Mindfulness for learning: Recent Episodes
Mindfulness for learning
Expertise, ideas and conversation about mindful learning and development.
Sophie Smith-Tong, the Founder of Mindfulnessforlearning.com explores all things mental health with educators, parents and carers who share their individual experiences of working in education, family life, mindfulness and wellbeing.
If you are wanting to know why it is so important that we reflect upon our school culture and make changes to ensure that every single person in the school community feels seen and heard then listen to this episode.
Sophie talks to KS2 Teacher & Equalities Lead, Sarah DeSilva. They explore LGBTQ+, gender, race, ageism and on top of that chat Taylor Swifts new album and the current RSE curriculum. Please note: this episode was recorded before the new DfE RSHE guidance was released on the 16.5.24.
Discover Sarah De Silva
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-desilva-5054b743/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahdesilvauk/
Relevant Links
https://www.theshewellintersectionalitree.co.uk(Discount code for Mindfulness for learning listeners - MINDFUL50 valid until 31.05.24) www.mildon.co.ukwww.diversityrolemodels.org
New RSHE DfE Guidance
Learn more about Mindfulness for learning
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-smith-tong-7b3891207/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mforlearning/
X - https://x.com/mforlearning
Mindfulnessforlearning.com - https://www.mindfulnessforlearning.com/
This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.
Sophie speaks to Steve Waters, Founder/CEO of Teach Well Toolkit.
Steve supports schools to build a culture of staff and pupil wellbeing and mental health. He also edited Cultures of Staff Wellbeing and Mental Health in Schools - a book full of positive case studies and reflections.
In this episode they talk about the huge job of embedding a wellbeing culture in schools whilst managing the many challenges we face including high stakes accountability, workload and the crowded curriculum.
If you are an educator, leader, mental health and wellbeing lead then this is a must!
You can also find more information about Steve and Teach Well Toolkit at teachwelltoolkit.com
Find out more about us at Mindfulnessforlearning.com
This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.
SHARE MY STORY - A place to share your EBSA stories. - https://padlet.com/sophiemsmith/share-my-story-mindfulness-for-learning-u34ma7lm47ale2x
Have you seen the new government campaign regarding school attendance? If not then take a look - many have named it the parent blaming campaign - a child happy and smiling with a variety of slogans one of which stating "this morning he was worried about school but look at him now."
With the government refusing to look beyond sticking plasters, Sophie speaks to three parents about their child’s traumatic school experiences.
PLEASE NOTE: If your family are experiencing emotional based school avoidance then please tread carefully with this episode as it may be a difficult listen. In this episode we talk about anxiety, the restraining of children, self harm and suicidal thoughts.
PDA Society - https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/
Square Peg - https://www.teamsquarepeg.org/
Not Fine in School - https://notfineinschool.co.uk/
Sunshine Support - https://sunshine-support.org/advice-and-support/
EOTAS Matters - https://www.heidimavir.com/forfamilies
This episode was edited by Ben Corbett
Sophie takes Rae away from her book writing (yes a new one is coming out in Autumn 2024!) to chat play, child development, the myth of earlier is better and childhood screen time.
Rae Pica has been an early childhood education consultant since 1980 and is internationally known as a speaker, online course creator, and author (Rae has written 22 books!). As a consultant, Rae has shared her expertise with the Sesame Street Research Department, Centers for Disease Control, the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, Nike, Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues, Bright Horizons, and health departments, schools, and resource and referral agencies throughout America.
Discover Rae Pica - www.raepica.com
Explore Rae Pica's resources - www.raepica.com/free-resource-library-opt-in/
Learn more about us at Mindfulness for learning - www.mindfulnessforlearning.com
This episode was edited by Ben Corbett
Amongst many other things, Ellise Hollie Hayward is a motivational speaker and disabilities correspondent @JillDandoNews. She has found her passion in supporting those working in education to do better when it comes to inclusion, following her own experiences of mainstream education with cerebral palsy.
During this episode Ellise offers practical tips on how to listen to the individual when striving for inclusive practice and also shares her own positive and negative experiences of mainstream education.
