3 Ways to Use (Adapted) Yoga in Classrooms to Enhance Learning

Photo: The author demonstrates
breathing technique with
Hoberman Sphere. Watch video here

(Updated from Original Post 9/18/11)

Many of the teachers I talk with are interested in introducing yoga in their classrooms, but they hesitate, citing what are a few common drawbacks (in their minds), such as it will take up too much time from their required curriculum, or there is no room to store mats/equipment or that they are not trained yoga teachers.

In addition, the recent complaint filed by the Encinitas parents, highlights concerns over promoting eastern religions, saying children who exercise their choice to opt out of the popular program faced bullying and teasing. (Read full article: California Parents Sue over Grade School Yoga. I will address this issue in another post.)

While these are all legitimate concerns, the benefits outweigh the them, and each concern can be worked around:

• You don't need to do a complete yoga class for it to have any benefit (of course, 30-45 minutes is better than 5, but 5 minutes is better than none at all. Its more about the quality of what you do in that 5 minutes.)
• You don't need mats or any equipment at all (yoga can be done at the desk or standing next to it.)
• You don't need to be trained in 500 hours of yoga to start out leading students with simple & basic instruction. (An experienced yoga teacher can show you how to adapt & simplify yoga for classrooms.)
• Instruction can easily be adapted and taught in plain & simple "exercise" terminology, with no religious philosophy, spiritual language or references to 'yoga' at all. (Its more about the movement than what type of movement you utilize.)

One might argue that if we do all of the above, then its not really yoga. I argue that it is. The term "yoga" means simply, "to bring [yoke] together". In my mind, this is referring to an intention more than a specific method to realize that intention. So to me, yoga looks different to everyone, and encompasses a variety things that "bring [and individual] together." It can be called whatever you like, and take on whatever adapted form you like, and no one needs to be afraid of it. Its your yoga. I know it can look intimidating when taught in a manner that is foreign and unrealistic for most of us, but I have worked for many years to make yoga more kid-friendly, classroom friendly, and accessible to the average person, and have found it to be so beneficial for myself & for so many. I'm not saying that it is the only way to go-its just one method of many that can be easily used to help improve health & learning.

Yoga in The Classroom, when adapted and applied properly, can be of great benefit to all students (& staff) and can infuse fun into any learning environment! Its most beneficial to set up a daily or weekly routine so the children know what to expect. The key is to make it fun and engaging so the children will look forward to it!

In a typical Yoga studio class, shoes are off at the door, you get your mat, you find your space and sit or lie quietly waiting for class to begin. In the classroom, you can designate a time, area & routine for yoga much in this same manner, using this same procedure as a template. (Kids love to take their shoes off during class and dim the lights. )

Yoga sessions will not look anything like a typical, traditional yoga class for adults. Your class should be of a length to suit the age/ability/attention span you are working with. In general, the younger the children, or for children with sensory/cognitive challenges,  the shorter the activity duration.

For an elementary class 20- 30 minutes is good. For a Middle school child 30-50 minutes and High school an hour is fine for a formal practice. (For children with adaptive needs, 15-20 minutes at intervals through out each day is beneficial.)

Teaching in a conventional classroom may not allow this duration, so short 5- 15 minute intervals of movement & incorporation of various techniques such as storytelling, breathing, art & imagery can be used effectively to release excess or nervous energy, re-focus, relax and reduce overall stress.  (Highly effective prior to test-taking!)

Here are three easy ways that Yoga can be used in the classroom to enhance learning readiness:

1-Improve Focus:
"Where's My Stone" Game (Exercise takes about 5-10 minutes.) Using simple Imagery Games will help children develop skills needed for focusing on writing, test taking, math calculations and more.  Take a bag of small or medium sized assorted natural river stones. (Can be found in craft or dollar stores.) Have each child select a stone by reaching into a velvet bag or another type of drawstring bag.  Once they each have their stone, have them hold it in their hand and feel it. (Prompt them to notice texture, dents, bumps and cracks with their fingers and then with their eyes.) Prompt them to look at their stone carefully and notice the color, texture, cracks or unusual shapes & features of their stone. Once they have observed their stone quietly for a few minutes, have them close their eyes and/or lay heads down on desks. Prompt them to imagine their stone in their minds as clearly as possible. Imagine just their stone. [You can end the exercise here or take it a step further:] Have the children place their stones in a basket or bowl and mix them up. Then pass the bowl around to each child and have them find and retrieve their stone. Ask them to share how they knew it was their stone. (I let them keep their stones at the end of the lesson, telling them that I use this game to help me concentrate better.)

2-Release Stress:
(Duration: 5-10 minutes) Slow controlled movement breaks, heavy work activities, coloring & simple breathing techniques will help a child immediately calm, release stress and re-focus on the task at hand. Movement can easily be incorporated into daily classroom activities or as a transition between subjects. This is not the same as recess or phys-ed. This is movement to help keep the brain engaged during repetitive or difficult tasks. For a description of one simple & effective technique called "The 4Bs" click here. Or try some Summer Yoga Postures or Other postures from our old web page.

3-Improve Social skills:
(Duration: 5-15 minutes) Movement Games & Storytelling activities offer so many opportunities for children to become part of a story, practice social skills & cooperate with a group. In addition, this can strengthen language and literacy skills if its tied into a language arts or reading unit.  Select stories that are familiar & age appropriate to the children or that have familiar themes/characters, such as folk tales, or children's stories or provide a theme and allow the children to add details as they go around the circle. You can use stories from your language arts book or your school library. You can even use a story format for the lesson you are teaching. Or, have each child share a story that they like. Provide props, instruments or other sound effects to bring the story to life. Have the children use yoga poses or just make up movements to "act out", tell & remember the story through movement sequencing. Allow the children work on group a mural that illustrates the story and/or the movements. To offer some inspiration, see our  Story & Activity Archive,  and Sensory Games  pages for you to use in the classroom, therapy room or at home.


