Tell Your Stories

“You own everything that (has) happened to you.  Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write (or speak) warmly about them, they should have behaved better.”  

~Anne Lamott

Wishing everyone the happiest of New Year's-filled with health, success and lots of good stories.


~Barbara






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S.M.Art Kids/Healthy Kids Top 12 Posts of 2012

As the year draws to a close, I'd like to thank you all for reading. In 2013 we plan to bring you an even more diverse variety of educational & fun activities, professional development, inspirations and more.

The links below are to our 13 top-viewed and shared posts of 2012. (I know the title said "Top 12", however 2 posts were tied for 12th, so we included them both, giving you a bonus link.)

We hope you enjoy!

And have a very Healthy, Happy New Year!

~Barbara




Dance, Cheer, Yoga!

Grandfather Tells: The Wolves Within

Aromatherapy & Autism

La Befana

Games that Build Core Strength

Constructive Fidgeting

Peace Pose

Skinformation

10 Tips for Paraeducators

Learning Through Play

Building Good Posture From the Ground Up

Pool Noodles-Part 2

The Myth of Meditation






Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com

In Case You Missed It: Holiday Games, Legends & Stories

Photo: flickriver.com 

One of the things I enjoy most at holiday time are listening to and talking about the many different customs, legends and stories from around the world. In my Italian-American  culture, we always had the manger, the stories of Santa as well as the story of La Befana. In my fiance's Ukranian culture, there is Russian Christmas (January 6) and the legend of the Christmas Spider.

Storytelling is not a passive activity: words provide input and challenge us to create detailed imagery that goes along with them.  The re-telling of our stories, over and over helps us identify and form an inner bond with the characters and lock in on the details and messages. This inner connection has a stabilizing effect and ultimately is what helps us learn about & form more healthy relationships with ourselves and with other people. This is a vital activity for children to engage in-both as the audience and as the storyteller, that will teach them a variety of inner and outer skills that they will carry with them for life.

Below are a few of my favorites. I've also included a links for you to learn about customs from around the world. What are some of the stories & customs-both old & new- that you & your family honor?


The Legend of The Christmas Spiders

Once upon a time, long ago, a gentle mother was busily cleaning the house for the most wonderful day of the year.... The day on which the Christmas Angel came to bless the house. Not a speck of dust was left. Even the spiders had been banished from their cozy corner in the ceiling to avoid the housewife's busy cleaning. They finally fled to the farthest corner of the attic.


T'was the Christmas eve at last! The tree was decorated and waiting for the children to see it. But the poor spiders were frantic, for they could not see the tree, nor be present for the Christmas Angel's visit. The oldest and wisest spider suggested that perhaps they could peep through the crack in the door to see him. Silently they crept out of their attic, down the stairs, and across the floor to wait in the crack in the threshold. 

Suddenly, the door opened a wee bit and quickly the spiders scurried into the room. They must see the tree closely, since their eyes weren't accustomed to the brightness of the room... so the crept all over the tree, up and down, over every branch and twig and saw every one of the pretty things. At last they satisfied themselves completely of the Christmas tree beauty.


But alas!! Everywhere they went they had left their webs, and when the little Christmas Angel came to bless the house he saw the webs. He loved the little spiders, for they were God's creatures too, but he knew the mother, who had trimmed the tree for the little children, wouldn't feel the same, so He touched the webs and they all turned to sparkling, shimmering, silver and gold!


Ever since that time, we have hung tinsel on our Christmas trees, and according to the legend, it has been a custom to include a spider among the decorations on the tree.


Holiday Games 
(Can be adapted to any holiday celebration.)

Elf Whisperers

The more who play this game, the merrier. You will need 6-8 (or more) players to sit in a circle on the floor, around a table or in seats around a room. The first player writes a message about Christmas. At least 1-3 sentences. S/he then places this message in n an envelope and set it aside. S/he then whispers the message to 2nd person, who whispers it to the 3rd, and so on until every person has whispered the message. The final person has to relay the message out loud. Check envelope to see if the message is the same. This ends the round. Now, the person who relayed the message writes a new message, places it in an envelope and play continues.

Holiday Treasure Hunt
As many players as you like can play this game, in small groups or pairs. Hide some holiday treasures, like small wrapped gifts, ornaments, small tins of cookies, etc. indoors or out. Then make up a series of clues, to give the teams,  one at a time. This could be "Go to the place where words are spoken." (telephone) or "Go to the . At this place there is a clue for the next clue and so on until the treasure is found.

Family Story Telling
Either on Christmas Eve, or a few days before have a family story reading. Invite grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, etc.  Take turns reading or telling at least one favorite poem, personal or traditional story or a favorite quote or passage from the bible.

Capture the Star
In Alaska people play a Christmas game where they dress up as the Three Kings and carry a star from house to house singing carols. Other children dress up as Herod's soldiers and try to capture the star. This game can be modified to be played in the house or yard. Instead of going door-to-door, have the players (Three Kings) go from tree to tree or room to room.

Pass the Present
Purchase a few small gifts & wrap them up (preferable one for each player). Seat at least 5-6 people in a circle. Select one person to play some holiday music on a CD player, and as the music is playing, players in the circle pass the package. The person working the music randomly stops the music and the person with the present when the music stops wins the present. Play continues until all the gifts have been given out.