Follow Ellise on Twitter - www.twitter.com/Ellise_Hayward_
Contact Ellise via email - ellisehollie2001@icloud.com
This episode was edited by Ben Corbett
Greg Bottrill chats to Sophie about the mountain of nonsense that is schemes, data, robots and outcomes.
If you want to feel energised and ready to fight for play and childhood then this is the episode for you.
Find Greg here - www.canigoandplaynow.com/
Find Nanny Sharz here - www.instagram.com/nannysharz/
Read Rob Hopkins, "From What Is to What If:Unleashing the Power of Imagination to Create the Future We Want" - www.amazon.co.uk/What-If-Unleashing-Imagination-Create/dp/1645020290
Mindfulness for learning - www.mindfulnessforlearning.com/
This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.
For this episode we are joined by author of Write to the Core, Laura Bean. Laura is a writing specialist and educational wellness consultant.
As stated on her website Mindfulliteracy.com she been developing the Write to the Core curriculum, which integrates social-emotional learning with reading and writing. This work promotes self-reflection, empathy, compassion, and creativity, while addressing Common Core Standards.
Write to the Core - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Write-Core-Inspiring-Writers-Mindfulness/dp/1475866259
Follow Laura on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/laurabeanmindfulliteracy/
This episode was edited by Ben Corbett
“What if the way you are currently teaching Maths is actually preventing your children from making great progress?” This is the opening question on Karen Wilding's website.
Sophie talks to Karen, Founder of EYmaths about shifting perspectives on the way we approach maths. We explore why so many of us say “I am bad at maths” and discuss what this might do for someones wellbeing and self-esteem.
Even if you think you know what you are doing when teaching maths then think again because Karen will open your eyes even further!
Find Karen on Twitter
Find Karen on Instagram
Find Karen on Facebook
Explore EYmaths website
Buy your counters here!
Buy your magnetic tape here!
“Teachers don’t return, they are paid less when they do return; they are less likely to progress in leadership positions” this is a quote about the motherhood penalty from the new book 'A guide to Teaching, Parenting and Creating Family Friendly Schools' by the MTPT project.
The Maternity Teacher Paternity Teacher Project was founded in June 2016 by Emma Sheppard. Following the birth of her first child, Emma realised the lack of support for teachers who were starting families. MTPT is a UK charity that supports parent teachers and schools to develop family friendly systems.
In this episode Emma kindly chats to Sophie about how educators can ensure they are being fully supported in our schools and how schools can create and make available policy and systems that are family friendly.
Alistair Bryce-Clegg was a Headteacher for 10 years, has been an EYFS consultant since 2009 and has had a positive impact on settings around the world. He supports local authorities, runs conferences and delivers key notes speeches both nationally and internationally.
In this episode Alistair shares many practical tips, opinions on phonics, continuous provision, carpet time and much more!
The knowledge and practical ideas he shares in this episode are absolutely achievable, based on his masses of experiences and research. Alongside being extremely knowledgable he is one of the warmest people I have come across.
This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.
Relevant Links
Alistair's Website
Follow Alistair on Twitter
Follow Alistair on Instagram
Buy Alistair's books
My First Five Years - Founded by Alistair Bryce-Clegg and Jennie Johnson
Explore Mindfulness for learning
“Our work is rooted in the ancient arts of qigong, yoga, mindfulness and meditation. When practicing these healing arts with intention, we are nurturing our heart and taking care of our wellbeing. We deepen our appreciation for the nature within us and around us.”
The creators of Sea Light - Mindful Movement for wellbeing and the authors of the children's book Nature Flow chat to Sophie about their mission to get children moving.
They explore the importance of movement for our little ones, the current status of movement in the curriculum and Pamila and Neelam share their experiences of being at Fearne Cottons Happy Place in summer 2022.
The Book - Nature Flow
Find Sea Light Life on Instagram
This episode was edited by Ben Corbett.
Founder of Nave, Stretch and The Matter App Sophie Whippy kindly shares her expertise about women's health, transitions and sex education.
This episode is full of good advice for educators and parents regarding women's health and how it is closely linked with the Relationship and Sex Education teaching in schools. If you are an educator or parent finding content difficult to share with children then have a listen - Sophie is full of practical ideas.
