Child & Youth Services EXPO

At this workshop, you will experience a heightened story-telling experience performed by Briar Boake of the story “Milton’s Secret” by Eckhart Tolle and Robert S. Friedman. Using the lessons in the story and mindfulness techniques students learn how to stay in the moment and cope with fear and anxiety.

The second part of the workshop will sample The T.A.S.A.M. (Tackling Anxiety and Stress through Arts and Mindfulness) program which uses a Creative Arts education approach (storytelling, visual arts, drama and mindful movement), in conjunction with an expert in child development to introduce strategies and tools that will effectively manage the challenges of everyday anxiety and stress for years to come. It is a discussion facilitated by Jennifer Kay a Child and Youth Counsellor and Mental Health advocate, where the participants will be able to take the tips and tools learned in this workshop immediately back to “real world” situations to implement. Topics that will be covered include-

• How to maintain an organized and predictable environment
• Ways to be mindful of your own body language and tone and its effect on your environment
• How to make transitions easier
• Ways to listen when students share their worries or anxieties
• Strategies to normalize anxious and worried feelings
• Sharing media and resources that help to reduce the stigma of anxiety
• Having realistic expectations and adjusting expectations
• Communicating with parents and caregivers