Happy Monday and Welcome Back.
Last week I started a Yoga and Mindfulness Challenge with students. ALO Yoga and Mindfulness, a yoga program you can find on YouTube or in the link I have included has a 12 week program for students. If we follow this program it takes us from last week when we started back to school all the way to the week before spring break. What a wonderful journey this can be for our minds and bodies!
Mindfulness and Yoga Challenge
The students shared that this site does not work on their school devises. Don't worry, you can find it all on YouTube as well. Just search for ALO Yoga for Kids. Below is a link to an introductory video which shares about this program.
This week I wanted to take some time to talk about movement and the benefits it has on our minds and bodies. More and more research is coming out stating that the more we move the happier we are. The research is also showing that the more we move the better our brains overall health can become. Some studies suggest that moving, more than crossword (or other brain teaser puzzles) , can help our brains stay healthier and stave off deterioration.
In Eric Jensen's book Teaching with the brain in mind, he talks in the 4th chapter about movement and learning. He shares that physical education helps strengthen many parts of the brain and increase the baseline of new neuron growth. Jensen sights the Kempermann 2002 study which shares that this neurogenesis is linked to increased cognition, better memory, and reduced likelihood of depression.
Yoga is a great way to get our bodies moving and continue our mindful breathing. As we learn to stretch our bodies we are also learning focus and concentration. Yoga helps us slow our bodies, breathe deep, and focus on the present. These are all skills that can be utilized when learning.
If you are interested in following the ALO Yoga and Mindfulness it will be about 5 minutes of your time each day. Jump in and become active with your student. When we, as adults, practice with students we show them it is important to us and we care enough to work alongside them.
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