She also details her exciting upcoming project 'The Matter App' - a sex education app for parents and educators so watch this space!
Find Sophie on Instagram:
@_sophiewhippy
@thematterapp
The Relationship and Sex Education Curriculum (UK)
Recommended Websites:
amaze.org
NSPCC
The Gather(Sophie's wonderful friend in Brighton who hosts open spaces for real conversation)
Sex Education can be viewed on Netflix and is both educational for parents/educators and entertaining. Please note: This is not a program for young children.
Nicola Owen is a Trained teacher, Wellbeing Practitioner and the Founder of Zennic Wellbeing.
In this episode Nicola discusses Perimenopause, the Menopause and hormonal imbalance. Having had to self diagnose Perimenopause and persuade her doctor to prescribe her HRT she has become an expert in dealing with the difficulties the health service presents us women with.
In this episode we talk about why we are still having to work hard to find answers, why we have only just made women's health part of Doctor training and what this means for the generation of women who have missed out on expert care.
Find Nicola on Twitter and Instagram.
The long awaited Women's Health Charter
The Balance App (track your symptoms)
Patrick Ottley-O'Connor (the Head Teacher that is getting women's care in the workplace right!)
Book Recommendation: The Perimenopause Solution
Kevin Hawkins is a Speaker, Trainer, Former Teacher and School Leader, Educational Consultant and Co-Author of The Mindful Teacher's Toolkit.
In this episode Sophie chats to Kevin about mindfulness in schools and how we introduce practices to children and young people. They explore the shift in focus from academic attainment to emotional intelligence, human development and Kevin shares his own mindfulness in schools success stories.
Kevin is the co-founder of Mindwell-Education who offer a range of services including a course for educators.
Explore Mindwell Education's books.
Find Kevin on Twitter and Instagram.
Find David Trevealen and learn more about Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness.
Learn more about the MYRIAD project.
Find out more about Mindfulness for learning.
Kevin Hawkins is a Speaker, Trainer, Former Teacher and School Leader, Educational Consultant and Co-Author of The Mindful Teacher's Toolkit.
In this episode Sophie chats to Kevin about mindfulness in schools and how we introduce practices to children and young people. They explore the shift in focus from academic attainment to emotional intelligence, human development and Kevin shares his own mindfulness in schools success stories.
Kevin is the co-founder of Mindwell-Education who offer a range of services including a course for educators.
Explore Mindwell Education's books.
Find Kevin on Twitter and Instagram.
Find David Trevealen and learn more about Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness.
Learn more about the MYRIAD project.
Find out more about Mindfulness for learning.
Mary Bell states that it is her "deep belief that by experiencing time in nature, we are enabling the healing benefits of the environment around us to help create a better future for our earth & ourselves". In this episode we explore the reasons why nature is an integral part of our wellbeing journey, how we can fit in time with nature whether that be in our workspaces or in our own time.
Read the Nature Fix by Florence Williams
UK Connections - recommended by Mary
Miles Richardson - University of Derby
Incredible Edible - Foraging
The Forest Bathing Institute
Forest Mind UK
Space for Nature
Learning Through Landscapes - funding for schools for outdoor equipment
Connect with Mary Bell
Visit Mary's website
Find Mary on Instagram
You can find out more about us at Mindfulness for learning on our
Website
Samuel Hart is the Founder of TeachStrong. TeachStrong "provide education professionals with the essential tools they need to revitalise their health and well-being."
Sam joins me tto share many practical self-care tips. Whether you are wanting to get a better sleep, develop a mindfulness practice, fit in more exercise or better connect with colleagues and friends Sam has got lots to share to help you along the way. This is a really helpful episode full of practical tips and ideas to support you on your self-care journey.
This episode was edited by Ben Corbett
Connect with Sam
Book the TeachStrong training/workshops
Explore the TeachStrong Website
Connect with Mindfulness for learning
Website
With her book Self-Compassion for Educators being released one year ago in June (2022) Lisa Baylis explores the themes of her book with Sophie, including self-compassion, mindfulness, how we work alongside unsupportive systems and finding space when we feel overwhelmed. Lisa’s book offers a variety of practical tips and this episode is no different, undoubtedly you will come away feeling lighter and well equipped to begin your self-care journey.