The 12 Days of Christmas Game:  (See our recent blog post here) 



Related Links:


Listen to 5 Christmas Stories (Narrated by Yours Truly) Here!!

Yes, Virginia, There is A Santa Clause

A Cup of Christmas Tea

How to say "Merry Christmas" in Every Language

Ukrainian Christmas Customs

Spanish Christmas Customs

Kwanza

Hanukkah

Three Kings Day

The Gift of the Magi  (O. Henry)

The Santa Key

Last week, there was a discussion going on about holiday traditions that prompted me to use one of mine as today's blog post.

My daughter and I do the usual cookie baking and we also contribute to a "Toys for Tots", coat drive or a "Community Giving Tree" project, and every year my daughter does the annual "Santa Run" with the fire department her dad is a member of.

But if I had to pick a favorite of my own, it would have to be our "Santa Key" tradition.

When my sons were little, I got divorced from their dad and we moved to an apartment. The boys were concerned that Santa would not be able to get in for his visit, as we did not have a fireplace nor a chimney for this purpose. The thought of "leaving the door unlocked" was out of the question as the neighborhood was not the best nor the safest.

So I got this idea to search in antique shops for a large old key. I finally found one, (pictured above)  and I attached a beautiful fancy tassel to it (I had to replace the tassel years ago and it now has a large wire ribbon bow.) I found an old velvet jewelry box and placed the key inside for storage.

I mailed it to the kids at our new apartment-(with a North Pole return address)- in the beginning of December, with instructions from the "Big Guy" himself to leave the key for him by the door on Christmas Eve so he could leave them a little something. It immediately calmed their concerns and excited them so much! They did exactly what "Santa" asked and left it by the door for him on Christmas Eve. That was the first year we used it

Every year after that, and when my daughter was old enough to do it, on Christmas eve, we would go through the ritual: put the baby Jesus in the manger, leave the cookies and milk for Santa, sprinkle magic oats on the grass for the Reindeer and leave the "Santa Key" outside by the door so he could let himself in. "Santa" would leave the key next to the empty cookie plate when he was finished and the kids would place it back in the box for the following year.

This worked fine, until my oldest being precocious at 8 years old, figured out that the key did not match the lock-so I added a "Magic Christmas Key" myth - that only Santa could get the key to work and no one else could use it to get into our apartment. Not even me or daddy. (I wanted to get a few more years of holiday magic for him and for his younger brother to enjoy).

We still have the original key and use it as an ornament on our tree now, and I occasionally make the keys and give them as gifts for friends with little guys. The key has become our symbol of growth-of the "unlocking" of unique gifts, and the sharing  with other of all the goodness inside of ourselves- not just at holidays, but all year.

I know that there are some that will argue that these Santa stories are all lies-and we should not lie to kids. I don't agree with that entirely. While I don't think we should overtly lie to or deceive children, I look at the stories-religious and non-religious- the mythology and history of St Nicholas (Santa), and of all the traditions, in all the different cultures of the world, and I see them all as an important part of a child's development- a way to re-enforce their own good qualities & the spirit of the season as well as remembering the reason we celebrate it. I see these stories and traditions as a way to bring life and deeper meaning to the imaginations of children.

I was about 11 when I found out that Santa was a myth. After I did, I was disappointed and I cried. I felt that a part of me wasn't there any more, but mostly, I afraid I wouldn't get any more presents. My father took me aside and asked me to not tell my brother-(he is almost 5 years younger than I am.) He told me that believing is the best time of a child's life, and he wanted my brother to have that magic for a few more years. I then went from dissappointment to being "in on the secret" and it changed my outlook entirely. I liked being "Secret Santa" and that transition helped me to better understand the meaning of Christmas on a deeper level.

I wholeheartedly agree with my father on this point: believing in mythology and fantasy when we are children is a way to keep hope in our hearts and understanding in our minds as we grow. Its a way for us to relate to each other and begin to understand all the symbolism that is all around us. Its also a way for us to remember that we are limited only by our own imaginations, because it is there, that all things are possible.

What are some of your family's favorite traditions? 



Related Posts:


Kindness: A Gift to Pay Forward

La Befana

12 Days of Christmas Game

Photo: intmath.com 

Have you ever asked yourself  where some of the words to Christmas songs came from? Why a Partridge and why a Pear Tree?

From the earliest human writings, trees have symbolized many things, through the power of nature of their special attributes. In many cultures, birch is the tree of health, wisdom, and safety, was used in baby cradles and cribs. Cedars were the trees of paradise in the mid-East. They were also symbols of faithful lovers in China and held as sacred in Nepal.

Junipers were planted as protection from thieves and witches & Oaks have been known as the symbols of strength and power. In China, pine was the symbol of friendship in adversity since it remains green all year.

In Germany, it was customary to plant a tree at a wedding. As each child was born, an apple tree was planted if it was a boy and a pear tree for a girl. The age and amount of fruit the trees bore were thought to give strength to the marriage and the respective children.

But what about Pear Trees?

