Mindful Breathing

I don't know about you but taking a deep breath is the last thing I want to do when I am feel angry or anxious. This is because a deep breath simply isn't on the menu when I am in flght or flight mode. So the best thing I can do is practice breathing deeply during the calm times in life. This way, I am less likely to get into an agitated state to begin with and when I do it is shorter lived.
The same is true for our kids. Trying to talk a little one out of a melt down is useless. They simply aren't able to access the problem solving part of their brain. Better to practice deep breathing during quiet times. Bed time is optimal. You can have your little one use a cuddle toy as a tool for deep breathing. The stuffed animal goes for a ride on their tummy, up and down like a gentle wave. You can also have your little one put their head on your tummy so that they can feel your breath rising and falling beneath them as shown here. Give it a try and let me know how it went. Happy breathing

Belly Breathe!

Gotta love good old Sesame Street.  They understand the importance of social and emotional learning and self regulation.  Another terrific video!

The Six Movements of the Spine

Think about your spine as a super highway that sends messages from your brain to your body and back again. When you stretch your spine it helps both your brain and your body. I have the K kids take frequent movement breaks throughout the day. One standard mindful movement series is a sequence that moves the spine six ways: back and forth, side to side and twisting.  This simple series can help to calm and sooth the kids and get them ready to learn before each lesson.
To make it a little more fun, we incorporate these movements in partner stretches! The kids absolutely love it! Why not try it with your little one at home!

Welcome to our Peace Corner

 This is a place to take a break between tasks during our very busy days!  We have a balance ball for the kids to do some gentle bouncing, get some of those sillies out and develop their core strength.  We also have a balance board for some gentle rocking, as well as 2 rocking chairs. There is soft lighting and a flower arrangement to produce a calming affect.

The peace corner is designed to be a "time in" as opposed to a "time out" area.  I try to encourage the kids to take breaks as they need them.  We talk about our brains as if they were engines of a train.  If their engine is running too low or too high the peace corner is a place to go for a break to calm down or recharge.  This is a first step toward developing self regulation in order to enjoy social and emotional well being.

 Some students have talked about putting together a peace corner in their house!  You may want to try making one at home.  If you do, please feel free to add a comment and let me know how it's going!

Mindful Songs for Children

Music is the perfect portal into mindful moments.

Here are a few of my favorite artists:

Betsy's music has a beautiful "Folky" quality. My favorite tracks include "My Mind is A Clear Blue Sky, "I am Breathing", and "May you be Peaceful"

       

Kira Willey is a master!  She has such sweet songs that speak to the innocence and wonder of childhood.  Her music includes tracks where she guides little ones through mindful movement as well as music. Sure to delight the kid in everyone!

    

Red Grammer is a fantastic singer and songwriter for children.  This CD is filled with simple, beautiful songs about filling buckets, an important part of our Character Education Curriculum.

Happy Singing and Dancing!

Wake Up Series

Kids are super kinesthetic!  That's why we routinely use a self massage technique halfway through our days to wake up sleepy bodies and to calm down busy bodies!  This is a quick demonstration of the series.  Try it at home and let me know how it goes.