Find Lisa Baylis on
Website
Find Mindfulness for learning on
Website
Find out more about us here: Mindfulnessforlearning.com
Sophie speaks to the author of The Wellbeing Toolkit and more recently the The Wellbeing Curriculum. Andrew states that his first book "was 26 years in the making" and in this conversation they go right back to discuss Andrew's childhood, his entrance into teaching and explore the moments that influenced and developed his love for wellbeing in the workplace.
Sophie speaks to Andrew about his life, family and passions including who his wellbeing heroes are, the latest addition to his family, his grand daughter honey, and what he thinks about phonics!
Andrew
Find Andrew on Twitter
Healthy Toolkit Website
Find Andrew's "wellbeing heroes" on Twitter
Kelly Hannaghan
Patrick Ottley-O'Connor
Adrian Bethune
Founders of Healthy Toolkit HQ
Find Healthy Toolkit HQ
Helen Dlamini
Maria O’Neill
Matt Young
Sophie talks to Rhiannon Phillips Bianco - Leader of Wellbeing and Positive Education at Southlands British International School in Rome. Rhiannon shares her expertise on looking after the wellbeing of those who move around the world regularly, how change can impact a person's sense of belonging and also discusses why it is important to educate children and young people about mental health and wellbeing in general. Rhiannon also explores the controversial relationship between the current curriculum and the mental health of educators and children in schools.
Follow Rhiannon on Twitter and LinkedIn
Read Rhiannon's articles for the TES
Read Rhiannon's article in Wanted in Rome Magazine
Watch a short film about Rhiannon's previous work in schools
*Learn more and join the Mindfulness for learning community here.
The Canal and River Trust is a charity that "looks after and brings to life 2,000 miles of waterways". On their website they say “that spending time by water, whether it be your lunch break, daily commute or just a weekend stroll, really can make us feel happier and healthier” so I checked in with the trusts Learning and Skills Coordinator, Helen Evans to chat water, wellbeing and schools.
Canal and River Trust for Kids
Canal and River Trust School Resources
"Making life better by water" - Short Film
John Muir Schools’ Award – Teachers’ Framework
Catalina Bórquez is the COO of The Herbtender.
The Herbtender create "supplements that support your body's ability to recalibrate in the face of life's daily stresses."
Cata kindly chats adaptogens with us, going through her favourites, how we should be navigating them safely and discusses the popularity of adaptogens in foods.
Find herbalists
Kids vitamin list from Cata:
I like Sambucus - Naturally supports the immune system and tastes great (daughter approves!)
Optibac probiotic gummies for every day. But after a course of antibiotics or stomach bug I would always use their sachets (add to their milk or juice). And I also suggest Omega 3, particularly if their diet is not great as this fatty acid is essential for brain development and keeping inflammation levels down.
Ingredients to look out for (nasties) in kids' vitamins:
Anything that is there as a binder, bulk, sweetener. Examples are: Talc, maltodextrin and anything that is not a vitamin or natural ingredient I would encourage you to do a quick google.
This episode was edited by Ben Corbett
Judy Barrington-Smuts explores her experiences of Postnatal depression including how she accepted her ill mental health, her experiences of being in a Mother Baby Unit (MBU) and how this affected the people around her.
Jude has now recovered and sharing her story can bring hope to those experiencing postnatal depression right now. The most important message from this episode is that it will get better.
This episode was edited by Ben Corbett
Advice and Support
Mastitis
NHS Postnatal Depression
Support for Perinatal Mental Illness
Maternal Mental Health Alliance
The book recommended by Jude in the episode
Dr Oscar Serrallach - The Postnatal Depletion Cure: A Complete Guide to Rebuilding Your Health and Reclaiming Your Energy for Mothers of Newborns, Toddlers and Young Children
Mindfulness for learning encourages the use of local bookstores if you want to purchase any of our recommended books. Click here to find your nearest local book shop.