A Final Note:

While yoga in itself is considered a complete mind/body exercise system, it is not the only activity that promotes this integration. All forms of movement, stretching, dancing, playground games and other active learning will help with bringing whole-child awareness and focus to the body and the thoughts as a whole.

If you decide to try yoga, you do not have to know the traditional forms perfectly in order to incorporate activities into your elementary or middle school classroom. You don't even have to call it 'yoga'. Adaptive Yoga is just what it sounds like: It adapts & breaks yoga science down into more recognizable child-friendly activities & games that will keep kids moving, calm & engaged. This will greatly benefit classroom environment, reducing tension & anxiety, encouraging positive student interactions & enhancing overall learning on all levels.

I strongly encourage you to try & experience yoga or other daily movement activities, as a before or after school program, or right in the classroom, & notice the difference.


*For help designing a customized adaptive classroom program for your students, please contact Barbara@bodylogique.com .



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In Case You Missed it: Learning Through Play



Photo: M&H Online

play/plā/

Verb:	Engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.
Noun:	Activity engaged in for enjoyment and recreation, esp. by children.
Synonyms:	verb.  perform - act - toy noun.  game - performance - drama - sport

More info »Dictionary.com - Answers.com - Merriam-Webster - The Free Dictionary

For me, the last 2 months have been filled with life changes, hellos and goodbyes, transitions, stress (storms)  

and schedules, etc. and I think its time to start to get back top where I was when these crazy events started-

and lighten up a little bit. 

This week's posts are related to play. I've even included some links to our educational (and sensory) toy recommendations.

If you have an article link you would like to add, contact Barbara at the e-mail at the bottom of this post. Please report any broken links to Barbara at the e-mail link below.

Have a Play-Full Weekend!


~Barbara




The Value of Recess and Outdoor Play
(Education.com) 

The 4T's: Trusting Children as Learners
(Jeff's Blog)

A Day in The Afterschool Program: Helping Children Make Good Choices
(Marimouth.com)

Transforming Play Areas
(Engage for Education)

The 5 Best Toys of All Time
(Geek Dad) 

Yoga Added To Elementary School Lesson Plan
(VOA News)

Playing for the Future
(M&HOnline)

Worth Repeating: In Defense of Board Games
(PediaStaff)

Parents, Encourage Physical Activity!
(PKIDs Blog)

Headbanz-
(One of my Favorite Family Games)

Rory's Story Cubes
(Fun for Kids 8-12)

Textured Tangle
(For visual and tactile sensory fun!)

Create a Face
( Promotes fine motor skills, creativity, imaginative thinking and emotional awareness. Got to Love Melissa and Doug!)




"Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold."   ~Joseph Chilton Pearce, Contemporary American scholar




Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com

Bigger Pastures-Taller Fences (Rules & Policies Gone too Far)

Photo: pitchup.com

I once found a Japanese quote that went something like this:

"Give your child a big pasture-with a tall fence".

It resonated with me on many levels since I grew up in a household where there were many rules and restrictions. While I recognize that there is a need for balance & structure in one's life, there also needs to be room for exploration and fun, and this is largely overlooked especially when it comes to raising & educating our children.

I was talking with a fellow yoga teacher last spring, who related a story to me of a school she was contracted by to do preschool yoga classes. She was frustrated because she had been told by that school's principal that the children are not allowed to remove their shoes during yoga. The reason: in case there is a fire/drill.

Huh??

Aside from the fact that shoes prevent them from doing the yoga postures in proper alignment, and that shoes destroy mats, (dirt, scuff marks, tears, etc) let's talk about the engagement factor: tactile input on the feet relaxes and engages them for longer periods of time, (think of a foot massage) and relaxation is one of the purposes & benefits of yoga. So this school policy has reduced the yoga classes (that the parent's association paid for) to the equivalent of in-school babysitting. (The teacher leaves the room entirely during the yoga session.)

But let us come back to the "must wear shoes during yoga" policy.

It leads me to question if the children are allowed to use the bathroom during the day-(I mean, what if they have their pants down and there is a fire or a drill. I mean personally, I'd MUCH rather have no shoes on during a fire drill than no pants.)

How about water, snacks and lunch? Are they not allowed either? I mean someone could choke on something if the alarm went off and startled them. (Or if they tripped on their shoelaces.)

And in the absence of a fire drill: Pencils? Crayons? Paint? Scissors? How can a school logically risk the liability of putting these dangerous implements in the hands of children who clearly don't see those everyday dangers? (Until administration spells it all out for them.)

And don't even let me get started on that soap they use in the lavatories. I think its made from some kind of heavily perfumed toxic acid substance. (Children should be required to attend a "Right to Know" workshop before they touch that stuff.)

Has everyone gone completely mad?

Yes, I know that things could (and do) happen, but do we not see that we have taken all the fun and spontaneity out of learning (and childhood) by taking "safety" entirely too far? We make way too many (ridiculous) rules for kids to follow, so they don't take any of them seriously. They can't possibly take any of them seriously. We are not gaining their cooperation, we are showing them that the ones making (and enforcing) those rules are not to be taken seriously either. How can children respect and trust adults who appear to be intent on restricting them and their activities more and more for no logical reasons? How can they learn from, or, more importantly, what are they learning from us?

