Description

Our inaugural series of workshops took place at Kingsdale Elementary School, introducing Scattered’s core methodology to a younger audience. We hosted 10 workshops targeting students in grades 4 to 6, thoughtfully designed to make complex mindfulness and self-expression concepts accessible and engaging for children. The primary focus of these sessions was to use the Headspace Method in a simplified format, emphasizing themes of mindfulness and self-expression to support the students' emotional well-being.

Each workshop began with a guided meditation exercise, tailored to create a calming environment and help the students connect with their thoughts and emotions. We used child-friendly visualizations and deep breathing techniques, encouraging the students to notice their inner experiences in a gentle and non-judgmental way. The mindfulness session laid the foundation for the main activity: automatic poetry writing.

In the writing portion, students were prompted to let their thoughts flow freely onto the page, without worrying about grammar or structure. This exercise empowered them to channel their chaotic or overwhelming thoughts into creative expression, helping them discover the therapeutic benefits of writing. The poetry produced by these young minds was truly extraordinary, filled with raw emotion, vivid imagery, and sincere reflections that highlighted their unique perspectives. It was evident that even at a young age, these students had a natural ability to use words as a tool for self-expression.

The response from both students and teachers was overwhelmingly positive. Many teachers expressed their amazement at the depth and creativity of the students' work, noting how engaged and introspective the children became during the sessions. The workshops also sparked discussions about the importance of mental wellness and self-compassion, with students sharing how the exercises made them feel more calm and focused. This positive feedback affirmed the effectiveness of our methods and inspired us to continue developing programming for elementary-aged students.