Helen Barnes shares her experiences of being a Learning Mentor with Sophie. She discusses the role, explores it's challenges and shares the things she loved about the job.
They also have a good chat about childcare, secondary education, children with additional needs, wellbeing in education, handwriting and the increase in childhood poverty.
Relevant Links:
Guardian article: Child poverty now costs Britain £38bn a year, says new independent report
Suicide prevention charities
https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
Flexible working
Ofsted report referred to in the episode - Research and analysis. Supporting SEND
Sir Ken Robinson
RSA ANIMATE: Changing Education Paradigms:
Book mentioned in episode: The Caring Teacher by Rob Potts.
Mindfulness for learning encourages the use of local bookstores if you want to purchase any of our recommended books. Click here to find your nearest local book shop.
This week is Baby Loss Awareness Week
According to SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society)
“...the death of a baby is not rare. Every day in the UK around 14 babies die before, during or soon after birth. That means nearly every two hours a family is faced with the devastation of the death of their baby. “
Fiona and Niall lost Matilda in October 2016 at 41 weeks. Fiona shares their story and explores the journey she has been on alongside her partner, family and friends.
SANDS
Tommy's
NHS - Stillbirth
Child Bereavement UK
Baby Loss Awareness Week
Child of Mine, Channel 4 documentary following Fiona and Niall on their journey to having their second baby following their devastating loss.
Alcohol is such a huge part of the culture of many countries across the globe, for a lot of us it is believed that alcohol enables us to connect, deal with stress, sadness, happiness and joy. Reducing or removing alcohol from our lives seems to be on everyone's wish list but actually going through with it is a whole other matter.
Club Soda was created by Dru Jaeger and Laura Willoughby. It's a community supporting those who want to change their drinking habits. The wonderful thing is that the support comes without judgment and without that huge expectation to quit altogether - it turns out we can be mindful drinkers and Dru joins Sophie to discuss how.
The Kindness Method Mindfulness for learning encourages the use of local bookstores if you want to purchase any of our recommended books. Click here to find your nearest local book shop.
Wetherspoons alcohol free options
The Lounges
Club Soda
Dru Jaeger
Sophie chats to Gemma Clark - TES writer, Primary School Teacher and Massage in Schools Instructor. In this episode Gemma reveals exactly what massage can do for the children in your care and how it can have a profound effect on their readiness to learn.
"The Massage in Schools Association is a not-for-profit organisation, bringing together and supporting Massage in Schools (MISP) Trainers, Instructors and branches from over 30 countries worldwide"
Read Gemma's articles
Find Gemma on Twitter
Sophie starts the series with supply teacher and environmental activist - Miranda. They chat all about the challenges and wins of being a supply teacher; the things you may want to expect before choosing to becoming a supply teacher, preconceptions of the people coming to look after our classes and how we can improve the lives and wellbeing of the supply teachers visiting our schools.
Links discussed in the episode:
NEU Help for supply teachers
Conversation with Jo and Miranda from XR Families - How do we cope with parenting in lockdown?
Helen and Sam chat with Sophie about Motherhood; the journey from birth through maternity and into the first years of mum life. They dissect an article written by Eliane Glaser (‘Parent trap: why the cult of the perfect mother has to end’) exploring many topics including expectations, parenting in a pandemic, support, social media and what we can do to create change to improve family life.
Check out Helen's sustainable kids clothing range on Instagram on @dottyole_preloved
Articles
Black women in the UK four times more likely to die in pregnancy or childbirth
Fewer than third of new fathers take paternity leave, research suggests
Books Mindfulness for learning encourages the use of local bookstores if you want to purchase any of our recommended books. Click here to find your nearest local book shop.
What Mothers Do by Naomi Stadlen
Motherhood: A Manifesto by Eliane Glaser
The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan
Websites
MBRRACE-UK: Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries across the UK
For support, advice and information
Motherdom
The Mamma Coach
Mind
NHS Pregnancy and Mental Health
NHS Postnatal depression
Young Minds for Parents
NSPCC Mental Health and Parenting
Amelia is an Early Years Practitioner and joins Sophie to talk about the skills involved in early years learning. Whether you are a parent wanting to understand what is going on in your child’s EYFS classroom or a teacher exploring your early years approach this is an informative episode discussing how play contributes to the wellbeing of children in their first years of life.