If administrations are truly looking to keep kids safe, gain compliance, or to have quiet and order,they are going about it the wrong way. Here is just a modest a sampling of ridiculous rules & bans from around the world:


School asks Deaf Preschooler to Change His Sign Language Name

Australian School Bans Cartwheels

Primary School Bans Ball Games

Saggy Pants Ban

Denver Neighborhood Bans Children from Drawing on Sidewalks with Chalk

Ban on Talking at Lunch for 'Health and Safety' Concerns

School Eases Peanut Ban Policy After Protests


Its not even about protecting our children anymore or creating an optimum learning environment where they actually learn things of value. The kids know this. They know its not for their benefit. They know its about (schools) not getting sued and they know that is the poorest reason to make a rule or policy. Its also a sad statement about what we place a value on.

The solution does not have to be complicated or (heaven forbid) cost large amounts of money. How about if we start teaching kids how to think, (as opposed to what to think) and how to make better decisions?  Along with that we can teach them to plan ahead, be prepared & be more self-reliant and resilient if something unexpected does occur.  We need to communicate better-not more-and infuse common sense into policies. We need to make fewer rules, for the right reasons.

If we clear bigger pastures & build taller fences, I believe that the rest will fall into place.

**What are some of the ridiculous rules or policies that your school, company or community has adopted? Please share with us in the comments below! (Feel free to post article links and your suggestions for more logical solutions.)




Contact Barbara through www.bodylogique.com




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3 Keys to Effective Children's Yoga Classes

Most educators can remember a time when we have planned what we thought was a fantastic lesson only to have it fizzle out when we presented it. Its no different with children's yoga. Sometimes the plan works, and sometimes it doesn't. While it's all part of our own learning process, it can be frustrating embarrassing and de-motivating when it does happen.

I've put together what I think are the 5 most important keys that minimize this effect. Taken from my own personal mistakes, I hope that new teachers can learn from them, and experienced teachers will add to this list so we can all continue to bring quality programming to children everywhere!


Variety -
Activities that only address one topic or one learning style will fail to engage some of the other students. Think of ways to include all of the senses and all of the learning styles in an activity to vary your sequences, games, topics and activities. For example, rhymes combined with postures or music-based activity combined with movement- (such as the "Freeze Dance" Game)  or breathing combined with art will ensure that your lessons will work for all students.


Engagement-  
An effective, interactive warm-up activity will draw students interest into the theme. This is the key to starting a class off right. I know a teacher who shows a series of pictures to her students before starting a class. Another starts with a 'Memory Game" of what was done last class. Whatever you do, take the first five minutes to draw students into the lesson: to get, and keep, them engaged.



Flexibility -
Sometimes we plan our lesson down to the minute only to find that the kids take it in another direction. Or, we find that we have more than enough material for the class and some things will not get done in the time allowed. We feel pressure when this happens. This happens more than you know. I have found that its a good idea to stay flexible. Always allow some space in lessons so student questions can be answered or that spontaneous trains of thought can be followed to new understanding & a broader experience for your students.





What are some other tips that you have discovered that work for effective children's yoga or other academic or enrichment activities? Please tell us in the comments below!


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Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com

In Case You Missed it: Top Posts for the Week of March 5- 9

Photo:
missedmytrain.com

"In Case You Missed It" is a new feature on the S.M.Art Kids Blog.

Each Friday, we will feature the top articles (archived and new) that are relevant to students, educators & our personal interactions that week.

To read the original article, click on the title link. (A short description taken right from the article appears under each link.) The source is listed next to the article title. If you have an article link you would like to add, contact Barbara at the e-mail at the bottom of this post.

Have a great weekend!

~Barbara


8 Creative Ways to Share Yoga With Children 
(Mind Body Green)
The great thing about yoga is that it naturally addresses all of these modes of expression; from partner poses, to singing, to learning about angles as they relate to the body and our bodies as they relate to the natural world....


What to look for When Looking for a Babysitter for your Autistic Child 
(AutismUnited.org)
It is not enough that your potential babysitter has babysitting experience. What is more important is that she has experience in looking after autistic children....


Is Immaturity being mistaken for ADHD?
(Medicine.Net)
The study raises new concerns that some children who are simply immature (compared to their classroom peers) may be misdiagnosed and unnecessarily treated for ADHD, which is characterized by poor attention and impulse control...


How to Coach Your ADD Child Athlete
(ADDitude Magazine)
11 ways to help the coach of your ADHD child expose her natural talent, better provide instructions, and make her team-sport experience a good one...

7 Keys to Adapting Movement for Special Needs Children
(S.M.Art Kids Blog)
The practice & skill of modifying and adapting games and activities has served me well in the early elementary & special education field. I always looking for ways to adapt common (and not-so-common) activities such as yoga, dance, storytelling, movement games & art to make them more accessible and inclusive to all children...


Societal Values & Policies May Curtail Physical Activity for Preschoolers
(American Academy of Pediatrics) 
Three-fourths of US preschool-age children are in child care centers. Children are primarily sedentary in these settings, and are not meeting recommended levels of physical activity. Our objective was to identify potential barriers to children’s physical activity in child care centers.


Physical Activity Boosts Learning
( SportsConcussions.org)
School administrators looking to restructure the academic schedule should consider the placement of physical education classes, according to research released today by the American College of Sports Medicine. The study, titled “Effects of Varying Types of Exertion on Children’s Attention Capacity,” is published in the March issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise® and finds that adding physical activity into the school day helps children concentrate on their academic work.






Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com
 
 
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Cat Pose: Holding on and Letting Go

A few weeks ago as I was coming in from an early morning walk I heard a rapid, barely audible 'meow, meow' coming from my basement window well.  When I went over to peek down I saw a tiny black kitten had fallen down into the well and could not seem to get out.

