A ‘mindful’ day off school for Stratford students

Annika Brickman, 9, colours during a Mindful Kids workshop on Friday February 1, 2019 in Stratford, Ont. Terry Bridge/Stratford Beacon Herald/Postmedia Network

By Terry Bridge

Most weekdays away from school are enjoyable, but for a group of young Stratford elementary students Friday’s PA day was even more relaxing.

Ten youngsters from ages six to 12 were learning all about mindfulness – “a fancy word for paying attention,” explained instructor Melissa McIntosh – while creating unique crafts in an interactive environment. Ruby Mumford, 7, was enjoying the session.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” said the Stratford resident on a chilly Friday morning. “It’s just to teach you all about how to be calm.”

The participants took turns at various stations, including one where they used bright colours to create mindful jars both for themselves and a friend. It was right up 9-year-old Annika Brickman’s alley.

“I really enjoy going to mindfulness class, I’ve been really, really, really excited for making mindful jars,” she said. “I really enjoy watching the things swirl around.”

They also worked on mindful colouring, which teaches them mistakes are OK to make, McIntosh said, and worked on positive intentions.

“Which is a great self-esteem-building activity,” she added.

McIntosh, a former educational assistant with both the local Catholic and public school boards, launched Mindful Kids Stratford, which is based out of her home, a couple of years ago.

“Working in the school boards for over 20 years made me see the emotions and mental health awareness that kids that I worked with and helped support every day need as well as my own busy kids,” she said. “I just thought it would be my time to switch gears and do that and still help kids, just in a different way.”

https://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/news/local-news/a-mindful-day-off-school-for-stratford-students