Its Friday! In Case You Missed it-April 16-20

In Case You Missed it... Its Friday! and we are back as promised with the top article links for this past week.


For those of you new to my blog, each Friday, we feature the top articles (archived and new) that are relevant to those who work with children with social, sensory and learning challenges. The purpsoe of this weekly post is to expand and improve the scope of resources & information for families, educators & otehr professionals. We want to build connections with diverse resources to help each other stay informed in the most straightforward and entertaining way possible.

To read the original article, click on the title link. (A short description as a quote or excerpt taken right from the article appears under each link.) The source is listed under the article title. Please feel free to share, with the original links & authors referenced.

If you have an article link you would like to add, contact Barbara at the e-mail at the bottom of this post.

Guest post submissions are always welcome!

Please report any broken links to Barbara at the e-mail link below.

Have a Fantastic Weekend!

~Barbara

barbara@bodylogique.com




Affection Deficit: Dealing with Students who Hear a Different Drummer
(Edutopia)
I had assumed that my son's interests in science & electronics would make him a great student. I was wrong. Instead, school has been an ordeal. Why? Because Cole will tune out what doesn't interest him. He can get lost going from one simple task to another, and his imagination revs up without warning, taking him from spelling quiz to intergalactic mission in a matter of seconds...


Autism, Inflamation & Nutrition
(Psychology Today)
Autism. The reason no one has been able to find a specific pathological cause or cure is because it is multifactorial - it seems that a combination of genetic, environmental, neurological, and inflammatory factors contribute to the development of autism. Today I would like to focus specifically on the inflammation and other evidence of nutritional contributing factors...


 Healthy Ways to Show Feelings (A classroom activity Grades pre-k to 2nd grade)
(Teaching Tolerance)
Individuals of all ages can find it difficult to identify and express their feelings in a positive way. At the elementary level, many students need a springboard for discussion. This can help make students more open about their feelings.


Redefining 'Normal'
(Stuart Duncan, Autism from a Father's Point of View)
Normal… that peculiar notion of fitting in with those around us. Not with society… but with those around us. In highschool, some people felt it was normal to be with the cool kids, others with the nerds and so on. At work, for me, the designers tend to fit in with other designers more so than programmers and programmers tend to fit in with other programmers better than designers...



The 'Sun Stretch' for Kids!
(BodyLogique.com)
Yoga can be used to release frustrated pent-up energy, to calm and relax in the classroom (before a test) at home (before bedtime) or anytime & anywhere the need arises. It helps build physical strength, character and confidence & can be done indoors or outside. No special equipment is needed. Our "Pose & Postures"Page is a feature to acquaint you with some of the things we learn in a typical play group or class. Try the "Sun Stretch"...




Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com

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"Sun Salutations": What exactly is it ?

"Sun Salutations" is a Yoga Based exercise that combines Movement, Breath, Sun Bathing (if done outside!) and Respiratory cleansing.

The series of 12 postures are performed in a single, graceful flow. Each movement is coordinated with the breath. (Inhaling as you stretch, and exhaling as you fold or contract.)

The Sun Salutation builds strength and increases flexibility. Different styles of yoga perform the Sun Saluation with their own variations. A single round is equal to two complete sequences: one for the right side of the body and the other for the left.


Some of the benefits of "Sun Salutations" are:

- It minimizes disorders of the skin

- Strengthens & tones internal organs

- Helps restore flexibility & balance

- Enhances agility, endurance and coordination.

- Corrects old or acquired habits of improper breathing.

- Exercises the legs & arms, enhancing circulation.

- Loosens, stretches & warms up almost all joints and internal organs of the body, reducing risk of injuries.

- Stimulates, restores & balances all the systems of the body ( including the endocrine, circulatory, reproductive & digestive systems.)

- It is one of the best ways to burn calories and reduce weight WITHOUT any cumbersome or expensive equipment & is often recommended in treating obesity and depression.

For kids, especially children with autism, dyslexia and other Sensory processing issues, it can be a fun, simple, grounding activity that will help move & exercise every area of the body, as well as help integrate all the senses.


Just 10-20 minutes a day of "Sun Salutations" (5-10 minutes for kids) along with basic natural movements such as dancing, walking, running, jumping etc, will be more than sufficient to aid in muscle toning, flexibility and stress management.

On days when you think you have no time for exercise, try and do at least one or two rounds of the Sun Salutation. You'll feel the difference.


Sun Salutations ( for Adults) : 


"Sun Stretch" (Modified Sun Salutations for Kids):


For customized yoga -based movement sets for children, contact : barbara@bodylogique.com




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