Course Schedule

Core Activities

Day 1: Introduction to STPM and building connections

Start the week with an active introduction to the Smart Teachers Play More (STPM) approach, emphasising the importance of collaboration, creativity, and well-being in education. Participate in energising ice-breaking activities to connect with European colleagues and build a supportive learning community. Discover Spain’s rich cultural heritage through “The Spanish Corner,” featuring engaging activities and traditions. Explore digital tools for sharing resources and fostering collaboration. Conclude the day with a relaxed social gathering at a local venue, setting the tone for a dynamic and inspiring course.

Day 2: Foundations of mindfulness – Simple techniques for well-being

Immerse yourself in the foundations of mindfulness and well-being. Practise simple techniques first-hand and reflect on how small mindfulness and breathwork interventions increase happiness, joy, and foster healthy habits for teachers and students.   Part of this session will be taken on the beach.

Day 3: Implementing mindfulness with "Now Minutes" – an STPM approach

Using the STPM concept of "Now Minutes," learn step by step how to implement mindfulness, meditation, and calming activities into daily classroom routines. Discover how calm activities can also be integrated with academic objectives to create a balanced and focused learning environment.   Part of this session will be taken on the beach.

Day 4: Learning, reflecting, and building relationships in Altea

Experience a day of inspiration and relaxation in the picturesque village of Altea, blending learning, exploration, and cultural exchange. Begin the day by transforming the local beach into a dynamic outdoor classroom. Engage in whole-class teacher-directed movement activities and calming games designed for open spaces, fostering creativity and mindfulness. Following refreshments and a reflective session, enjoy free time to connect with European colleagues while exploring Altea’s charming streets, unique shops, and Mediterranean views.

Conclude the day with a cultural evening, featuring presentations of participants’ local foods, drinks, music, and traditions. Enjoy team-building activities and music games, creating a vibrant atmosphere of connection and celebration.

Day 5: Sharing good mindfulness practices - A European dimension

Share and be inspired by good practices in a collaborative session where participants exchange mindfulness and calming activities from schools all over Europe.

Integrating movement and mindfulness into the classroom

Discover how movement and mindfulness can transform your classroom through yoga- and Pilates-inspired activities. Experience full-body mindfulness practices, including the body scan, and learn to integrate these techniques seamlessly into daily routines for a calm and focused learning environment.

Day 6: Mindfulness, Spanish nature, and sustainability – Making the connections

Engage in mindful outdoor activities, such as walks and creating natural mandalas, to reflect on how connecting with nature fosters sustainable behaviours and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Use the environment as a tool for focus, creativity, and well-being.

Using digital tools to support mindfulness and well-being

Discover how digital tools can make mindfulness and well-being easier to practice in daily life. Explore how mindful integration of technology can boost emotional awareness, build positive habits, and create balance for both teachers and students.

Turning mindfulness into action

Conclude the week with vision planning to create actionable goals for implementing mindfulness in your teaching. Define short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to foster well-being and focus, and strengthen your commitment through collaborative discussions and shared intentions.

Day 7: Reflection, Storytelling and STPM at Santa Barbara Castle
Participants begin the morning with a short interactive storytelling session exploring a local legend connected to Santa Bárbara Castle and how storytelling, history, and multimodal learning can be combined through the STPM methodology. The day continues with a guided educational field trip from Hotel Maya through Monte Benacantil up to the different levels of the castle, followed by a walk down through Parque de la Ereta and the Barrio Santa Cruz. Along the route, participants engage in several learning stations, including mindful listening activities, mindful observation of the horizon and castle silhouette, and a team spotting and sketching challenge using cardboard frames to identify natural features, landmarks, and elements of the local environment. The experience models how outdoor and urban spaces can be used as meaningful learning environments that encourage wellbeing, creativity, reflection, and active learning.