ImaginationGYM® in the Classroom:
A Proven Educational Tool
ImaginationGYM® gives teachers, SNAs, school counsellors and resource teachers a proven, curriculum-aligned system for developing children's imagination, concentration, self-esteem and emotional balance. In-service training approved by the Department of Education in Ireland.
Tools for the Whole School Team
ImaginationGYM® is used by a wide range of educational professionals — each finding different applications within their role.
Teachers
Class teachers use ImaginationGYM® for S.P.H.E., Media Studies, Nature, Global Studies, Religious Studies and Reflective Time. The methodology works as a whole-class activity, in small groups, or as individual listening time.
Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)
SNAs find ImaginationGYM® particularly effective for supporting children with learning difficulties, behavioural challenges, and emotional regulation needs in a one-to-one or small group setting.
Resource Teachers
Resource teachers use the programme to develop listening skills, focus and self-regulation — building the foundational capacities children need to engage effectively with core curriculum activities.
School Counsellors
School counsellors use ImaginationGYM® to provide emotional awareness activities, stress reduction tools, and a safe imaginative space for children dealing with difficult feelings.
Home/School Liaison
The home/school liaison officer can recommend ImaginationGYM® activity packs for home use, extending the school programme into the family environment and involving parents actively.
Leadership Teams
School principals and leadership teams seeking a whole-school approach to wellbeing, creativity and listening skills use ImaginationGYM® as a coherent, research-backed programme for all year groups.
Where It Fits in the School Day
ImaginationGYM® integrates naturally into a wide range of curriculum areas and school activities. It is not an add-on — it supports and enriches existing learning across the school day.
How to Use It in School
CD Only (Individual or Paired)
Each child or pair of children listens to the audio adventure individually. This format gives maximum imaginative freedom and works well in resource settings, SNA support sessions, and homework time.
Small Group Sessions
Groups of 4–8 children listen together, then share reactions and complete their individual Activity Books. The group format allows gentle peer sharing while respecting each child's unique imaginative experience.
Whole Class
The audio is played to the whole class. Works particularly well at transitions, as a settling activity, or as the imaginative stimulus for a creative writing lesson. A moment of discussion about the adventure follows.
ImaginationGYM® Training for Teachers
In-service training approved by the Department of Education in Ireland. Comprehensive, practical, and grounded in educational theory.
Teacher Training Course Topics
SNA Training Course
A tailored training course for Special Needs Assistants covers the ImaginationGYM® methodology as applied to individual and small group support for children with learning difficulties, emotional challenges, or behavioural needs.
SNA Training Topics Include
Also Available
- →Professional development workshops for all staff
- →Seminars on behavioural, emotional and learning difficulties
- →Training for professionals working with children in the community
- →Information talks for parents of children with special needs
A Tool for Every Child
ImaginationGYM® is uniquely inclusive — there is no right or wrong response, which means every child succeeds.
For Hyperactive & ADHD Children
ImaginationGYM® will allow hyperactive children to develop concentration, focus and self-regulated behaviour by building up their listening skills progressively. The structure of the audio — with its carefully designed spacing and silences — is particularly effective at holding and developing children's attention capacity.
For Children with Learning Difficulties
Mary Mountstephen, UK Education Coordinator, specialises in dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADD. The audio format bypasses written literacy barriers entirely, allowing children with reading difficulties to engage fully with rich educational content and express themselves creatively through drawing and other non-written means.
For Gifted Children
The open-ended, imagination-led format challenges gifted children in a different dimension to traditional academic tasks. A gifted child and a child with learning difficulties can both listen to the same adventure and both be genuinely challenged and stimulated in their own unique way.
For Anxious or Withdrawn Children
The self-paced nature of ImaginationGYM® means the child does not have to share anything unless they wish to. For anxious, withdrawn or traumatised children, this respect for personal boundaries creates a safe space for genuine engagement with no social pressure.
Bring ImaginationGYM® to Your School
Contact us to discuss training, resources and how to implement ImaginationGYM® across your school. Email info@imaginationgym.com or use the contact form.