Category Archives: Story Stretchers

Arrgh Matey…. Pirate-Themed Kids Yoga Lesson Plan Ideas & Adapted Yoga

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Arrgh Matey…. looking for activities to keep the Monkey Mind Pirates off your ship this summer? Activities that can be adapted for a wide range of ages, needs & abilities? Follow this OMazing Kids treasure map to find the Isle of Calm and a summer filled with pirate-themed yoga, affirmations, relaxation, crafts & more!

Week 1 of Camp ClapHans at the JD McCarty Center primarily had kids with ADHD. After reading through the campers registration forms, I knew that my usual “storybook” approach to yoga would not be the best choice for the older group of boys at camp that week. So I jumped out of my comfort zone & planned some freestyle yoga storytelling with a little structure based on the Monkey Mind Pirates workbook & CD. As I was setting up, I overheard the boys commenting “yoga is for girls”, “I don’t like yoga”, “Do we have to?”. Fearing a mutiny, I calmed & centered myself with yoga breathing & listening to a few tunes from my playlist as I continued setting up. When I set out the Hoberman Sphere & the Vibratone, two of the boys were drawn like moths to a flame. {Ahhhh….. the magic of yoga props!}. Before I knew it, the rest of the boys were seated on mats intrigued by what we were going to do.

To set the stage for our yoga adventure, I played “Welcome Aboard” by Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate and read this script from the Monkey Mind Pirates in my best “piratey” voice:

We went over the “rules of the ship” with this visual support….. we didn’t want anyone to fall out of the ship or have to walk the plank….. Arrgh!

I also used a visual support to show the kids that we would be breathing through our noses (like smelling a flower) and blowing our breath out through our mouth (like blowing out a candle).

We rolled up our treasure maps…… the key to making this a pleasant experience is to ALWAYS ask permission first. Ask who wants to be rolled up. Most kids love this & it is very calming to them. But some kids are fearful of trying it. In this class, I had two boys who were hesitant to try it. One ended up asking to do it after he saw the others enjoying it. One sat and watched. He kept a look out for Monkey Mind Pirates as the rest rolled up in the maps. By honoring his choice to not be “rolled”, it opened up the door for him to feel comfortable participating in most of the activities later in the class.

wrapped up like a map during yoga

The kids were in charge of how long they wanted to stay rolled up & if they wanted to repeat the activity.

wrapped up like a map for yoga and storytelling

Doing a breathing activity from Monkey Mind Pirates…..

This boy initially insisted he was NOT going to do yoga! He didn’t even want to sit on a mat……. but after a few minutes of watching from afar look who got on the pirate ship and ended up LOVING yoga. In fact, staff reported that later in the week he was one of the ones using the 3 strategies we learned to ward off Monkey Mind Pirates as a means to self-regulate. A great example of how yoga is so much more than just having fun in that moment…… it’s also about helping kids discover tools they can use to feel calm and empowered every day 🙂

Monkey Mind Pirates wanted posters

Activities & poses on our Monkey Mind Pirates adventure: rolled up treasure maps, Gyan Mudra spyglass, seated twist to look for Monkey Mind Pirates (Sir Winston, Ansel the Antsy & Lady Bronte. I made a “wanted” poster for each Monkey Mind Pirate so they would know what we were looking for. The Monkey Mind Pirates CD comes with some trading card sized pictures but these were too small to see in a group setting. One of the campers asked if the Monkey Mind Pirates were puppets….. gotta love a child with Aspergers Syndrome’s ability to immediately infer that from the wanted poster pictures! I explained that the real Monkey Mind Pirate puppets were sailing elsewhere but we never knew when they might appear. Fortunately he bought my story… or at least humored me and we kept going with our adventure), raise the sail (triangle pose), pirate flag waving in the ocean breeze (crescent moon), setting sail on our pirate ship in search of the treasure in the “Waters of Calm” (boat), sun shining down (breathing activity pictured above), laugher yoga (the tip for taming Winston), breathing (the tip for taming Ansel the Antsy. I added the Hoberman Sphere), 1-2-3 counting breath + mindful listening (the tip for taming Lady Bronte) {we practiced each of the 3 taming tips several times as we sailed. They knew to look out for a Monkey Mind Pirate when I sounded the Vibratone & held up one of the wanted posters. Made my heart smile to see how quickly they remembered & did the tip for each one}, X marks the spot (star), digging for treasure (woodchopper), treasure chest (seated forward fold), gyan mudra gold doubloons, guided relaxation (using the Relaxing on the Beach mp3 from Relax Kids). At first the boys were a little wiggly but they quickly calmed and a couple almost fell asleep. Remember, this was a group of boys with ADHD who rarely experience that level of “calm”. The calmness was so noticeable that the Camp ClapHans assistants asked if I could come do yoga with the boys every night! I reassured them that they had learned the 3 tips for taming Monkey Mind Pirates along with the boys and that they could use the strategies with them throughout the day & night 🙂 Ahhhh…. yes mateys that is the true treasure found in the “Waters of Calm”.

