In the last few weeks, I have incorporated "calm, quiet bodies" into all of my classes. It's amazing, what a difference this makes. What I started to realize is that it is just as important for children to learn how to make their bodies calm, as it is for them to learn different ways to move their bodies. I call it "calm, quiet body" (I say both calm and quiet because I found that some children respond more to one word then the other) and we usually practice this after a high energy dance. It works really well at the end of class if the students are transitioning to another activity or are on their way home. They seem to be able to demonstrate this in their bodies more in a freeze dance, which I believe is in response to music and a short window of time to be still. When I ask them to make their bodies calm and quiet, it seems to be a bigger challenge. But, challenges are good! They make us stronger, happier, and more confident. Exactly what I want my students to be! Do you have a version of calm, quiet bodies? I would love to hear!
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I was just discussing this with my yoga teacher about how beneficial it would be to have my students have one or two moments of meditation with their eyes closed to help improve their focus. I found that it's harder to focus when your eyes are closed.
ReplyDeleteQuiet/calm time sounds equally as beneficial.
Thanks! Good idea of having them close their eyes! I will have to try it, although 2's and 3's might have trouble. We can work towards it though!
ReplyDeleteI will be teaching a mommy and tots class this summer, where The parents dance with the kids and the ages in the class are 18 months- 2 years (there is quite an age range). Do you have any ideas on what types of things that I could do in my class?
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