In the Chinese culture, the pear symbolizes longevity, as pear trees are known to live long. Marco Polo reported after his travels that the Chinese planted many trees because they believed "he who plants a tree will live a long life."

But as far as the Partridge in the Pear Tree and the origin of the Holiday Song, The Austin Public Library research department found  that words from this song first appeared in a book published in 1780 (or 1783) in England titled "Mirth Without Mischief."

The melody apparently dates back much further and originated in France. The book describes "The Twelve Days of Christmas" as a "memory and forfeits game" played by children at that time.

The leader recited the first  verse, the next child recited the second verse, and this continued until someone missed his or her verse and had to pay some kind of penalty in the game. "The Twelve Days of  Christmas" became popular at the "12th-night parties" (Feast of the Eppiphany) that took place during the Christmas season.

You can play a fun adapted version of this game with your children or students to help improve concentration, auditory processing, sequencing and memory skills.

The 12 Days of Christmas Game: 

You can modify the words as follows:

"On the first day of  Winter Break my teacher gave to me..."

(Or  if playing with family, 'On the first day of Christmas/Hannukah my Grandma/Nonnie/Baba gave to me...')

For younger children who can read, you can print out or write the names of the 'gifts' down on gift tags (or slips of colored paper or paper snowflakes) using one tag for each player. The gifts can be animals, toys, foods, characters or any theme you select.

You can also play this game with non-readers, using miniature animals or other items placed in a grab bag. The children each select an item, and hold theirs up when its their turn, as they recite the poem. Prompt as needed.

Each player selects a tag or slip of paper to see what their 'gift' is. Instruct them to not tell anyone what they selected. The teacher then begins by saying or singing:

"On the first day of  Winter Break my teacher gave to me...(Example: ) a Cardinal in a pine tree."

The second student takes his/her turn: "On the second day of winter break my teacher gave to me...(Example) 2 white gloves and a cardinal in a pine tree."

Each child continues reciting or singing the gifts, first saying their own, and then the others before them.

(Examples:) Three French Fries... Four Angry Birds... Five Golden Teeth....Six Bags of Licorice...Seven Fruit Cakes...etc

If needed, the other participants can be asked to prompt, help give clues or guess the gift if the player gets stuck.

The teacher then goes last, reciting each gift-(pretending to struggle and prompting the children to help remember what the sequence is.)

The gifts can be nontraditional-and relevant to what children like to do. Footballs, bicycles, iPads, Super Mario Games, etc.

For older children, they can each come up with their own 'gift' in the sequence. Play as above.

In order for non verbal children to participate, use photos, illustrations or PECS. Print out the pictures and laminate. Prompt them to  hold up their picture when their turn comes. (Do not require them to recite the entire sequence that came before them unless their skills will allow it.)


Learn some fun math facts about the 12 Days of Christmas

*What are some other winter or holiday games that you play with your family in doors, out doors or in the classroom? We would love to hear about them! Please leave a comment in the box below.


Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com    

Rooms Without Books

Photo: thepepperexpress.co.za 

“A room without books is like a body without a soul.”         
                              ~Marcus Tullius Cicero

One of my greatest loves has always been reading.  Books are a huge part of my life, whether I am reading one to myself in the quiet of the morning, or presenting an interactive storytelling program to a classroom of children, or writing one of my own.

Books help us learn on many levels. They bring us closer to other people, Faraway Places and to ourselves. I heavily depend on books and storytelling for all of my programming to help bring learning to life.

For as much as we all depend on the internet and all of our useful electronic devices, its so hard for me to imagine my office, my home and a world without books.

I just came across this article below that I wanted to share with you all. Maybe it will inspire you to get involved in some small way.

Queens Library: Peninsula Branch
Photo: libraryjournal.com 

Most of us are aware of the countless losses suffered in NY & NJ in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. At this writing, 2 weeks later, there are still about 150,000 without utilities and looking to secure food, temporary housing, and hundreds of schools have been closed due to damage or power issues.

In an effort to provide some support and learning materials to these families, educators and students who need them, Scholastic Inc. has just announced that they will donate one million books to schools and libraries in NY and NJ affected by Hurricane Sandy. They are partnering with K.I.D.S Children's Charity to help distribute materials to the hardest hit areas.

In addition to books, many teachers also lost lesson plans and other resources collected and developed over many years. Scholastic is also making lesson plans and activities available for these teachers as well.

Read the full article here and find links to resources for children's social and emotional recovery, and learn how you can apply for a book grant, make a donation or request a book grant for someone you know.

Photo: WTNH.com 

If everyone does what they can, even if its just a little bit, we can help with the rebuilding and transition of the libraries and schools that suffered huge losses. Together we can work to ensure there are no rooms left without books.


Do you have another Hurricane Relief resource you would like to share? Please post in the comments section below!

In Case You Missed It-Week of May 14- 18

Mindy Kalling photo
courtesy of glamour.com

In Case You Missed It is back with the most intriguing, awe-inspiring and informative posts from the web for this past week. There is something for everyone here below. Please share the sentiment & feel free to pass these links on.

Some of you may have noticed that I've posted fewer blogs in the last few weeks. That is because I have been working on some exciting (but time-consuming) new programs and web features.