As I reached down to lift him out, he quieted immediately and started to shiver and shrink away from me. He did not appear to be hurt, so I guessed he was either scared or cold as it had been a chilly night and I had no idea how long he had been down in there.

I took him inside, wrapped him in a towel and warmed him up. He never purred nor made a sound, he just lay there, a bit calmer now, letting me hold him and scratch his ears, surrendering to the moment. I sat outside with him as it warmed up hoping the mother, with a collar and tags (with an address) would come looking for him, but she did not. I went and asked the neighbors if they lost a kitten and none of them had. After several hours, now attached to this beautiful creature, I  reluctantly decided to take him to a local animal hospital to see if they could find him a permanent home. (I cannot have pets due to my lease agreement.)

When I brought him into the waiting room, he suddenly came back to life, climbing out of the towel, up onto my shoulder looking around. I took him to the receptionists counter & he climbed right out of my arms & onto the desk. He purred and meowed and sniffed and everyone fell in love with him. I left feeling confident that this was the right decision and he would find the perfect family. I named him "Midnight".

All the way home and ever since then, I cannot not help but think of how life is a series of experiences-of moments- requiring and sometimes challenging us to either 'hold on' or 'let go'. Sometimes we hold on to people, memories and things for far too long, and other times we let go of them far too quickly. It requires inner calm, emotional maturity and our full attention to know when we should do which. Each time we let go of something we no longer need, we make room for something else in our life. Every time we hold on to those things we no longer need, whether things or anger, painful memories or relationships that no longer serves us, we block ourselves from experiencing life the way we truly envision it for ourselves: Peaceful, loving, happy and fun. Its a lesson we all will learn either by choice or by force.

In my own practice, I think 'Cat Pose' illustrates this:  Alternating between stretching the spine up and releasing it down towards the ground deliberately along with the movement of breath encourages us to release physical and emotional stress and pay attention to what we are doing, thinking and holding on to. It shows us through our body, that is absolutely OK for us to 'release'. For this reason it has always been one of my favorite postures to do at the end of the day.

For kids, its a fairly easy posture to *practice, and to adapt, either on all 4s on the floor, seated on the floor, exercise ball, in a chair or even a wheel chair. Cat Pose helps release tension in the spine and shoulders (where many of us 'hold on' to physical/emotional/mental tension) and helps to stimulate digestion, elimination and other functions of the internal organs. It also improves posture and improves concentration. Most children find it fun to 'meow' or 'purr' and will tell stories of their own cats or other pets which encourages interaction, verbal expression, communication & other social skills. 'Purring' or 'meowing' releases tension in the vocal chords. (Encourage them to meow or purr loudly and then softly, etc.) Most children find it very calming and will ask to do more of Cat Pose. (It also falls in with the upcoming holiday theme of Halloween.)

It also is something common that they can all relate to & provides a non-threatening way to teach about adjusting to transitions: holding on and letting go.

A mantra or 'chant' can be added with the movement & breath for children who are old enough and when its appropriate: "Don't hold on-Let it Go" or simply "Hold on-Let go".

Sensory aspects addressed are proprioception, interoception, balance, auditory and tactile ( practicing on different surfaces: mats, carpet, furry area rug, etc.)

Some simple illustrations for Cat Pose are below. Remember to encourage children to move slowly, and to breathe (exhale as you round the spine up or backward and inhale as you move the belly button down toward the ground or forward.) The can do this with a 'meow' or a 'purr' to encourage them to take a full breath and release it. Its best to practice on an empty stomach and allow the children to hydrate with plenty of water after exercising, (and throughout the day) even if only moving around a little bit.

Please check with a doctor or therapist to be sure that the posture is safe for the child to practice. (For example, Cat Pose would not be practiced if a child had a rod or pins in the spine for some reason. If you are ever in doubt always ask a professional.)

Keep in mind that for children the postures do not have to be purr-fect (I couldn't resist that one!) just as long as they are not injuring themselves or others, let them move and explore in a fun environment!

*Please supervise children at all times when practicing yoga, exercising or on exercise equipment!

For further adaptations, please contact me: barbara@bodylogique.com

To see full, illustrated instructions on how to practice "Cat Pose", visit Yoga Journal .

Cat Pose on all 4s

Seated Cat Pose (cross legged on a mat or the floor)

Seated Cat Pose (feet flat on floor seated in a chair)

*Seated Cat Pose (on exercise ball-feet flat on floor)

September = Yoga Outside

September marks the beginning of my favorite time of year. With  the start of school & end of summer there are many new opportunities to move & be outside in the cooler fall air!

I love taking my yoga practice outside whenever I can, and September is a time for me to do this in a more quiet and reflective way that summer does not allow me.

September is also a time when I like to teach my children's programs outside to not only change the scenery, but to have a natural backdrop and "props" for teaching such as flowers, leaves, rocks, sticks and an occasional interesting bug. (Besides, its just so much more fun!)

September is also the official observance of  "National Yoga Month"  as designated by the Department of Health & Human Services.

This campaign was designed to build awareness of yoga's proven health benefits for everyone & provides children, youth & adults everywhere with instruction, education, guidance and holistic tools to empower them to take control & responsibility of their own physical, mental and emotional well-being.

National Yoga Month focuses on prevention and healthy lifestyle choices & introduces yoga to individuals by offering a 'One Week Free' new student program at participating studios across the country. (To find a participating studio in your area see link at end of article.)

Since my program is mobile, I cannot offer a free week of yoga.