The girls group in Week 1 went on a beach-themed yoga adventure with “Ladybug Girl at the Beach”. I chose NOT to do a “pirate” class with this group since I knew one of the participants very well after having worked with her in outpatient speech-language therapy. This particular child has a VERY difficult time distinguishing between reality and imagination and would often assume alternate personalities. So I was pretty sure the pirate theme might trigger some swashbuckling aggressive behaviors in her. I also did NOT pass any props (Hoberman Sphere & Vibratone) in this class since this particular child has a history of damaging things. Of course the girls group had no idea that I had chosen a different theme for that reason and LOVED the adventures of Ladybug Girl. (I’ll be including yoga ideas for that book in a summer-themed post soon). The reason I share this is to remind folks that knowing info about kids before doing lesson planning will help guide you in making good choices in customizing a class to best match those kids’ needs.

Ladybug Girl looking out at the big waves in the ocean through the Gyan Mudra binoculars (FYI…. this is not the child I was describing above. She was one of the other campers. It made my heart smile to see how well she already knew how to do yoga! When she saw the seagull in the book she spontaneously went into Pigeon Pose….. one that I have a difficult time getting into myself.)

Week 2 of Camp ClapHans primarily had kids with physical disabilities. Because I had reviewed camp registration forms & knew several of the kids from seeing them as outpatients as JDMC, I chose a book that would lend itself well to these kids developmental levels, interests & physical needs. I played “The Porpoises and the Pirate Ship” by Brent Holmes & “Welcome Aboard” by Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate as I set up for the group to set the scene. We still did a pirate theme. But this time it was all with seated poses with the book “There Was An Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Fish” by Jennifer Ward. The kids chose whether they wanted to stay in their wheelchair or get down on a mat with a camp assistant to support them.

{Note for SLP’s: The repeated & cumulative lines, big vivid illustrations & humorous descriptive vocabulary has made “There Was An Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Fish” a new “fave” to use in speech-language therapy! I scanned the pirate & cut out his lower teeth to make room to “feed” him & made story props for each item he swallows in the story. These are also great to use for receptive & expressive language, sequencing & story retelling. For kids yoga, I wrote pose ideas on the back of each one with a fine-tipped permanent marker after I laminated them. The prop on the far right is for the repeated line “Yo Ho Ho! Watch his belly grow!”. It’s great to attach to a BigMack or other single message voice output communication aide (VOCA) for kids with minimal verbal skills to be able to participate in “reading” the repeating line. Get the free printable story props in this PDF: There Was An Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Fish story props}

{Update: 7/4/13: The illustrator, Steve Gray, generously posted a couple of illustrations on my Facebook page to use as coloring sheets after the author contacted him: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151554767913845&set=o.174264525957894&type=1&theater& https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151554766543845&set=o.174264525957894&type=1&theater

There Was An Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Fish – coloring sheets

Ok on to what we did in yoga…. This child is doing the pose for the pirate ship mast (a seated version of mountain pose with hands up and together for a tall, straight mast). It made my heart smile to see him using his iPad to tell his outpatient PT at JDMC that he wanted to go back to camp this week 🙂

It’s fine to take a rest on the pirate ship…….

Blimey but that fish was slimey!

Adapted activities & poses specifically chosen for this group of kids (all were done while kids were seated in whatever position was comfortable for them): ocean breath, gyan mudra spyglass, pirate (“Arrgh” breath + moving fist across midline on each side), fish (clasped hands together at midline & wiggled them in a modified sign for “fish”), blimey that fish was slimey (palming to wipe off the fish slime), “yo ho ho watch his belly grow” belly breathing w/ Hoberman Sphere (this is a repeated line at the end of each page), bird (stretch arms behind like wings), treasure map (roll arms around each other forwards & then back), gyan mudra gold doubloons, treasure chest (seated forward fold), plank (seated cross crawl, foot stomping or patting on legs as “footsteps” depending on that child’s ability to move their lower extremities), sail (seated side bends as a modified version of triangle), mast (a seated version of mountain pose with hands up and together for a tall, straight mast), pirate ship (boat with lots of support from that child’s camp assistant. The two boys in wheelchairs had a recline feature on their chair so they were able to participate). Because all the poses were done seated, they flowed easily as we repeated them through the cumulative story. I paused at key times to see what the kids would remember……. so fun the see their delight at remembering the word + pose. At the end of the book we sank to the bottom of the deep blue sea like the pirate in the book with a guided relaxation (using the Under the Sea story from the Imaginations: Fun Relaxation Stories and Meditations for Kids book with the Pirate Ship sound from the Relaxing Sounds Of Nature Lite free app (gentle sounds of a pirate ship creaking, waves & seagulls) and a weighted fish toy to ride on the waves of each child’s breath). After relaxation we listened to the song “Seven C’s” by Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate and talked about the “courage” it took for them to come to camp and try so many new things (if you haven’t heard this song yet you should….. a really cool way to incorporate some yamas/niyamas into a pirate themed class! “there’s COURTESY, COMPASSION and a bit of COURAGE too. With CLEANLINESS and CLEVENESS they’re good for me and you. Plus CHEERFULNESS and CHARITY now that makes Seven C’s.…”). We used a gold doubloon & treasure chest prop to talk about treasures inside each of us. As each child said or signed what they were good at or liked about themselves, they added a gold doubloon to the treasure chest. I left an “I’m more precious than gold coin affirmation” page with the camp assistants to offer to the kids during their journaling time later that day so they could write or draw additional things about themselves and their new camp friends.