For your convenience, we now have scaled down and re-organized our home website, making it easier for you to find what you are looking for. We've just added a Shopping Bag Feature on our Products and Distance Learning pages that we are very happy with. (Some minor repairs need to be completed on the product descriptions, but otherwise is fully operational!)

We have decided to discontinue the Story of the Month and have opted instead to included complimentary story & activity downloads for you to use and share. You can find these and a variety of other new changes here : www.bodylogique.com  Tell us what you think. Your feedback is always welcome!

If you have not done it yet, please subscribe to this blog by going to the Home Page & using the 'slide out' menu at the right margin of the window. Subscribe by clicking the bottom block. When you subscribe, you receive posts directly to your inbox, and occasionally  some special offers and surprises!

You can also connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Have a great weekend everyone!

~Barbara


Lack of Outdoor Life Blamed for High Rate of Myopia Among East Asian Kids

(Childrenandnature.org)
 Another reason to #playoutside



What is the Healthiest Diet for Kids?
(superhealthykids.com)

Fruits...veggies...YUM!



Storytelling: The Ultimate Weapon
(fastcocreate.com)

While this article places a focus on business, I think that it also applies in a huge way to children & education as well.



Stronger
(dailymail.co.uk)

Seattle children's Hospital Video by pediatric cancer patients. Be sure to scroll to bottom to watch video-have a box of tissues handy & prepare to feel inspired & humbled.



Food Revolution: Stand Up for Real Food (Food Revolution Day-May 19)
(foodrevolutionday.com)

Jamie Oliver is leading the revolution! Will you join us?



Why Summer Programming Matters!
(Mind/Shift)

Summer activities are a great opportunity to extend your child's learning. Camp programs appeal to a variety of different learning styles and the skills acquired carry over into the academic school year.



Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com

From The Archives

Well yesterday I realized that I didn't schedule a Friday "In Case You Missed It" Post! It was a such a  beautiful day, that I was out of my office most of it. I hope you were too.

Today I've selected a few of the most-viewed articles-and a few of my personal favorites- from my archives and linked them here. Enjoy & feel free to pass on to others the ones you find most useful.

"In Case You Missed It" will return on Friday in its regular spot.

Have a great week everyone!


~Barbara



Helping your Child Sleep Well
(January, 2012)
It is estimated that as many as 30% of all children may have a sleep disorder at some point during childhood. Sleep disorders can impact health, school performance, day to day activities & social-emotional adjustment. For this reason it is important for both parents and educators to understand these disruptions and simple ways to assist children to rest and sleep better...



The Connection Between Sensory Integration & Yoga
(July, 2009)
Yoga itself is a natural form of sensory integration and It can be adapted to a variety of ages, learning styles and environments. Yoga will assist in facilitating many of the same skills as conventional S.I. as all 5 senses are stimulated & integrated during a 30-45 minute yoga session...



 Breathe-Relax
(July, 2010)We don't usually associate stress with good news or happy events, but these can also create a stress response in the body. We need to take moments throughout our day to release this tension that builds up not just in our mind, but in our bodies too...



 Living in Color
(November, 2011)I love taking walks in the woods this time of year. The colors of the foliage is absolutely beautiful and so restorative & healing to me. My daughter often refers to this time of year as "Living in Color". Color is a form of non-verbal communication. Colors say something to us when we look at them. What colors make you feel happy? Agitated?


Peace Pose
(May, 2011)Today is a perfect day for soaking in the peacefulness of the sunshine, the clear blue sky & the cool breeze & watching Lauren, my daughter play with the neighbors grandchildren. They have had a very fun & busy morning; running barefoot in the grass, playing wiffle ball, catching butterflies, picking (and eating) strawberries from our garden, blowing dandelion seeds, playing with dolls and pretending to be astronauts...



Where Mind, Body & Technology Meet
(October, 2011)When I was a kid you couldn't pay me to stay inside. (Unless it was snowing out. I did not like the cold much and still don't.) 4 years ago, I moved myself and my daughter to an area with plenty of parks, rocks to climb, biking & hiking trails and lakes. I am surrounded by the beauty of the woods & 'out doors' is a large part of my life. But as much as I advocate movement, sensory integration and art & nature being vital for children to learn & thrive, I want to also acknowledge that there are many places where the mind, body & technology meet and can live in harmony...



Dragonflies
(May, 2010)

"The Dragonfly Story" has become a favorite for the students in my Adaptive Yoga class for many reasons. In the story, a little "water beetle" who lives in the bottom of the pond gets curious to see what is up at the top. The story continues as he journeys into the unfamiliar, seeing new creatures around the pond and meeting new friends.One reason this story is so loved (by children as well as adults)  is the many lessons contained within it...





Contact Barbara: barbara@bodylogique.com

 

Literacy & Children's Yoga

Literacy & children's yoga-is there a connection?

Absolutely! The connection is in the way they both engage children-one through physical movement, the other through imagination!

When the two are combined, you have a poweful format for bringing a lesson to life by personalizing it. In doing this, you give it more relevant value to the student.

