Peer Mentoring: Does it Really Work?

I have always been on the fence about the concept of Peer Mentoring and have often wondered how effective it really is in the long term.

My observation, based on my own experience, is that inclusion, while it can open doors for many children, is not enough on its own. Sometimes our desire to see all kids learning and playing together peacefully overrides what is truly practical and in the best interest of the children.  I've seen that many times we emphasize & rely on inclusion too much & for the wrong reasons.

I strongly believe that there is a logical hierarchy & progression to learning. If a child's basic sensory needs are not being met, and the sensory system is imbalanced or out of control, social skills are irrelevant. You cannot effectively teach to an overloaded brain and an overloaded brain will not remember what skill is appropriate when it is in 'fight or flight' mode. Cognitive, academic and social concepts are too much to process to a child that is having sensory overload and can't sit still or listen to prompts and instructions. Sensory systems need to be regulated & calm, before cognitive learning to take place. Only after that can you begin to slowly introduce, and practice, social concepts.

I've used inclusion, partnering and Social Thinking strategies in yoga classes for added support for the kids who need it. This enables the socially challenged child to participate in an activity that he or she may not have been exposed to otherwise. Every class begins with a warm up of  sensory activities, whether I am working with an adaptive class, or a non-adaptive class. Integrated senses=better cognitive/social learning. Some do well, and others clearly need more support than I can ever give in the framework of a weekly yoga session. What I can offer is a way to get the senses integrated and the central nervous system to settle down. That's a start.

To be honest, in some cases, I've seen friendships begin to grow and in others, I've seen the very opposite. The truth is, that when attempting to teach social skills we need to be practical and fully aware that it could succeed and have the positive outcomes we want to see, or it could fail, resulting in frustration, and re-enforcing the very problem that we set out to resolve, which is isolation. Remember that inclusion, coaching, prompting and modeling will only take the student so far-he or she needs constant, customized support as the complex world of social interactions is explored.

I came across this recent article that mirrors my thoughts about modeling and gives a logical, well written answer to what I've always wondered: 

Reality and Misconceptions About Helping Kids Improve their Social Skills 

In this article, the author, Ryan Wexelblatt, MSS, founder and Director of Camp Sequoia, discusses where this practice of Peer Modeling and the misconceptions about it originate from. He also offers three practical components to consider when teaching children social skills.

Parents & educators, what are your thoughts & experiences on teaching social skills to children? What has worked and what has not?




Camp Sequoia is an innovative overnight camp in Pottstown, Pennsylvania for children who need help with social skills. Most Sequoia campers are diagnosed with one or more of the following: ADD/ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders and Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NLD). Find out more about them at the link above.
 
 
Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com

Recreational Activities that Prevent Summer Learning Loss

Summer Learning Loss is the regression and loss of motivation & skills seen in kids after the school year ends. Research has shown that summer learning loss occurs when children don't have access to camps, recreation and other summer activities.

During the school year, students learn at relatively similar rates. More than 1/2 of the achievement gaps that occur over summer break can be attributed to unequal access to educational (and fun) activities due to economics, disability or traveling distance.

To prevent summer learning loss, be sure to expose your children to a variety fun, interactive enrichment activities over the summer:

• Play group activities
• Nature center programs
• Outdoor activities (plant a garden, go fishing, playground, etc.)
• Library reading programs
• Museums
• Festivals
• Sports (organized and neighborhood)
• 4H / Scouts
• Hobbies (science, art, music, yoga, dance, karate, cooking, model building, etc.)
• Summer enrichment camps (see links below)

Below are links to directories of summer camps and activities in PA and beyond. You can read more about how to select a suitable summer camp:  Finding a Quality Camp Program for Your Child (From Blog Archives, July, 2010)


Camps:

Camppage.com  (US / Canada )

Kidscamps.com  (PA-Includes special needs camps)

Campresource.com  (PA)


Family Activities/Things to do:

Attractionsuptake.com  (2896 things for families to do in PA)

Playgroundbuzz.com  (Indoor & Outdoor activities for kids in PA)

4Kids in PA: (Things to see and do in PA)

Mama's Little Helper (Free and low cost events and activities in PA & NJ)


*Do you have a personal recommendation for a camp or activity? (Especially activities for children with special needs.) List it below in the comments box. Please include the city and state where the activity is located!



Contact Barbara at: barbara@bodylogique.com

Refresh Everything!

Everybody has a cause-something they are sincerely passionate about. Something personal that moves them to action, whether it be recycling, animal cruelty, education, etc.

