Usage Notes for Educators

CD and Activity Book Usage

CD only Can be used for quiet time/ reflective time activity
Can be played in morning to relax the classroom atmosphere
Can be used on headsets by individual children

Can be used to help with bereavement or other emotional issues
Can be used in the background for creative projects

Circle Time and Assembly
CD’s and activity books for small groups Can be used by resource teachers, school counsellors, SNA’s, special education teachers, childcare staff and parents.
Facilitator CD and activity books for each child One CD for the teacher and books for each child in the group.
CD’s and activity books for large groups Each child is using their own CD and activity book. We recommend that the CD’s are given to the children to be used at home and that the Activity Books are left with the facilitators. This ensures the safe storage of the Activity Books and that they will be available when required. Home usage of the CD can assist with family interaction, preparing for study and sleeping difficulties.
Group projects based on The Enchanted Forest Art/ Collage work based on the theme of The Enchanted Forest

Digital Photography projects based on nature and the environment
Home Usage Recommendations by educational experts to parents for use of the CD/ activity book in the home.


Individual/ Group Usage

One-to-one

 The programs can be used in one-to-one work for individualised programs e.g. educational, clinical and home settings. This caters for a child with a specific problem such as behaviour, or an emotional or learning difficulty.
Small groups

 The programs can be used as part of a structured curriculum or program e.g. educational or clinical. With a smaller group more emphasis can be placed on listening skills, emotional balance as children will be more open to discussion in a smaller group setting. The emotional connection with the educator can be developed more with smaller groups of children.
Large groups

 The programs can be used with large groups of children on a less regular basis for relaxation, listening skills, and group work. In larger groups, more attention needs to be paid to the group dynamics by encouraging children to become aware of the need to not disturb others and to have boundaries. Emphasis can also be placed on privacy and respect for other work.


Integrated Session (CD and Activity Book)

Preparation for ImaginationGYM® Session (Integrated)
Time
  • How long
  • Making time available
  • Most appropriate time of day
  • Routine
Space Physical Space

  • Prepare the room for the session
  • Warm comfortable environment
  • Dim lights
  • Temperature of room
  • Fresh air
  • Turn off mobile phones
  • “Do Not Disturb” sign

Safe Space

Quiet Space

Reflective Space
Materials
  • CD player
  • CD
  • Volume
  • Headsets
  • Computers (listening/ drawing)
  • Cushions and rugs
  • Activity Books
  • Blank pages
  • Colouring materials
Important guidelines for facilitators
  • Active participation in the activity
  • Make every effort to relax
  • Be present in the process at all times
Important guidelines for children
  • Focus on yourself and what you are doing
  • Do not disturb anyone else
Additional notes
  • Emphasise the importance of silence to children
  • Pick a child to be a leader (if required)
  • Allow up to ten minutes at the end of the session for transition time
  • Use of music in the background
  • Individual colouring materials
  • Sufficient workspace for children