In many children's yoga programs, such as the one I founded (S.M.Art Kids® Adaptive Yoga -Stories, Movement, Art) stories and character themes are used as a basis for the lesson plan. (Yes-yoga teachers DO write lesson plans!)

We have found that stories are a versatile way to help kids identify more easily with character qualities, situations & abstract concepts. Yoga postures are often used to tell the story actively.

This type of interactive storytelling and character identification can  be used as a method of instilling language and vocabulary skills, expressive & receptive communication skills, social and emotional learning concepts and an atmosphere of diversity, sharing, respect and belonging.

Stories can be found in so many places: personal and family histories, world history, mythology, cultural stories & folk tales, movies, video games, social stories and children's books. Storytelling makes learning engaging, kid-friendly, and fun!

My friend Angela at OMazing Kids Yoga in Norman OK has compiled this fantastic list of children's books that can be used by yoga teachers and other educators for creative, interactive learning:  Books for Kid's Yoga


Other Great Storytelling Resources:


S.M.Art Stories™

Story Jumper

Barefoot Books

Bucks County Public Libraries

Storytime Yoga



For more Information contact: barbara@bodylogique.com
or visit: www.bodylogique.com


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Wild Things

Lauren: My "Wildest Thing of All"

I have always loved reading and telling stories. One of my favorite Stories of all time is "Where the Wild Things Are".

Before I became a yoga teacher, I would read this story to my young sons, and they would feel inspired to become the wild monsters as I told the story using voices and animated expressions. Since then, this book has survived the love of many children, several relocations and even an apartment flood to become a permanent fixture  in my personal library and in my children's yoga programming.

My daughter (pictured at left) suggested it as our "Story Of The Month" because as a little girl, she did the same thing her brothers did, 15 years before she was even thought of. She would become a "Wild Thing" spontaneously and suddenly as the story was being told.

The "Wild Thing" Pose is what I like to call a 'freestyle' pose and allows a child to freely move as their bodies want to and are able to.

 Listen to the story here and practice the 'Wild Things' Poses with your child. As you tell & move with the story, it becomes a memory not only in their minds and imaginations, but also in their growing bodies.

Tell us what other stories you enjoy with your child! Leave a comment below and I will suggest various movements and poses to do that go with the story!

For more information on children's adaptive yoga contact: barbara@bodylogique.com


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A Far Away Place

"If you've heard this story before, don't stop me because I'd like to hear it again." ~Groucho Marx.

So when was the last time you went to a far away place in your mind? When was the last time you heard, read or told a good story? I think that no matter how old we get, we still love to tell and hear stories, whether of actual places & events or not. Stories open our hearts, minds & souls. Stories tell a history, teach, inspire, & bring people & communities together.

I have always loved reading & writing stories. I would spend hours in my room reading the classics such as "Little Women", "Treasure Island" and  "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"; I loved the far away places Greek and Roman Mythology & Aesop's Fables; and would often create my own characters & illustrate and write different endings to the stories I read.

Sometimes a story is so good, we have to hear it again and again such as the stories of my son's childhoods that I tell my daughter (who is 15 years younger than they are). She loves to hear, over and over again stories of her brothers, her uncle, her dad and me when we were all little, especially when its stories about the times the boys (her brothers) got into trouble.

I became a storyteller myself when my sons were little, reading books & telling them stories because it was an inexpensive form of entertainment for us. As a young single mother I didn't have the resources to go on many vacations or to amusement parks, but we always had a park nearby and library cards. Many hours I would spend, outdoors or before bedtime reading & telling stories and doing character voices for my young sons. Dr. Seuss was a huge favorite as was "Little Critter", "Mr.Men" and anything about dinosaurs, cars or science.

When my oldest son, Mike was about 4, he could actually read some of those "Cat in The Hat"  books to his younger brother.  He would bring a pile of books and climb up on the couch and sigh  "Mike, I wish I could read!" It was so touching to watch them tell the story together-one reading it & one telling it from memory and both laughing & acting out the scenarios & voices as I had always done with them.

What I didn't realize 22 years ago was that this simple, inexpensive activity would be the foundation for all they would learn from that point on, social, cultural, academic and otherwise.

Its been widely known that reading to young children greatly contributes to literacy, academic success and emotional well being. The ancient art of storytelling can be utilized easily to engage the imagination, enhance learning and as a framework for many other skills and lessons, in many environments in & out of the classroom. For 10 years, I have used storytelling as the basis for yoga programs and as a way to engage the student fully in the movement & art activities.

Storytelling is a versatile tool, easily adaptable to all ages and all abilities. No special equipment is needed to create a story or an imagery-just an audience, a speaker & the imagination. As a learning tool, storytelling encourages students to explore appropriate ways to express themselves and improves communication of thoughts & feelings. The storytelling process can even be adapted to use pictures or sign language for children with limited language skills.

Through this unique medium, many skills are learned easily & in support of character development. Telling a personal story, and listening to others tell theirs helps define a child's individual and unique self-worth, and allows them to acknowledge & respect the worth of others without competition, over-compensation or prejudice.

Reading & storytelling allows children to "unplug" from all the electronics surrounding them & transport them to magical places & is a reminder that written & spoken words are powerful, that listening brings about  understanding, and that clear communication between all people is an essential art.