However, to support this national effort to continue to promote healthy lifestyles and movement education for children of all abilities, I am participating by offering a limited number of free children's classes (ages 5 & up) to *local  public & private schools, daycare centers, learning centers, libraries & other venues for the entire month of September! 

*(Local area within 40 miles of Quakertown, PA. 1 hour classes-Adaptive and non-adaptive programs available.)

I bring a specially designed children's program (age appropriate) that uses creative kid & teen-friendly stories that engage the imagination & come alive with movement games & art to make yoga fun! This is a great opportunity to introduce, preview & share a healthy, dynamic children's program with your students, indoors or out, and learn some tricks & tools to reduce anxiety, stress & keep them calm & engaged during the upcoming school year!

Interested?

Please post in the comment section below OR send me an e-mail at: Barbara@bodylogique.com briefly describing how many students in your class or group, their ages & why you'd like to bring a yoga program to them.

Please don't forget your full name, tentative class (city) location & contact information!!

Your entry will be printed out and your name placed in an entry box. I will randomly select 9 entries on September 3, 2011 and then contact you for a schedule! (If selected your free class must be scheduled between September 7- October 15, 2011 or be forfeited.)

Do you live outside of the local (40 mile) range? You can participate too!

Send me an e-mail as described above & in the subject box type: "Free Yoga Booklet" and I will send you a copy of  "The Sun Stretch" - (A beginner's Guide to children's Yoga that will allow you to facilitate  fun yoga based activities for your students, even if you have no prior yoga experience at all! )

(*E-mail must be received by September 30, 2011 to receive free booklet.)

Questions? Please contact Barbara@bodylogique.com

The Yoga Month campaign is produced and administered by the Yoga Health Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization registered in the State of California.

No One You-er Than You

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”  ~Dr. Seuss

So this evening at yoga, we misplaced one of the children's name tags. (The child happens to be the only boy in the class. ) The others were helping me look for it and we couldn't find it. So I apologized & jokingly offered him MY name tag and asked him if he wanted to be me for the night.

He shook his head, said "No way!" and quickly gave me back my name tag.
 
One of the other students said she would like to be me-because I know so much about Yoga. Then another said she'd like to be me too because I'm kind of funny. Another said I'm very funny and then another argued that I am silly rather than funny.
 
The banter went on until the young boy spoke up again. He said "I want to be me-but I still think you're cute!" ( As you can see, this one is a charmer-he knows just when to give a compliment. Its not easy being the only 6 year old boy in the yoga class!)
This exchange was so telling. It tells me that first, they are really paying attention even when you think they are not. It also re-enforces how important an adult's influence can be on a young child, and that we as educators cannot ever take that responsibility lightly.
 
It also drives home the importance of allowing children to develop self-confidence & to be their own person. The way that we do that the most effectively? By allowing them to do things-to succeed- and also to fail-and to learn from their mistakes. This helps build not only confidence, but characteristics they can identify with.
 
Too many times we are quick to "help" our kids avoid pain or circumvent uncomfortable situations. We let them win at games, do not allow them to experience consequences and do not effectively teach them how to handle anger & conflict.
 
The truth is, the world is not always a friendly place. There is competition, corruption and lots of frustrated people running around looking for a target to vent on. We can implement all the Anti-Bullying and Character Ed programs we want-but this will not ever teach them how to be confident in themselves. It will teach them the concepts-but not the lesson. The lessons are learned and character is built only through experience.
 
We cannot protect our students & children from or isolate them from every last bully, bad influence or friend who will use them. Instead, we have to be right beside them & give them skills to confidently navigate through the unpleasantness they will experience; we have to let them know we trust them to make choices and to set boundaries and if they make a bad choice they can change it. At the same time, we need to remember to show them how to still embrace, appreciate and look for the fun, adventure & beauty of Life.


They need to know that we are there to help if they need it and we will come to a point where we will have to be brave enough to let go and let them fly. If we show fear & frustration they will only learn to be afraid & frustrated. If we show confidence, then they will learn to be confident.
 
Tonight, every child who said they'd like to be me, for the reasons they perceived to be fun, or as good qualities, also told me that they would only want to be me for maybe just the class or maybe a day, and then go back to being themselves. I'm so glad they said that. That shows that they are supported & that they "get it."
 
And I'm thinking I would like to be more like them when I grow up.
 



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Labyrinth Adventures

Labyrinth & mazes are found all around the world in many cultures and civilizations. Designs have been found carved in rock, clay tablets, mosaics, manuscripts and pavements. The significance of them for the various cultures they were part of and the story of how they developed from one place to another is often mysterious and hard to grasp.
The labyrinth has long been associated with the legend of the Minotaur, the monster half-man half-bull which resided in the heart of a labyrinth on the island of Crete. Theseus was able to get to the center of the labyrinth, slay the Minotaur and find his way out again by following a thread he had trailed behind him on the way in.

A labyrinth differes from a maze in that it has only one path that weaves its way to the center and back out again. There is only one entrance and exit: no dead ends, and no choice of which way to turn. In recent years, labyrinths have seen a resurgence as an interactive tool for spiritual reflection, meditation and focus.

Several weeks ago at the Summer Connections Camp at  Teamwork Wins (a local camp for children with Asperger's and other hidden challenges) I created an outdoor labyrinth using some colored rope. The theme of the week was "Treasure Hunt" or "seeking & finding that which is hidden". I thought this would be a good time to introduce labyrinths to the kids.

I first gave each camper a printable labyrinth to use on the tabletop (Find "Printable Labyrinth Activity" here) and showed them how to use it. Then I told them that there was a large labyrinth in the yard that we were going to use topractice concentrating and relaxing. They were excited!

