We began the week with The Belly Breathing song and video by Colbie Caillat and Sesame Street. The children asked to watch it numerous times. We read aloud the words twice then watched the video singing along. | To practice belly breathing and get the feel of our bellies rising and falling each child was given a stuffy and tried to rock it asleep with their own belly breathing. We then shared how this felt in our bodies. Some of the answers included 'calm' , 'peaceful', 'quiet'. This was a very calming activity and the children have asked to do it again several times. A stuffy was placed in our Calm Island area to use if they felt the need. |
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Helping children regulate their emotions and body takes time, effort and daily practice. Science tells us that the parts of the human brain that are critical to handling emotions aren’t fully developed until into we’re in our twenties. So this means we need to teach them strategies and ways to self calm and bring awareness to their bodies and emotions. There are many ways we do this in room 15 . Here is a sequence of movements and breathing we do that works well for many. This sequence ends with an audible long sound as we exhale. When we 'hook up' , we do this sequence three times in a row . The children become very mindful of their movements and how their bodies feel. It is common for them to ask for this sequence and share that it helps them feel calm and ready to think or listen. I have seen children independently hook up at their desks, on the playground, in assemblies etc. I do it with them and I feel the integration and calm settle within me as well.
Brain research shows us that movement and breath help to alleviate stress and anxiety. Our bodies are designed to move. We know this intuitively - taking a walk, dancing, yoga, swimming, riding a bike, golfing etc clears our heads, often shifts our moods and increases energy. We feel good. The same holds true for children. In my class, however , I have learned that children with the propensity for sensory and emotional overwhelm benefit from movement or breaks that calm, soothes and works well in short periods of time that can be repeated. The boy above does the 'hook up' independently as he has discovered it calms him. Today, he led the group in the sequence. On our exhale we add an audible VOO or AHH sound. This is optional, but feels wonderful and is fun so most do it. Another variation is to cross your ankles at the same time as you do the sequence. This is a nice sequence as it can be done in many places and is not overly noticeable. It is a great strategy to calm down, breath and release some stress. This is often what I ask the kids to do before we talk or problem solve. |
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