So what is your passion? Art? Dance? The environment? What do you really care about? Education or Health reform? If you had the chance, how would you want to change the world? Maybe you are a teacher or a coach-mother-or an everyday Joe or Jane.  Regardless of who you are, what your passion  is, or even if you are looking for work right now, I can tell you that you CAN make a big difference in your community and your world.

Pepsi is giving people a chance to make a difference by giving away millions of dollars in grants each month to fund great ideas that will refresh individuals and communities everywhere as part of its 'Refresh Everything Project' campaign.

There are 1,000 submissions accepted electronically on a first come first serve basis each month in 5 different categories. There are 4 levels of grant awards ranging from $5,000 up to $250,000. Once a project is accepted, then the grants are awarded by community votes. A total of 10 grants are awarded  by most votes in each category.

I am very excited to announce that after 4 months of submitting my idea, my Refresh Project, The Creative Movement Project  (Which will bring low cost/free Adaptive Yoga & Creative Movement Classes to Children with Special needs)  has been accepted for the August round of voting that starts in just 2 short weeks!

My project was first conceived a few years ago when I worked in NJ as a classroom assistant and 1:1 aide to children with autism. I had always worked with children in some capacity & had done this specific work for several years under a very compassionate & talented teacher and a great team of 1:1 aides and found that this was my passion. 

As much as I love my work I have always had an inner sense that we could do so much more for the kids and the families. I started playing yoga based movement games- (something I had been certified for and never used regularly) during therapy sessions to break it up a bit and saw that it seemed to help the kids handle tension and to focus better, but most of all, they were laughing!

I kept using these techniques and even consulted with OT's, yoga teachers and other educators to refine my games. I did this right up until I moved out of the district to Bucks County PA where I now live. When I left NJ, I decided that I wanted to provide adaptive Yoga classes as an enrichment activity to families and schools in the community. I have been able to do that for the last 2 years in PA, and my Pepsi project will expand this work to include all children of all abilities, in PA, NJ and surrounding areas, especially those who are limited by financial restrictions. It will also provide equipment & training programs for parents and teachers so that they can use this program to help their children & students stay physically healthy, develop friendships and learn while reaching their highest potential.

While I was in the process of submitting my idea, I was fortunate enough to meet 2 amazing & passionate people I'd like to tell you about. These are my "Pepsi Refresh Partners" and we are three separate projects supporting each other through August's round of voting. Their stories are below and I encourage you to read more about them by clicking on  the links!

Multiple Sclerosis Dreams:

David M. Serotko is the founder of Multiple Sclerosis Dreams, Inc. (www.msdreams.org)  In late August 2006 he was preparing to complete his Associates Degree. A few days before school was to begin, he started to feel very off balance & suspected an ear infection. His toes were tingling and almost numb. Although an initial visit to the doctor turned up 'normal", the symptoms worsened into severe dizziness & nausea. David contacted his doctor with grave concern & was given an MRI. It was confirmed in September that he had MS.

Within a few weeks he fortunately improved to a point that was better, although he still had the "MS hug" and trouble with balance. Through it all he was able to complete his degree, in David's words: " At the time I owned my own computer consulting business and lost several clients because I could not service them due to my illness. At that moment, I realized that life can change in an instant &  that things I wanted to do later in life may not be a possibility. It was the hardest thing I had ever been through."

After several moves and experiencing layoffs & job discrimination, he and his wife made two trips to Maui and lived life to its fullest. He flew in a helicopter for the first time, drove up a volcano & hiked around it, met some wonderful people, "and had the time of our lives..." .

"The reason I founded this organization is that I want everyone with Multiple Sclerosis to be able to fulfill their dreams. I was fortunate to be able to do many things and want the same for others in my boat. Whether we enable you to do something you have always wanted, or give you hope that things can happen for you, we will make a difference. No one should have to live their life feeling like a disease will keep them from fulfilling their dreams. I am not going to accept this, and neither should you. Together, we will make dreams come true for people with Multiple Sclerosis!
David's "Multiple Sclerosis Dreams" project will help those dreams come true for so many!


Kris Courtney: The REAL Color of America:

American Artist & Author Kris Allen Courtney, drawn to benevolence and disability awareness by his own personal experience, from his struggle as a child born into years of surgical intervention, (being in a body cast at only 3 days old)  to an ensuing lifelong continuous health struggle, has created ‘The REAL COLOR of America’ Project. Through this project, he is dedicated to service and participation for all beyond their disabilities. Kris’ art is bold and thoughtful in its message to the viewer and invites you to pause. This energy opens Kris to the strife and parallel beauty of the real color of life surrounding us all.