It was a very hot & humid day so I didn't keep them outside as long as I wanted. Had it been cooler I would have allowed them to do a relaxation & guided imagery when they got to the center.

Some of the feed back I got was great:

"It took longer than it looks."

"Its really hot out here, but I feel calm and relaxed anyway."

"That was COOL! Can I do it again?"

and my very favorite: 

"You MADE this for us?"

I thought the best way to show you what we did was with a photo album journal. You can view the
album here:

Labyrinth Day

I'd love to hear about how you have used labyrinth activities on the playground, in therapy or in the classroom!

Here are some other links to learn more:

http://www.labyrinthresourcegroup.org/manual.html

http://kidsrelaxation.com/2011/03/21/labyrinth-activities-to-calm/






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Of Mice & Yoga...

This week I am again reminded that we can only plan loosely when working with kids. They are wired differently, energetic & so spontaneous that we have to stay on our toes & think  'flexibility'.  (And  isn't that part of what yoga is all about?)

I love the way the kids keep me grounded and rooted in the reality that no matter what our "Best Laid Schemes" - lessons & plans are as a 'teacher' - whether a yoga teacher or academic one - there is a really good chance that the kids will 'miss the point' and create their own lesson in spite of our good intentions. We have to let go of  the outcome we think we want-and embrace the one we actually get. (This would fall under "non-attachment").

Today gave me one of those moments-and instead of teaching ideas & leading young minds to answers, I found more questions.

So I have been working with a wonderful family providing private yoga classes for 2 children. Our main focus has been reducing anxiety & using calming techniques along with postures that release body tension. I have put together a customized program using themes and characters that 'Zack' - 7 years old- likes & relates to.

I was very pleased with the work I had done- creating a story and activities & games around his favorite topic: Star Wars. He loved it and was very excited at the idea of travelling to stars and planets - as he learns yoga. I modified the story so that I would not be emphasizing the "Wars" part: there were Peaceful solutions & outcomes, and no battles only "challenges" and so on.

Today was another exciting adventure. We talked about what to take with us on our "Star Quest"-popcorn, pillow pets, blankies and, of course a Ray Gun (I did not judge him or censor him- but he assured me it was only for protection.)

As we landed our aircraft on a strange new surface-(sand, water, lighthouses...) we realized we were on planet Earth and at the beach. We also saw surfers, jellyfish, dolphins and an array of other creatures and  things. (So far so good. They were engaged and using their breathing and practicing the postures with me. )

At one point in our story, I introduced a scenario where I was going to guide Zach through the process of using his calming breaths to stay focused so he could overcome a "challenge". (That was my intention.)

The 'problem' was that a shark was swimming in the water nearby-and as soon as I introduced a shark in the water Zach immediately responded by (being silly) jumping up off of his mat, and hiding under a blanket saying "oh no! a shark. he's gonna eat us!!".  

As his mom and I were redirecting him back to the mat and getting him to remember how to breathe to stay calm & think about what to do next in this situation, he suddenly smiled and told us "Its OK-I just blasted him with my Ray Gun!".

So the imaginary shark, no longer posing a threat, was now blasted away into another galaxy-as was my lesson plan, my peaceful breathing techniques and my staged 'teaching moment'. My ego was also blasted & I had no choice but to be humbled.

Clearly, Zach's lesson today was not how to use yoga breathing to handle his anxiety in a tough situation, or how to use the dolphin pose to release tension in his tight shoulders. It was self-preservation, which is also very important to all of us as individuals and as a society.

How as parents & educators do we walk that fine line between teaching kind, peaceful interactions and appropriate self-protection?

While we want to teach children to talk things out & peacefully resolve conflict when they can, I wonder where teaching them to also be prepared, and protect themselves from threatening & dangerous situations fits in? (The Yamas of Yoga texts tell us about "Ahimsa"-non harming-but also that we are allowed to defend ourselves against attackers.)

When children perceive something as a threat, are we doing them more of a dis-service by making them feel badly if they "protect" themselves by force: with a push, a punch-or an imaginary Ray Blaster? Do we really need "Zero Tolerance" policies or to expell a child for making a pretend gun with his fingers or just a little more common sense in looking at & considering each situation as individual and unique?

Today I was suddenly concerned that we as educators are sending mixed messages in emphasizing the "Peace" part too much and the "Protection" part not enough. Is this part the reason that so many kids are falling victim to depression, feel dis-empowered and become bullies or act out violently towards classmates and teachers?

You have to admit, in spite of all the programs in existence and the schools cracking down on violent behavior and inappropriate language, etc. there has still been a steady increase in school violence and bullying to now epidemic proportions. Why is that?

Maybe instead of censoring these imaginary scenarios, we need to let kids start exploring & working through these 'taboo' subjects again through creative play, where it is safe, just as Zach did today. Maybe we have taken an unrealistic stand and have gone overboard with zero tolerance & character education. Both Peace & Conflict are part of life and two sides of the same "Human Nature" coin. Knowing when to employ each is an important life skill not only for self preservation & safety, but for self esteem and self-responsibility. Maybe we need to re-examine this and come up with a better  & less confusing approach.

Maybe Zach has the right idea:  always carry your Ray Gun, just in case. If you ask me, he acted appropriately: he came prepared for anything & when a danger arose, he didn't have to think. His instinct took over & he protected himself, his sister and his mom. (Wouldn't we do the same as parents?)

He has also made his yoga teacher think again. And learn another un-intended lesson.

"The best laid schemes o' mice an' men-(an' this Yoga teacher) go oft awry..."

Practice Makes...More Practice!

My daughter's dance recital was this past weekend. The kids & staff did a fantastic job! All the care, creativity & hours of preparation & practice were obvious in each and every performance.

