Kilkenny teacher to launch trilogy of mindful poetry books for children

Meaningful Mindful Poetry is a collection of three books tailored to children, preteens, and teenagers. The poetry, complemented by thoughtful illustrations, aims to help young people explore challenging emotions and difficult-to-navigate situations.

Published by Outside the Box Learning Resources, this anthology is a practical tool for parents, teachers, and young people to spark conversations about mindful practices that nurture their well-being.

Bernie, an experienced primary school teacher and creator of the poetry series, is passionate about sharing tools to support children's mental well-being. With 18 years of teaching experience, she says she can attest to the role mindfulness techniques can play in fostering effective coping mechanisms for big feelings.

"From a very young age, poetry has played a huge role in my life," said Ms Woods. "I have realised how a poem can open so many conversations and can open so many doors.

"Throughout my teaching career, I have used poems to stimulate conversations and talk about very important topics. I'm thrilled to realise a lifelong dream to publish poetry books and bring these essential mindful tools to parents and children everywhere."

As a creative mindfulness practitioner, Ms Woods delivers mindfulness workshops across Ireland's south east region. The Ferrybank resident engages the creative mindfulness method to teach young people how to harness mindful practices that support them in navigating life's challenges.

Mindfulness is a growing field, and its practice enables participants to slow down in a world that continues to pick up pace. Reconnecting with our bodies is key to exploring our emotions, and developing skills to practise mindfulness at an early age is invaluable, said Ms Woods.

"Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to introduce mindfulness based on the creative mindfulness method to thousands of children across the south east, and there is such a need for these tools in children's lives. Mindfulness gives children the tools to bring themselves back to the present moment."

The Meaningful Mindful Poetry series consists of three books for children aged 5 to 8, 8 to 11, and 11 to 14. With growing evidence that mindfulness helps children learn, foster a strong sense of self, and forge genuine connections, Ms Woods says her contemporary collection has never been more relevant.

The Book Centre in Waterford City will host the official launch of Bernie's Meaningful Mindful Poetry on Friday, November 22, at 6pm. All are welcome to attend.