Description

Returning to Kingsdale Elementary was a heartfelt and rewarding experience for the Scattered team. Building on the success of our initial workshops in 2023, we were invited back to conduct another series of sessions, this time reaching students from grades 3 to 6. The goal was to reinforce the concepts of mindfulness and self-expression through the Headspace Method, using our now well-established approach that had previously captivated the students and teachers.

The structure of the workshops remained consistent, beginning with a guided meditation tailored to young minds. We used simple and engaging techniques, such as imagining a "mindful garden" or listening to calming sounds, to help the students settle their thoughts and feel present. This mindful preparation created a safe and inviting space for the main activity: automatic poetry writing.

The students responded with the same enthusiasm as before, pouring their emotions and creative ideas onto the page. What stood out during this visit was the increased depth and creativity in the poetry produced. Teachers noted that many students who had participated in the previous year’s workshop seemed even more comfortable and expressive this time, a testament to the lasting impact of our methods. Some students who were initially hesitant in 2023 were now among the most engaged, showing how repetition and familiarity with the practice had bolstered their confidence.

The feedback from teachers and school administrators was overwhelmingly positive. They expressed interest in making the workshops a regular part of the school’s mental health programming, emphasizing the value of mindfulness and creative expression in enhancing students' emotional well-being. This experience reaffirmed our commitment to working with schools and expanding our reach to younger audiences.