including reduced muscle tension and improved emotional regulation.
In addition to developmental benefits, mandala creation offers children an enjoyable and meaningful creative experience that supports overall well-being.
This program can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your school and students. Sessions can be offered as a one-time creative experience or as a multi-session program designed to deepen learning and allow students to develop a more detailed and substantial mandala piece. For extended programming, a four-session format (once per week) is ideal.
Students may create their mandalas using either natural stones or round wooden panels, depending on program goals and preferences.
In addition to introducing students to the beauty and technique of mandala painting, a central focus of this program is to help children understand and practice mindfulness. Through guided creative work, students learn how mindful art can support focus, emotional awareness, and self-regulation.
Visit my website Soul Stones Studio to learn more about my work with mandalas.
OR please reach out for more info.
Mindfulness Presentations/Training for Teachers
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The best way to integrate Mindfulness into the school community is when teachers have an understanding of the practice and feel confident to lead their students in short daily practices.
I offer presentation for staff meetings, PD days, school council meetings and special programming - to train teachers and to speak at evening school talks/discussions. |
Have questions? Would like to make a booking?
If you are interested in any of these programs, please contact for individual consultation and pricing. I can tailor programs based on your schools needs and budget.