Planning in the moment with young children by Anna Ephgrave
The reception year in action by Anna Ephgrave
The nursery year in action by Anna Ephgrave
Community Playthings
Inside Role-Play in Early Childhood Education: Researching young children's perspectives
Claire Kelly talks with Sophie about her own personal journey with mindfulness and discusses how you can successfully create a mindful culture in school.
Claire Kelly began her career as a secondary school teacher and now works for the Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) as the Head of Curricular and Teaching Development*, creating content to support their work which offers training to educators on how to practice and teach mindfulness to the children in their care. She is also a teaching partner at the Oxford Mindfulness Centre which offers courses in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for life and mindfulness teacher training.
MiSP
Oxford Mindfulness Centre
Bamba
Home Mindfulness Network
Bangor
*Following this recording Claire began to work full time for the Oxford Mindfulness Centre as the MBCT Lead and so is no longer working for the Mindfulness in Schools Project.
For Men's Mental Health Week Sophie chats to Adrian all about his preconceptions of parenthood, what those first moments were like when his eldest was born and how he coped with expecting his first child the same month he was booked in to speak alongside the Dalai Lama! It's a great episode recognising the specific experiences men go through in the initial years of becoming a dad.
Adrian Bethune
For advice and support:
Mens Health Forum
Calm
The Samaritans
SHOUT
Mind
In this episode Kaurice Moran talks to Sophie about the difficulties in deciding what constitutes bullying in the workplace, how we can cope with this and she reflects upon her time at a setting where she was bullied, now with much more experience at hand.
She also discusses her move to yoga teaching, what it can do for both adults and children and how we can bring this practice into our daily lives to help manage the stresses of teaching, parenting and schooling and explains why it has created a good balance for her as a teacher.
Support and advice on being bullied at work
Kaurice Instagram
Kaurice Facebook
This is nave
Natasha Eeles, founder of Bold Voices, discusses how education can drive change to tackle gender inequality and cultures of gendered violence.
Mindfulness for learning piece on RSE
Some more helpful information from Natasha
Read our article on Gender in the classroom
Sophie talks to David Cramer Smith, author of the novel, Medway. Discussing the novel initiates conversations about various mental health centred topics from the importance of having a support network, to understanding their relationships with alcohol. They also discuss the education system, what it’s like to be a teacher and why David left teaching for writing and developing.
Buy Medway/Read David's writing here:
Episode 5 meets Leisa Rea; Sophie's favourite school teacher, creator, actor, musician, comedian and member of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain!
Leisa chats with Sophie about creative teaching approaches, the importance of really knowing the children you teach and they dissect their time as pupil and teacher, reflecting on why it worked so well.
Chris is Head Chef at the Great Northern Hotel restaurant Plum and Spilt Milk and also a dad to two young children. Chris chats all about cooking for his family, encouraging his children to try new foods and gives us some top tips on eating and cooking with little ones. We also catch up on the status of those all important school dinners and food education in schools.
Chris' cooking tips
Fran shares how she has coped with spending her Newly Qualified Teacher year in a pandemic and explains how she has been supported by her school since being diagnosed with a rare bone disease Avascular Necrosis.
Please sign up to Mindfulness for learning to get up to date information on school workshops and events.
*please note that an NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) is now called an ECT (Early Career Teacher)
Jessica discusses the many ways she has endeavoured to take care of family wellbeing during an extremely difficult and tumultuous 11 years.
***Please note that towards the end of the episode we discuss being in a state of presence enabling Jessica's survival in a very difficult time. It is clear now upon reflection that Jessica was actually working on autopilot rather than being present and I wish to correct the observation that mindfulness was "getting her through".
For information, advice and support on Domestic Violence:
Refuge
Women's Aid
Solace
Sophie talks to Mel Draisey about looking after her own wellbeing alongside looking after others in her role as a Musician in Healthcare.
Mel's article about her experiences bringing music to a Neonatal Unit
Find Mel on Instagram and Facebook