Folktales, mythology & other stories are a creative & non-threatening way to guide young people toward positive personal values by presenting hypothetical situations in which the results and consequences of both 'good' and 'bad' decisions can be observed. They can identify with the characters, their challenges & their actions through experiencing & becoming the story. These stories model creative problem solving, which is a vital life skill that can be applied in a variety of settings.

This skill is strengthened when the student is encouraged to write & tell their own wisdom stories-based on real or imaginary scenarios, and guided to 'paint pictures with their words'; incorporate visual art-in the form of illustrations, props, masks, puppets, mandalas, art journals, story sticks and more into the process. The lesson now becomes more 3 dimensional: expressive, personal & meaningful and hence, more integrated.

Storytelling also helps development of expressive & receptive vocabulary & verbal skills, cultural education & strong imagination. These skills can naturally be guided to develop into self-confidence & motivation as students learn to focus on & envision themselves competent & able to reach & obtain their goals & dreams.

In turn, a socially mature, emotionally strong, creative, confident child will be less likely to underachieve, judge others or to be taken in and overwhelmed by the massive epidemic of insecurity, competition, hatred & fear that seems to permeate & infect society. Confident and self-aware children are less likely to become a statistic: a victim of (or a participant in) bullying, depression, eating disorders, domestic violence, addictions, suicide and other forms of violent behavior.

The process also enhances communication, social skills, critical thinking & visual processing skills while developing motor control & brain integration making it a perfect activity for children with learning challenges. It also improves focus & reduces stress, making it a versatile, multi-sensory activity.

Movement & dramatic play can be paired along with storytelling to facilitate one of the most beneficial activities you can allow your child to engage in. Engaging in dramatic play during storytelling brings many elements of human nature together. It can reinforce simple lessons like problem solving, creativity & balance, allowing brain & body to work together, minimizing the stress response and allowing children to independently create something personally meaningful to them.

Reading, Story telling & the arts in many forms are usable tools that if introduced at an early age, can help children feel more safe, integrated, see more beauty and good in the world & provide an appropriate outlet to neutralize & overcome the disturbing social & environmental messages, situations & obstacles that they are exposed to daily.

We will be launching a new program called "Story Arts™"  in March during NEA's "Read Across America" week, an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss.

The "Story Arts" Program will be an extension of our S.M.Art Kids Yoga® Programs-and will focus on social skills, language, literacy and character education. The program is mobile and will feature children's story telling, complete with a magical Travelling Treasure Trunk™  filled with costumes, props, puppets and other improvisation tools. As with all of our programs, its been designed to be adaptive & inclusive so all children of all abilities can participate. We are very excited to be in the position to offer this program to schools, learning centers, hospitals, art centers, camps, church groups and other organizations throughout PA & NJ.

It is never too early-or late- to begin reading with your child or introduce children to the art of storytelling and/or dramatic play-or to re-introduce yourself to the process and excitement of  "painting pictures with words" & discovering strange and wonderful lands & far away places with your child!

To find stories, books and more go to:



Barefoot Books-( Step Inside a Story)

Good Night Stories


NEA-Read Across America

Scholastic Book Clubs


 "Grab Your Hat-and Read with the Cat!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

La Befana

I turned 46 last week. I love celebrating a birthday around holidays. I use this a time to self-evaluate-where have I been, where am I going and how can I become a better version of me?

I was sitting here last night in front of the fireplace thinking of all the celebrations in the past 46 years-some festive, and others not. I came to understand fully the significance of these ceremonies & milestones. The history we live, and the stories we tell about it, help us to identify with those qualities we want to embody and share with others.

In my quest (okay-suddenly its becoming more of an obsession) for remembering and finding more holiday traditions, I came across the legend of La Befana. (Sent to me by Sydney Solis of  'Storytime Yoga'.) She (La Befana...and Sydney for that matter) embodies the feminine spirit of benevolence.

La Befana  is a female version of Santa Claus in Italy, who loves children dearly. She is a kind old woman with magical powers who brings gifts to the children of Italy on the eve of the Epiphany. (Jan 6-the date that is said to be when the wise man found the baby Jesus in the manger.)

The name Befana is derived from the word epifania, the Italian name for the religious festival of the Epiphany. In the weeks leading to the  Epiphany, the children of Italy write notes to Befana telling her the presents they would like. They are on their best behavior because they know that Befana will leave a lump of coal, instead of sweets and toys, for children who misbehave.

There are several variations to this legend that takes place at the time of the birth of Baby Jesus, the Christ Child. La Befana is an old woman who lives in a house in the hills of Italy. She once had a husband and child, but now lives alone. Befana spends her days sweeping and baking, and gathering wood.

One night, Befana notices a bright light in the sky, she thinks nothing of it and goes back to her work of sweeping and baking. Later, a glorious caravan led by Three Wise Men stop and ask Befana for directions to Bethlehem and invite Befana to join them in their search for the new King-the Christ Child.