A few days before the recital, my daughter was getting frustrated because she could not execute this one particular movement to her own liking. She remarked to me that: "After the months and months of practicing, I should have this perfect!" 

I used a comparison that even though she has learned her multiplication tables & spelling words, that she still needs to practice them or she will forget them, like she has in times past over the summer break. She agreed with me. We talked about her dance classes and my yoga programs being the same in that respect. Its not a one time activity. Its an ongoing thing. Its about building skills slowly until we are confident enough & proficient enough to perform the activity. There is always practice. Practice does not make perfect. It makes more practice.

It may not be a very popular opinion, but I think that as much as we plan & move towards perfection and we strive for perfection-we never actually reach it. There is always something more to explore and learn no matter how much we know. That is why practice makes more practice.

As with any activity or discipline, yoga, karate, Tai Chi, cooking, writing, dance, music, art or competitive sports, the ones that excel on their fields continue to practice even after they have 'mastered' their skills. Even those who are considered 'gifted' commit every day to getting better at what they love or at what they need to do for their careers or well being. Each skill builds on a previous one, and leads to a new one to be acquired. This continues indefinitely or for as long as we'd like it to.

I see practice as so much more than becoming good at one particular thing & the refining & retaining of those skills;  I see it as as process of self-awareness & growth. Its an important, character building, conscious step for children to take as they begin to feel rewarded, self confident & successful  in academics, sports, arts and relationships. It can mean the difference in meeting-and exceeding-their goals & dreams. Things they (and you) thought they could never do can be achieved through consistent practice.

As the school year draws to a close, its good to keep kids busy in activities they love or need to build skills in. Its tempting to slack off now as the excitement of 'summer freedom' comes, but keeping the mind, body and senses alert and sharp encourages fuller participation in activities & Life experiences & makes the transition to the new school year in the fall much easier. For kids, practice does not require long hours of tedious drills. Rather, make it unique and fun, whatever the activity. One topic or skill at a time for 10-15 minutes a few times a day. That's all that is needed.

Without consistent use of skills, we will lose what we are building on. This is especially true for children in ESY or receiving school based therapy, that lose those services for a time in the summer. Its frustrating for parents & a challenge for students to build those skills back to the level they were at prior to the end of school. As parents it is up to us to take control of the situation & for a few minutes a day find the fun in the practice & keep those skill levels consistent and where they need to be.

My daughter is learning in a very real way that practice does not guarantee that we suddenly become an expert and have learned all we need to learn. She is learning that it means that we are committed to our own personal growth & always striving towards our goals; becoming, doing & being our very best.
I hope that one day, she will be able to look back and appreciate how far she has come. I know I do.



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Gratitude & Attitude for This Body

I woke up this morning and noticed my ankles were sore. I asked myself :  "What the heck did I do yesterday?".  As I started moving around  I felt the sunburn on my arms and shoulders & I remembered yesterday's long day on my feet, out in the sun at my daughter's class trip to a Civil War Reenactment. I started to hear that self-pitying whiny complaining voice in my head that we all tune into into from time to time, so after a minute I stopped and realized that its not my body's fault. I should have used more sunscreen and I need to get a better quality sneaker to stand/walk in all day.

'Harriet Tubman' & Lauren

There were several children with walkers and in wheelchairs there yesterday, all having fun.  I however was physically able to stand on my feet all day-and in addition, I had a great time with the kids, especially my daughter. (We met "Harriet Tubman" and learned how to weave lace, march in formation and of course, shoot a cannon. ) I am grateful for the whole experience! Even the sore ankles & sunburn.

So today, as your day begins, and every day from now on, I want you to take a moment each morning -when you feel those aches & pains and recognize that complaining attitude in your head- and thank your body, no matter how it feels or what condition its in. If you have health challenges, then thank the parts of your body that are healthy.  If it sounds silly, or is a difficult thing for you to do, bear with me & do it anyway. Here is why:

We tend to focus so much on what our bodies cannot do-on our pains & limitations. We constantly remind ourselves that we are 'getting old', we ache, are out of breath & can't remember things. But think for a moment of what an amazing engineering masterpiece our body really is at any age: for starters, more than 200 bones that are stronger than concrete, that hold us upright, 600 muscles that can move in any direction and speed we want and a pump that circulates life supporting blood 1,000 times a day through more than 60,000 miles of blood vessels. We have a brain that controls it all and has the capacity to process 400 billion impulses through 45 miles of nerves in one single second!

Science tells us that our bodies also have the amazing power to regenerate all cells & tissues including cardiac & nerve fibers. With every single breath, and at every moment, renewal is going on somewhere in the body or brain.

Every single hour, one billion cells die and new ones are made to replace them. We get a new stomach and brand new skin every month. Our 206 skeleton bones renew every three months. Our liver will be brand new in about 6 weeks. In fact, in just one year's time, about 98% of all our body cells die and are replaced. Every single thing we eat, think and do, at every moment, (especially what we think) contributes in some way to our physical and emotional health so that we literally are not the same person we were a year or even a week ago.

Reflecting on just these few feats makes it clear that our bodies deserve a little-no- rather much gratitude. We were designed to experience health, movement & vitality. Health is our natural state of being, regardless of our situation or abilities, everyone can obtain health to the degree they desire, starting with gratitude then working on attitude. We have the ability & unlimited opportunity to direct our growth & our health at every moment.

For children who are developing in every way by leaps and bounds, as well as those who have delayed development due to medical or other conditions, we as parents & educators can be encouraged to know that their bodies are renewing at even a faster rate. The more we nurture their growth with healthy ideas & thoughts, nourishing natural foods, pure hydrating water, varied movement and unconditional love, the better the environment for their bodies & brains to grow more healthy.

