YOGA!!!

Yoga has really grown in popularity over the last few years and for good reason.  I use yoga with my kiddos in special education and also strongly encourage classroom teachers to utilize it in their classrooms as a nice movement break for their students.  I have made up cards that I can use with my kiddos that can also easily be implemented in the classroom.  Yoga movements are easy to incorporate into morning meetings or circle times.  They can also be used during free play or as a station!
So why yoga? Here are just a short-list of the benefits of yoga!

• Yoga can help improve strength and balance
• Yoga helps kiddos with body awareness and a sense of self in space
• Yoga helps with breathing and awareness of breath
• Yoga helps with relaxation
• Yoga helps with concentration and focus
• Yoga partner poses promote social interaction
• Yoga can help with self-control
• Yoga can help with poor motor coordination for those in need- this point is especially important with my special education kiddos
• Yoga can help regulate the sensory system- thank you occupational therapists for helping with this point!
• Yoga can also help those with heightened anxiety
• Yoga is all inclusive - poses are meant for all abilities and can be adjusted to for each individuals

Yoga can also be done using a story format.  Doing certain poses as you go through the story.  (Example- you take an airplane (airplane pose) to visit your grandma.  She lives on a mountain (mountain pose) with her dog (downward dog pose).  The story can go from there and the children can help create!

I have also found fun books that can be read to students to promote yoga.  This book is by a physical therapist in Minnesota http://shop.livehappilyeveractive.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=37.  Her whole website is dedicated to yoga.  I have enjoyed using this book with my students as well!  

Yoga cards are a popular way to get yoga out in the school.  Our store has a new set of yoga cards out there for you to check out!

  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Yoga-Cards-926802 

October Fun and Free Play!!!

We are having glorious weather in Minnesota this fall!  We have to enjoy it all we can as we have LONG winters up here. Remember getting your students out for that break and free play that they need!  Remember free play and motor breaks are essential to learning.  They aren't just a luxury but a necessity!  It is easy to forget this aspect with all the requirements upon us!   We have added a bonus Halloween Free Play that can be purchased separately or in conjunction with the free play unit.
                                                                                                                                                                                     

Get this at our TPT store!
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Teacher-Bin

Enjoying the weather with Baby Cade!