Befana is too busy and knows nothing of this far-away place nor the birth of a special baby. After the caravan disappeared over the hills, Befana thought of how much she missed her child who sadly died at a very young age. She changed her mind and wanted to visit this special child, because she loves children very much. So she placed some baked goods and gifts for the child in a sack, took her broom to help the new mother clean and raced out after the caravan in search of the Baby Jesus.

Befana soon was lost. And just as she tired, angels appeared from the bright light, the magic star, in the sky to give flight to Befana on her broom - after all this was a night of miracles. She searched and searched for the caravan & Baby Jesus and could not find him.

Befana still searches, even today, even after all these centuries. Every year on the eve of the Epiphany, whenever Befana comes to a house where there is a child, she drops in to see if it might be the child she seeks. It never is, but Befana leaves a gift anyway, for Befana has come to realize, over the years, that her searching is not vain; that the qualities and unconditional love of the Christ Child can be found in all children.

In another version, the children are afraid of her and think she is a witch even though all she does is sweep and bake. In fact, before people realized how kind she was, they rang bells made of earthenware and blew glass trumpets to scare her away. This has all been forgotten now, and, as her story shows, Befana never deserved it.

Storytelling and legends, are a way for us to preserve family history & cultural traditions. Share these stories with your children & students and encourage them to tell stories of their own. Help build positive character traits such as benevolence, acceptance and inclusion, encourage emotional growth and development, spark imaginations & open young hearts & minds.

Buon Natale!

Happy Holidays to all!


To read another version of this beautiful story, click here.

To order "The Legend of Old Befana" children's Book, click here
To read more about Holiday Celebrations, Stories and Traditions from around the world, click here.

To find more holiday stories that teach, Click Here.


*What are some of the legends & stories that you or your family tell during the holidays? Please tell us in the comments below!



~Barbara

Developing Character Through the Arts

You can stand tall without standing on someone. You can be a victor without having victims. ~Harriet Woods

The above quote is referring to a core standard of good character which is to treating others as one would want to be treated.  We define character as 'moral or ethical strength.'


As a society in general I think we-especially schools, teachers (and parents)-tend to mistake good behavior for good character. What we are rewarding & subtly reinforcing is docility, suggestibility & compliance. In reality, we are not nurturing good character, but creating the child who will do what he is told. (Or even better, the child who will do what we want without even having to be told.) What we value most in children is what children value least in themselves. Its no surprise that any effort to 'teach' good character, through "Character Education" Programs or "Anti-Bullying" or "Bully Prevention" programs are statistically shown to be only minimally effective; and maybe its because we don't recognize-nor reward or reinforce good character when we see it.

I don't beleive that character is somethig that gets 'taught': rather, Children will naturally develop character if and when they are guided through their everyday challenges properly and through their decision making process. They learn it through having consequences for hurtful actions and for seeing positive outcomes when they put forth their best effort.

They need a healthy outlet for creative problem solving and support at home as well as at school. It is not entirely up to the school to educate our children, especially when it comes to character. A parent is the child's first and best teacher. It should start in the home, with the example you set & be a team effort extending to the school environment & beyond.

A child spends more hours at school than he does at home during the academic year, so there needs an atmosphere of mutual respect, approachability and a consistent example at school as well. I know a guidance counselor who is in charge of a local school's Character Education program who illustrates my point.

In a recent incident between my daughter and a few of her classmates, this counselor, in an effort to resovle the issue explained to the girls that gossiping is bad and hurtful and they should not involve themselves in it at all. She had them do some group hug thing and sent them on their way.

A few days later, my daughter was waiting in the office for me as an early dismissal and when she got in the car she told me, very indignantly,that the same counselor-along with another teacher, was having a detailed, negative and complaining conversation about a particular student-and his family-who she happens to be friends with. She was very upset & asked me how she could ever trust or take the counselor seriously again? She also astutely recognized that if she was talking about that family, does she talk about us too?

Kids can spot a phony and a hypocrite a mile away, and they will call you on it. And they won't ever forget the betrayal. My daughter learned more about good character in that 10 minute observation than she has in a whole year of "Character Ed" class. My job is to keep the communication open-when she comes to me, I actively listen and help her make her own assessments of the situation. I ask her leading questions about what other choices were available. I try to do this in a non-judging way so that the teaching moment is not lost in that-or in unnecessary drama. I always ask her a final "what is the lesson?" and I give her my take on it as well.

So other than purposely exposing our kids to hypocritical people, drama, pain and suffering, (Which I strongly discourage!) how do we help instill in them and further develop good character?

I haved been working on that answer for more than a year now. I know that we have to do things differently than we have in the past. We need to innovate and involve them in the process, rather than impose more restrictions on them. "Zero Tolerance" policies and punishment does not work for teaching character or for even discouraging inappropraite behavior or ensuring compliance with rules. It only breeds resentment and more opposition,not better character. There is no dialog, no thinking nor discussion about what the better choices would have been and possible outcomes.

Its been widely known that the arts greatly contribute to all student's academic success and emotional well being. The ancient art of storytelling can be utilized easily in many environments in & out of the classroom. Storytelling is the basis of the "S.M.Art Kids® Adaptive Yoga program, and now is the basis of our Character Arts™ Program.

