Calm4Kids has been successfully working within preschools, schools and childcare centres for many years and we have a range of programs available.
Typically a venue will participate in a full term (10 week) program or multiple terms, with a one year curriculum also a program option. However we understand the constraints of a budget, and will package a program, and the number of weeks, based on budget. It is important to remember that children embark on a journey when they participate in a C4K program. Change will not necessarily be evident in the first week, but will emerge as the weeks go on. We most often see that by week six, children are beginning to make visible progress. We encourage venues to work toward this as a minimum, but also realise that for some venues, getting to know us and our program is important, so starting with a smaller number of weeks is feasible too. If there is a sense of potential, we hope you will invite us back the following year (or term) to extend the experience.
We are very proud of our 87% re-sign rate, with most of our venues, having us return, “same time, next year” since our first Melbourne classes in 2010.
Typically we attend a venue for one hour each week. During this time we work with up to 25-30 children over the course of the hour. We split the group into two, so that each child participates in a 30 minute class. During each 30 minute class, the C4K Leader will lead the children through a story. To begin with, and especially in the younger years, many of the stories are familiar, such as the The Gruffalo and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Calm4Kids classes are structured to assist in achieving the required outcomes for both the EYLF and the ACARA. In the preschool environment, it is Learning Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of well-being, that is a particular focus.
All classes have key learning intentions, that will be provided at the beginning of the program, to assist the venue and the C4K Leader to work in partnership. To ensure parents are aware of their child’s learning experience each week, the venue will be supplied, at the beginning of the program, with a weekly parent handout, for distribution in either hard of soft copy. All classes are supported by the appropriate educational resources to ensure an immersive learning experience.
In addition to the yoga inspired and cardio work, the breath work and the relaxation experience, each week, children will explore a theme that underpins calm and resilient thinking. These themes include happiness, kindness, gratitude,respect, honesty, patience and forgiveness.
To ensure the best outcomes for all, we value and expect a partnership with each of our venues. This means we require a teacher, ideally the key teacher for each group of children, to join us on the floor and actively participate. This ensures that children stay within the venue guidelines for behavior, toilet moments that just can’t wait etc. Name tags for each child, each week are essential.
C4K can tailor classes and programs to suit the pre-school or school’s educational themes, including across curriculum themes. For example the C4K class can explore themes focusing on human anatomy including heart, lungs, joints, muscle groups, brain function, whilst the Science & P.E. class can explore these themes more fully with supportive text and action, the Literacy class can prepare narratives linking weekend activities with body function (…when I play basketball, I use…) and the Numeracy class can explore the numbers behind body function eg how activity changes heart rate, and how to calculate & measure this.
Calm4Kids is also a great option for a P.E. class. Classes can be longer and at a higher (or slower) pace, with a wider range of different yoga shapes incorporated, challenging both cardio and respiratory rates. As the program is non competitive, and children are encouraged to work in their own space (to begin the inward journey), children who are less physically active can participate equally.