Mindfulness & Education Conference—Class Descriptions

Mindfulness & Education Conference

Bringing Mindfulness Practice to Children Grades K–12

In this Mindfulness & Education Conference, Omega brings together influential leaders in the field, offering inspiring keynote lectures, question-and-answer sessions, transformative group exercises, breakout workshops and panels, a session with school administrators, and instruction in practical application. Program descriptions can be found below.

Friday, July 27, 2012

4:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Friday

Arrival & Check In: Rooms are available after 5:00 p.m.

 

6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Friday

Dinner

 

7:30 p.m.–7:50 p.m. Friday

Omega Welcome (Orientation)


8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Friday

Workshop

 

Saturday, July 28, 2012

7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Saturday

Optional practice sessions: Qigong, yoga, and mindfulness

 

7:30 a.m.–8:15 a.m. Saturday

Breakfast

 

8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Saturday

Workshop


12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Saturday

Lunch


2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Saturday

Concurrent Breakout Sessions


Mindfulness & Education: Building the Evidence Base

Patricia Jennings, MEd, PhD, Garrison Institute

Patricia Jennings presents an overview of the small but growing body of research focused on the study of mindfulness-based approaches in educational settings. In today's educational setting, the introduction of new ideas requires a strong evidence base. Education leaders want to know that methods will improve student behavior and learning. In this breakout session, we review current findings from research involving both teachers and students.


Developing Mindfulness Programs in Schools

Megan Cowan, Mindful Schools

Megan Cowan shares her experience of teaching mindfulness in education through the work of Mindful Schools, which served more than 15,000 students. A sample lesson will be given and demonstrated as we explore creating grade appropriate curriculum, skillful facilitation, various challenges in classrooms, stories from the field, and presenting to school communities.

 

Mindfulness-Based Therapy With Youth

Daniel Rechtschaffen, MA, Mindful Education Institute

Daniel Rechtschaffen explores the benefits for health-care providers of developing a mindfulness practice and learning mindfulness-based therapy applications for children and adolescents. Here we examine a variety of mindfulness practices specifically developed for youth with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and anger management. These interventions can offer youth the ability to develop non-reactivity, self-awareness, and empathy for self and others. 

 

Mindfulness With At Risk Youth

Vinny Ferraro, Mind Body Awareness Project

Vinny Ferraro explores how to effectively introduce mindfulness to at risk youth. The cultivation of mindfulness and presence is not just another trendy new intervention; it’s above, beyond, and before all “interventions.” Marked by the ability to pay nonjudgmental attention to one’s present moment experience, mindfulness provides us with fresh, open, present-moment warmth.

 

4:20 p.m.–5:30 p.m. Saturday

Workshop Panel


7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Saturday

World Cafe With Patricia Jennings


Sunday, July 29, 2012

7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Sunday

Optional practice sessions: Qigong, yoga, and mindfulness

 

7:30 a.m.–8:15 a.m. Sunday

Breakfast

 

8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Sunday

Workshop


12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Sunday

Lunch / Departure

 

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