As It Is:
Understanding Children with Special Needs from a Buddhist and
Relationship Driven Perspective with Experiential Arts
Course details
Lecturers: Torey Hayden, Marianna Bauko, Kristin Powers, Ramila Rai
Meditation Teacher: Shlomo Springer
Dates:
-
Module 1: 8th August - 12th August 2024
-
Module 2: 7th - 11th November 2024
-
Module 3: 6th - 10th February 2025 & 17th - 21st April 2025
-
Module 4: 17th July - 21st July & 27th November - 1st December 2025
Duration: 1 year, part-time course
Format: Live streaming
Language: All classes and instruction are in English
Commitment: attendance, class participation, completing assignments and reflective practice
Award: Abiding Heart Education™ Certificate in Understanding Children with Special needs
Fee: US$1,200
Course Description
This course offers an understanding of children with special needs, drawing together the Buddhist view, current Western scientific thinking, experience, and the Steinerian therapeutic arts. Appropriate for teachers, parents and others with an interest in childhood differences, this course will offer a full overview of physical and psychological differences with an emphasis on practical application. Course design will include contemplative, experiential, and artistic components to provide a nourishing environment for learning.
The course will be delivered through a series of lectures, case study work, contemplation, discussion, meditation and healing through art and dance.
We highly recommend anyone intending to take this course to also complete our child development course, either before or after this course.
‘As It Is’ is a one-year part-time course and consists of 4 mandatory modules:
-
Module 1: Understanding - 1 week
-
Module 2: Strengthening - 2 weeks
-
Module 3: Supporting - 2 weeks
-
Module 4: Nurturing - 1 week
Modules Details
Module 1: Understanding
Dates: 8th August - 12th August 2024
Duration: 1 week
Description
The aim of module 1 is to provide an understanding of why inclusion of children with differences and disabilities is important. To do this, we will explore the Buddhist perspective, in particular the concept of karma and its role. An overview of the variety of special needs will follow. Lovingkindness and compassion meditation and contemplation will take place at regular intervals during the two weeks. Students will work with one or more case studies.
There will be a session dedicated to exploring the Medicine Buddha in view, meditation and application.
In the art section of the course, we experience the themes developed in the lectures and meditation sessions through the experiential arts and movement.
Module 2: Strengthening
Dates: 7 - 11 November 2024
Duration: 1 weeks
Description:
The aim of Module 2 is to consolidate the knowledge gained from Module 1 through review and meditation. We will then explore ways to identify strengths in children with special needs and how to modify everyday life to be more inclusive. Lovingkindness and compassion meditation and contemplation will take place at regular intervals during the week. Review and work with case studies will be included.
We will continue exploring and practicing the Medicine Buddha in view, meditation and application.
In the art section of the course, we continue to experience the themes developed in the lectures and meditation sessions through the experiential arts and movement.
Module 3: Supporting
Dates: 6th - 10th February 2023 & 17th - 21st April 2025
Duration: 2 weeks
Description:
The aim of Module 3 will be to provide ways of supporting children with special needs and those living and working with them when problems occur. We will review the Buddhist perspective and karma and then go on to explore practical methods of behavior management and changes that are responsive to the children's differences. Time will also be given to classroom discussion of personal experiences in this area and troubleshooting. Lovingkindness and compassion meditation and contemplation will take place at regular intervals during the week. Review and work with case studies will be included.
We will continue to deepen our practice of the Medicine Buddha meditation.
In the art section of the course, we continue to explore experientially the themes developed in the lectures and meditation sessions through the experiential arts and movement.
Module 4: Nurturing
Dates: 17th July - 21st July & 27th November - 1st December 2025
Duration: 2 week
Description:
The aim of Module 4 will be to synthesize the learning from the previous three modules with a emphasis on the role of relationships with and for children with special needs. We will explore strategies for strengthening relationships between the children and parents, teachers and peers. This will include teaching social skills, and dealing with negative issues such as bullying. Lovingkindness and compassion meditation and contemplation will take place at regular intervals during the week. Review and work with case studies will be included.
We will continue to deepen our practice of the Medicine Buddha meditation.
In the art section of the course, we continue to explore experientially the themes developed in the lectures and meditation sessions through the experiential arts and movement.
Daily class schedule: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.
If you have any queries, please contact us at admissions@abidingheart.education or complete an admissions inquiry form.