At Eden School, mindfulness classes are an integral part of the curriculum for all students from 3 to 12 years old. This practice, which helps children to better understand their emotional mechanisms, helps develop attention and concentration skills, better manage stress and thus promotes learning. Integrating it into the school curriculum is a novel approach in Geneva and is part of the DNA of the Eden School, which advocates teaching based on different pedagogical approaches. In order to make parents aware of this practice, Eden School is organizing a workshop on Thursday, October 8 at 8:30 a.m. Let’s Talk Education: Mindfulness is a workshop open to all upon registration. Its objective is to allow parents to understand how the classes are run and also to give participants tools that are easy to implement at home, for a better communication with their child.
Children are experiencing innumerable sources of stimulation. The omnipresence of screens, multitasking and our hectic lifestyles unfortunately have their undesirable effects. In a hyper-connected society, children need, more than ever, to “unplug,” i.e., get out of their mental hubbub in order to create a space of calm within themselves. At Eden, we believe that the school must also provide the means to promote the personal development and well-being of students in life, which is why, just like French or mathematics, the school has included a “mindfulness” course in its curriculum.
Here and Now
Children practice being calm and attentive. They learn to stop and pay attention to what is happening in their inner and outer world. They listen to their body and its signals, so they are more aware of their needs, react less impulsively and develop their ability to concentrate. This promotes their academic development and benefits all aspects of their lives.
Recognized Methods
The course is given by Christèle Faranna once a week. She is a certified instructor and uses the methods of Eline Snel, therapist and founder of the International Academy for the Teaching of Mindfulness. All of the school’s teachers are also trained in this method, so that everyone can add this skill to the art of teaching.
The entire teaching staff of the kindergarten classes has also been trained in the use of Kimochis, stuffed animals that represent various personalities and emotions.
This pedagogical tool allows the child, from a very young age, to express his emotions in an appropriate way and thus enter into relationships with others. The Kimochis are a precious aid to the good development of his relational skills, they teach him to put a name on each emotion and to better understand what he and others feel.
A workshop for parents
In order for parents to better understand the school’s pedagogical approaches and to experience what their children experience on a daily basis, the school organizes 8 times a year workshops – Let’s Talk Education – which each time cover a different topic and promote synergy between school and home.
The next Let’s Talk Education will be held on October 8 and will focus on mindfulness. It is not only open to parents, but also to anyone who wants to learn more about the subject and who wants to acquire tools that are easy to use.
Practical information
When: October 8, 2020 from 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Where: Ecole Eden, Route de Veyrier 270, 1255 Veyrier
Rate: Free for parents. CHF 15.00* for external persons
(*amount donated to the Eden Foundation to finance scholarships)
Mandatory registration: info@letstalkeducation.org