"The "REAL Color" project is designed to use art to bring a spot-light awareness to cities and towns across the country in need of inclusion. Through the travels across America, this project will create a unique abstract map of the cities and communities visited as well as the people of all abilities who participate."  Kris creatively uses open plein air creations coordinated with Local Fund Raising Organizations geared towards poverty reduction, food, special needs and disabilities, to create a beautiful medium for a truly inclusive American Art Exhibit. A gallery has generously offered to house the completed pieces.

Kris's book, "Norma Jean's Sun"  is painfully reflective yet ultimately hopeful. A story told through the eyes of a boy who believes he has been mistakenly born into the world and a man who conquers physical and emotional injustice--and thrives. The memoir  reveals not only the struggle and heartrending elements of generational lives “gone wrong,” but also the love and growth of a human being overcoming the odds and determined to find a way to live life to the fullest.

Kris's "REAL Color" project will allow many others to do the same.


From August 1- 31, I am asking you to please go to the Pepsi website and vote everyday for these 3 "Pepsi Refresh" projects that will impact so many individuals and communities in a positive way. It only takes a moment of your time. You can go to the Pepsi website for more details, and you can even sign up to get e-mail voting reminders here.

These 3 projects can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter. We will be posting updates on our respective project progress so please check back for any developing news!
Thank you for your passion & your support! We know that together, we can refresh communities everywhere by including everyone & helping all people make their Dreams come true!

Love & Laughter
~Barbara

www.bodylogique.com

BodyLogique on Facebook

BodyLogique on Twitter

The Creative Movement Project


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What You Don't Know Can Hurt You: Finding a Quality Camp Program for Your Child

As a mother of 26 years, I know how frustrating it can be to shop for and find quality recreation & enrichment programs for children. As a provider of such programs, one of my aims is to inform and educate parents to make it as easy as possible to locate  fun, enriching activities.

In the last few weeks there has been a few questions specific to children's yoga programs & camps, so I've compiled a brief  list of tips to get you started that applies not only to children's yoga but to dance, sports, art, music & social skill programs as well. Keeping these ideas in mind can help you and your child avoid uncomfortable, un-fun and possibly unsafe situations.

What to Look For:

1- An informative & well constructed advertisement/brochure/website:

Be sure it is current, complete, easy to navigate & answers all relevant questions such as: a clear class description, updated schedules & class locations, instructor's name & experience, registration & and contact information.  Many studios will advertise that they offer programs but don't actually have any active classes on the schedule. If this is a habitual practice, interpret this as a red flag that the establishment is either very new & inexperienced or not really serious about their children's programs. Shop around and ask questions.

Are inquiries and phone calls returned to you in a timely manner? There is nothing more telling than a company or service provider that does not follow up  on inquiries within 3 days.

Another method other than word of mouth I like to use to research an instructor or camp is the social networks. Join the studio's group or page and just observe their interactions, photos & behaviors. Check out who they are linked to, including individuals & groups. Read blogs and postings. True colors will come out here because of the casual nature of social networking-you would be surprised at what you may learn.

I saw one public post on a social networking page, by a local children's yoga teacher that was an alarming & unprofessional exchange - along with other professionals (engineers & visiting hospice nurses, and even a mother of a special needs child) joking about harming a colleague with big clubs & sticks and such. Joking around is one thing, but according to this exchange, the teacher's own children gave her this advice. Alarming enough is the fact that this was even discussed publicly, and that the culprit's own children were encouraged to be involved in this, but what is even more disturbing is that this provider is now offering  a summer  "Peace Camp" for children. So the lesson here is simple:  keep your eyes and ears open!


2-Credentialed & Experienced Instructors:

Its one thing to have a children's yoga certification and another to actually have experience working with the children. Not every instructor has the patience, knowledge  & creativity enough to engage and hold the attention of a group of children for an entire 45-60 minute class. If you do not know the instructor, ask to meet and observe him or her in action prior to signing up your child. Have your child meet the teacher prior to a class to see if they are comfortable & connect with each other. Most reputable teachers will welcome this opportunity.

If you have a special needs child this is especially important to find out if the instructor in fact has knowledge and has worked with children with adaptive needs. Are the staff informed and trained on interacting with special needs children & does their program properly and sufficiently adapt and address these challenges?

It takes specific training to be able to work with children who are physically, socially or cognitively delayed, and not everyone has that training. When it comes to your child, don't be shy. Ask about their methods & their curriculum. Ask lots of questions. A qualified instructor will take the time to listen and address your concerns or refer you to someone who can. Feedback, whether positive or not should always be welcome by any conscientious instructor.