Storytelling is easily adaptable to all ages and all abilities. No special equipment is needed to create an imagery-just an audience, a speaker & the imagination. As a learning tool, storytelling encourages students to explore appropriate ways to express themselves and improves communication of thoughts & feelings. The storytelling process can even be adapted to use pictures or sign language for children with limited language skills.

Folktales & other stories are a creative, non-competitive & non-threatening way to guide young people toward positive personal values by presenting hypothetical situations in which the results and consequences of both 'good' and 'bad' decisions can be observed. They can identify with the characters, their challenges & their actions through experiencing & becoming the story. This teaches creative problem solving, which is a vital skill that can be applied in a variety of settings.

This skill is strengthened when the student is encouraged to write & tell their own wisdom stories-based on real or imaginary scenarios, and guided to incorporate visual art-in the form of illustrations, props, masks, puppets, mandalas, art journals, story sticks and more into the process. The lesson now becomes active rather than passive & much more personal & meaningful and hence, more integrated into everyday life.

Through this unique medium, these skills are learned easily & in support of character development. Telling a personal story, and listening to others tell theirs helps define a child's individual and unique self-worth, and allows them to acknowledge & respect the worth of others without competition, over-compensation or prejudice. Storytelling allows children to "unplug" from all the electronics surrounding them & is a compelling way to remind children that their spoken words are powerful, that listening is equivalent to understanding, and that clear communication between all people is an essential art.

Other benefits of Story Arts include development of expressive & receptive vocabulary & verbal skills, cultural education & strengthening the imagination. These skills can naturally be molded to self-confidence & motivation as students learn to focus on & envision themselves competent & able to reach & obtain their goals & dreams. A socially mature, emotionally strong, creative, confident child will be less likely to underachieve, undermine or judge others or to be taken in and overwhelmed by the massive epidemic of manufactured drama, insecurity, competition, hatred & fear that seems to permeate & infect society.

Confident and self-aware children are less likely to become a statistic: a victim of (or a participant in) teasing, bullying, depression, eating disorders, domestic violence, addictions, suicide and other forms of violent behavior.

Story telling & the arts in many forms are usable tools that if introduced at an early age, can help children feel more safe, see more beauty and good in the world & provide an appropriate outlet to neutralize & overcome the disturbing social & environmental messages, situations & obstacles that they are exposed to daily. It is not only possible, but is being accomplished today though many organizations.

Along with Movement & storytelling, Visual art is one of the most beneficial activities you can allow your child to engage in. In many ways, art can become a type of 'yoga' and bring many elements of human nature together. It can be a turning point, reinforcing simple lessons like creativity & balance, allowing brain & body to work together, minimizing the stress response and allowing children to independently create something beautiful & personally meaningful to them. I envision art being used to creatively reinforce and tangibly represent & remind the student of the idea, theme or "moral" of the stories.

The process of creating art also enhances communication, critical thinking & visual processing skills while developing the tactile sense, fine motor control & strengthens brain integration making it a perfect activity for children with learning challenges. It relieves stress & improves focus, making it a versatile, multi-sensory activity for all children.

It is never too early-or late- to introduce children to story telling or the arts. Its never too late to experience the process and excitement of finding their creative brain an using it to solve conflicts and problems-and to develop their own confidence & sense of good character: to know how to stand tall without standing on someone or to be a victor without having victims.



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Dragonflies...

Dragonflies are so beautiful & amazing to watch. Skilled  fliers, twisting, turning, darting, changing direction, even hovering or flying backwards as the need arises. Adaptable, they live in two worlds: first in water, and then as they grow, they take to the air as if it were water. Some view the dragonfly as a symbol of beauty, delicate strength, balance and control. Others, as a symbol for transformation and change. I think that all of these hold true.

"The Dragonfly Story" has become a favorite for the students in my Adaptive Yoga class for many reasons. In the story, a little "water beetle" who lives in the bottom of the pond gets curious to see what is up at the top. The story continues as he journeys into the unfamiliar, seeing new creatures around the pond and meeting new friends.

One reason this story is so loved (by children as well as adults)  is the many lessons contained within it: exploring curiosity, overcoming fear, overcoming transitions & embracing new experiences, making new friends...these are all milestones that all children, but especially those with autism and other sensory challenges face on a daily basis. The story is interactive, using yoga & movement  to name all the "friends" the dragonfly met; it is adaptable to any age or ability, (it can be lengthened or shortened depending on time/ability constraints) can be done indoors or outside, and the messages are clear & reassuring to the kids.

The other reason the children enjoy this story is because of the Dragonfly Activity & Game  they get to do at the end. This simple art activity is designed not only to assist with fine motor, auditory & visual processing, but to integrate all the elements of the story into one symbol that the student can then use to further explore his or her own body's "flying" ability through non-competitive movement games. 
 
For information on our "The Dragonfly's Adventure"  S.M.Art Story ™ yoga-based curriculum, containing 85 pages of stories, movement , art and game activities, color photo cards and more, visit our marketplace

 
(Below: Barbara & Lauren doing "Lizard Face"...)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
To Contact Barbara for a professional development workshop or S.M.Art Kids® teacher's training, e-mail: barbara@bodylogique.com



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