We need to start having gratitude and appreciation for our own bodies first so that our children can learn from us. We are the example they will follow and teaching them health habits that begin with the way we think & perceive our own bodies-as naturally renewable instead of limited by physical or cognitive conditions- is where we start.

Our thoughts and comments about our health-or lack of it-become their thoughts, and that becomes their belief and ultimately their wellness programming. This programming will become their habit. Their habits will determine how far they move forward or are left behind in becoming their optimal healthiest selves. Every adult & child deserves to reach their highest, healthiest potential, and it starts with our own attitude.

For the last 10 years, I have enjoyed teaching health in the form of adaptive yoga, to children with challenges & their siblings, families & peers. By using stories, movement & art we engage & calm & ensure that all kids - of all abilities - move all those muscles; strengthen all those bones & use all possible nerve connections to learn & reach their highest, healthiest potential.

When designing this program I wanted it to be fun, something that could fit seamlessly into any schedule or environment and something that everyone could enjoy. The purpose of  "adaptive" yoga, or dance or sports is exactly that: to adapt it enough to include every one who wants to participate, so they can enjoy the many physical and mental benefits of that activity.

 Special Olympians from Perkiomen Valley

If you have ever watched a Special Olympics or a Miracle League game or adaptive dance recital you will see that the children participating are not focused on the limits they have. They just are happy to be doing what they are doing! Having fun, playing, moving-pure gratitude in the form of happiness! That is how each one of us needs to be, especially those of us who are healthy and able-bodied.

I encourage you to explore your own attitudes about your body and your health and notice what messages you are sending your students & children, especially children with adaptive needs. Be aware of your attitudes, have gratitude for your own abilities as well as those of your students & children & guide them to enjoy exploring as many forms of healthy adaptive movement as they want and as they can as the summer begins!


More Information:

BodyLogique Adaptive Movement for Kids:

Hope Dances Adaptive Dance:

Special Olympics NJ:

The Miracle League

Philadelphia Center for Adaptive Sports

 Dorothy Hamill Adaptive Skating

Surfer's Healing-A foundation for Autism
 
 
 
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Dandelions

Did you ever notice that no matter how much you pull them, cut them or try to get rid of them, those little yellow flowers overtake lawns, cemeteries, playgrounds, sidewalks & fields every spring? Some call them weeds, however I think there is much to learn from the Dandelion.

I have always had a fondness for Dandelions, picking large bouquets of them in the spring for my mother and teachers. I remember many times as a young child, riding in the car with my grandparents and my grandfather pulling over to the side of the road in front of  huge dandelion fields that were like seas of yellow. He & my grandmother would get out with paper bags and gather the dandelion plants-roots and all-until the bag was full. They looked like they were in heaven. They knew the many secrets & lessons of Dandelions.

Originally from Asia, this resilient, versatile and completely edible plant (from flowers to stem and roots) played an important role as both food and medicine. Arabian & French physicians have used this plant for centuries as a medicine. Dandelions made appearances in Canada with the French in the 1700’s where they were used in salads.

The Spanish brought it to New Mexico for a medicine and food source, they called it 'chicoria'. Germans brought the plant to Pennsylvania in the 1850’s and used it as a spring infusion of nutritional vitamins. The English also brought the plants to America to cure liver illnesses and Native Americans soon started to see benefits from the plants and started to grow them for medicinal use. Dandelions grown in India are used mainly for a remedy for liver problems. Most recently the dandelion root is being grown and exported to Russia for use in medical remedies. Read more about the health benefits of Dandelions here.

My grandmother used to wash the leaves and saute them with olive oil and garlic and serve them as a side dish. They were added to salads along with the beautiful fresh vegetables grown in my grandfather's vegetable garden. The "milk" that oozed out when you picked on was used for mosquito bites and stings and I hear it also can be used to treat acne.

My grandparents were the first people I remember who used food as a medicine. Being brought up on a farm in Pottstown during the depression, and each having 12 or 13 brothers & sisters, the families could not afford to have a doctor call for illnesses, so they used healthy food as a simple, logical way to prevent illnesses. (Many times did I sit, against my will, and eat one of my grandmother's garlicky sauteed vegetable remedies, or a plate of raw scallions with olive oil to "cure" my sniffles. I will say that it did work every time.) Dandelions and other bitter greens were a staple in their food pharmacy.

So I do think of Dandelions as a natural food source, but also as a metaphor for life. The bright yellow that springs up, seemingly overnight, to me, symbolizes resilience, persistence & rebirth. The bright vibrant color , like little suns on the lawn remind me to stay "sunny" and positive. They demonstrate how life does go on when we choose it to, no matter how harsh the winter or how many times we are stepped on, run over, have our heads bitten off, (or whacked off with a golf club-one of my dad's former favorite pastimes ) are uprooted or are cut down. It is still possible to not only survive, but thrive!

When the flowers finally go to seed, we teach our children to "make wishes" and blow them into the air, just as we have done as children, demonstrating that our hopes & dreams are carried by the wind, and will take root and keep growing when the seeds  finally find a place to rest.


I have a beautiful book that I have used for yoga classes called  "The Dandelion Seed".  I highly recommend this book for parents, traditional as well as yoga teachers (for ages 3-10). It is a simple but very profound story about a tiny seed's journey as it is carried through a very big  & dangerous world and about the challenges it must overcome. It is one of my favorites and I use it again and again, with music, art and of course movements. I hope this becomes on of your & your child's favorites too!

~Barbara