3- Independent Instructors-

There are many teachers such as myself that travel to a variety of venues: schools, studios, camps and community centers and do not work for one specific studio. In this case, please check references & background thoroughly. Does the instructor set a good example of behavior for the children? ( See above note about the "Peace Camp"...) Is he or she patient? Is she engaging to children in positive ways? Does she conduct all business with fairness & integrity? Do they show up on time and ready to work? A legitimate child service provider will have a biography, community links or references listed on their website or brochure or should  provide them immediately upon request. Also, it is imperative to find out if the person or people instructing & working directly with your child have been background checked through the state. ( I insist that all my assistants, and even photographers are background checked.)  Ask to see a current list of studio & personal references & a current certificate.

Other behaviors to observe are the yoga teacher or staff member who berates & chronically complains about the students, other programs or other instructors; and teachers who allow their co-teacher or assistants to provide all of the instruction. This is unprofessional at best and is as inexcusable as chronic lateness & being unprepared.

I remember one instructor of an arts camp I worked with who unprepared, late or a no-show daily, unless there was a chance at getting a photo in the local paper. There was always a colorful & 'compelling' story as to why. This tells a lot about the individual's character and work ethic & can serve as another indicator that either they are too busy with other projects to be effective, are not qualified to teach or do not take their work seriously. In either case, this may not be the ideal person to instruct your child.

4-Facility/Environment-

This is one of the first things I look for: is it neat, clean, climate controlled and secure? Is the equipment in good condition? Do the staff and instructors take pride in their appearance? Are you greeted promptly & courteously? This can say a lot about the overall operations of a facility and its staff as well as the quality of programs they provide.


5- Fun Factor-

Are the programs fun? If you can, talk with other parents who have experience with the facility, program or instructor-watch the children's reactions if you can and remember that a good instructor will teach useful skills in varied and playful ways-setting boundaries while still allowing for exploration & expression. This is the type of environment in which children learn the best!

While program cost may be a final determining factor as to whether you sign your child up for a program, remember : look at the quality, the time and the effort that the instructor puts into each class and figure that into the equation as well. This is part of what you will determine when you research a program.

Ultimately you will always wind up getting what you pay for.

For a list of preferred dance, yoga and camp providers in PA & NJ please e-mail: barbara@bodylogique.com


For more information on Fun Creative movement classes for children, please visit is at:

www.bodylogique.com

and on Facebook at:

BodyLogique


:)

Special Olympians: Brave in The Attempt

"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

This is the "Athlete's Oath"  recited in the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics. When the first-ever International Special Olympics Summer Games were held on 20 July 1968, Eunice Kennedy Shriver had discussed the idea of a Special Olympics oath with the then Public Relations Advisor to the Kennedy Foundation.Shriver asked him to draft something so that the athletes would feel good about trying, and if they were not successful, they wouldn't feel that they had failed. In front of the many spectators and visitors, Shriver memorably opened the first Special Olympics Games with these words:

"In ancient Rome, the gladiators went into the arena with these words on their lips: 'Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.'

"Today, all of you young athletes are in the arena. Many of you will win, but even more important, I know you will be brave, and bring credit to your parents and to your country. Let us begin the Olympics. Thank you."

Today, along with my 10 year old daughter, I had the pleasure of observing these athletes in the arena, at North Penn High School in Lansdale PA. I have been working with a group of young men at the Perkiomen Valley Middle School, since October using movement & imagery techniques for focus, calming, strength building & flexibility. Today they put some of  those skills to work. They were excited, a bit nervous, and did their very best.  It was a joy to cheer them on along with their families!

As I was snapping photos, the things I saw through the camera lens illustrated so beautifully the Oath that Eunice Kennedy Shriver envisioned more than 40 years ago: The perceived disabilities were not as noticeable as the excitement, determination & the brave attempt these  young men and women were exhibiting. It made me reflect on all the times I wanted to quit something or don't even attempt to do something because I let my fear-or my own perceived inabilities - to get in the way. These athletes showed no fear-and are not even aware of how they have inspired me.

This day and this event could not have been more spectacular: from the the torch run, to the incredible (acapella) harmonic voices of athletes & buddies singing the National Anthem, the beautiful sun shining, friends supporting each other, all children of all ages & abilities being included in the events & most importantly, in the eyes of the families, coaches, buddies, teachers & other spectators, not only were they brave in the attempt, but everyone was indeed a winner!

Love & Laughter,

Barbara



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