Calm4Kids has been successfully working within primary schools for many years and we have a range of programs available.
Typically a school 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 schools 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 schools, having us return, “same time, next year” since our first Melbourne classes in 2010.
Typically we attend a school for a minimum of one hour each week. Over the course of an hour we can work with one grade and and split the grade in half, so that each child participates in a 30 minute class or we can see one grade each half hour (two grades each hour). 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. All classes have key learning intentions, that will be provided at the beginning of the program, to assist the school and the C4K Leader to work in partnership. Learning Intentions also reflect the year level participating in the C4K program. To ensure parents are aware of their child’s learning experience each week, the school 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 schools. 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 school 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 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.