A Word from Sharyn Hi! My name is Sharyn Orr. In 2008 I moved to Kyogle from Townsville and made a career change into Childrens sevices. I really wanted to work with children with additional needs , so ,as part of my work experience in Cert 111 Children’s services, i did some volunteer work at Jumbunna. Here I am 6 years later!! I have been involved in several different programs including R.I.P.S (reverse intergration pre school), Parent Infant Group, ASD and Stratheden Mobile Pre school. Currently i work in Parent Infant group with Debbie, our group leader and therapists, the Platypus room on Monday and Tuesday with Michelle and our team leader Raylene and in the Koala room on Thursday and friday with Wendy , Kim and room leader Judy! Working as part of a trans disciplinary team, I have attained a wealth of knowledge and skills from staff and therapists which I use every day in and out of the classroom to assist me in giving the children the best possible opportunity of learning. About 4 years ago I was going through a personal struggle and had the opportunity to attend an 8 week Mindfulness /meditation course. This had such a positive influence on my personal and work life, I knew others could benefit too. I really wanted to bring some practices into our centre. Early this year at Jumbunna , several staff attended a 6 week mindfulness/ meditation course. Everybody came away with many positive benifits and now use these practices regularly in their daily lives! I statrted reading into Mindfulness for children and found that a lot of research has been done on the benefits of this practice and how it can help with Emotional regulation, behavioural issues and anxieties Etc. I spoke to our director Karen about my findings and how I would love to bring some simple strategies into our rest time in the Platypus room! She was very encouraging and supportive! ! Some of the things we do are: mindfulness Listening, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing buddies and guided meditations. The children are responding very positively and it is such a great feeling when you can show them little techniques to use when they are anxious or heightened! I am honoured to be working with such a dedicated, passionate team of women and even more honoured to be able to have a tiny positve input into the lives of our precious children at Jumbunna!! PLAY IS LEARNING! 🙂 Sharyn practising mindfulness with the children.
