building up hearts & minds
Whether you are using the programme at school, in an organisation or at home, the iCoach4kids material is delivered using entertaining and engaging video content, with a supportive adult alongside to facilitate the practical activities, games and workbook exercises.
The programme has been created to suit a range of learning styles, including visual, auditory and kinaesthetic, in other words - watching, reading, listening, writing and hands on learning! It is presented in a fun and friendly way, by several characters
-
Jay Jay our animated character with his positive words of wisdom
​
-
Coach Ang shares the main content in her inspiring and encouraging style
​
-
Sally the Scientist and her young genius' bring a bit of silliness and fun to the lessons
-
The iCoach kids give their thoughts on the topic of the lesson
​
-
And you, the supporting adult, bring it all together and make it a personal experience
Activities
In each of the lessons there are hands-on demonstrations and activities, which enhance the key messages of the programme. It is widely agreed that actions strengthen new pathways in the brain, so with each lesson there is a practical element to help create those stronger connections (and have fun!) There are also Mindful Moments, which include deep breathing exercises, guided relaxations, and gratitude, helping kids to focus on the positive, and come back to their 'senses'.
Coaching
The whole premise of the iCoach4kids programme is that "I can be my own coach." To help them learn to do this, Jay Jay and Ang team up to teach practical ideas and strategies that kids can use when they are 'in the moment' of uncomfortable feelings or challenging situations. The latest techniques from neuroscience and positive psychology are taught using simple language and easy to follow instructions. These techniques provide tangible steps which kids can use to build up their resilience.
workbook
Each lesson is accompanied by workbook activities so kids can keep track of the valuable knowledge they are learning, and also have something special to take home to share with friends or family. The workbook contains tips and reminders of how to work through challenges, and is a great resource to look back on in the future. Some of the content includes a personal strengths questionnaire, ideas to calm our mind and body, and activities to build resilience. There is also a sticker chart as an incentive for completing different tasks.
values
You don't need to be a brain scientist to know the biggest thing our kids need is love! The iCoach4kids programme separates love into 5 core needs, Acceptance, Belonging, Reassurance, Value and Hope. When a child has these needs met, they grow up with a strong sense of identity, and the core strength required to overcome challenges. We address a different one of these needs in each lesson using stories to inspire the kids that they are good enough, they have a high value and they belong in this world!
Programme Creator
Hi there, my name is Ang Jackson. I live in the beautiful Bay of Plenty town of Whakatane, New Zealand. I have a background of working in the mental health sector, and am also a trained guidance counsellor and have run a successful coaching practice. I have delivered this programme to hundreds of children, teachers and adults in Eastern Bay of Plenty school's, ECE centre's, social services and 1:1 coaching sessions, and I am passionate about children understanding and believing in their intrinsic worth and value.