These were just 30-minute classes so we didn’t have time to do a pirate-themed craft. But I found several online that would be fun to do. See this printable for the coins & treasure chest we used plus more fun ideas: Pirate coin affirmation printables, crafts, activities & coloring pages

Piratey Playlist:

  • Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate CD
  • Monkey Mind Pirates CD
  • Sea Tunes for Kids CD by Brent Holmes
  • Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Swashbuckling Sea Songs CD
  • Disney’s Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me) Instrumental by George Bruns
  • Rockin’ & Rollin’ On the Ocean by John Archambault & David Plummer
  • A Yogi Went to Sea by Kidding Around Yoga
  • Reiki Whale Song CD by Kamal (lots of great songs featuring whale sounds for relaxation)
  • Pirate Ship sound from the Relaxing Sounds Of Nature Lite free app
  • Plus I have lots of songs about individual ocean animals to use if needed

Please remember to keep kids individual sensory needs, developmental level, interests, etc… in mind when choosing particular music to use in a class.

I purposefully did not bring any pirate swords or hooks since those would naturally lead to kids wanting to have swashbuckling sword fights.

I’d love to hear your ideas for more “pirate yoga”! Feel free to leave a comment below or on the OMazing Kids Facebook page 🙂

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

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Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

OMazing Kids LLC is an organization that promotes inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities. The blog and social media pages share information about books, DVD’s, CD’s, games and other products specifically designed for kids wellness, mindfulness and relaxation, product reviews & giveaways, lesson plan & activity ideas, research, kids wellness in the news and a connection corner with listings of individuals doing adapted yoga and those offering trainings.

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{Guest Post & A Way To Give – Giveaway} from Happy Planet Yoga & HMH Kids (+ lesson plan for “Rain!” by Linda Ashman)

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HMH Kids, Happy Planet Yoga, OMazing Kids

It has been so fun to connect and exchange ideas for using kids picture books in yoga with Jenny Williams from Happy Planet Yoga! So it is my pleasure to have her for a Guest Post on OMazing Kids today.

Here is Jenny’s lesson plan for kids yoga inspired by the book “Rain!” by Linda Ashman illustrated by Christian Robinson:

9780547733951_hres

This review summarizes the book “Rain!” well: “Good and bad moods alike can be contagious, as this rainy-day story handily demonstrates. Writing solely in dialogue and exclamations, Ashman contrasts the ways two people view a city rainstorm. “Rain!” grumps a cantankerous man, staring at the storm from underneath bushy furrowed eyebrows. “Rain!” shouts a boy from the window of a building whose sunny color matches his outlook . . . Along the way, the boy charms everyone he meets—the exact opposite of what the older man is doing (frowns abound when he’s near). When the two eventually meet, it’s not certain which attitude will win out, but luckily for the diverse townsfolk, the boy’s kindness and openness rule the day.” — Publishers Weekly

 

Introduction:

Discuss all the things that make spring a special season. What is the weather like? How does the temperature feel? Do you still have to wear a heavy coat, hat and mittens? What are things you see in nature in the spring? What are sounds that you hear? What do you smell? Talk about why rain is so important in the season of spring and then use one of these fun songs as a warm up.

Warm up:

Read the book RAIN!  by Linda Ashman and illustrated by Christian Robinson, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (For more about this book visit: http://www.hmhco.com/shop/books/Rain/9780547733951#sthash.JF3jHV8M.dpbs)

  • Poses inspired by the book: Bird, frog, puddle jumping around the mats, down dog and up dog, tree, flower, baking pie or cookies sequence (see OMazing Kids lesson for Apple Farmer Annie), table, chair, bike pedaling.
  • Partner Poses: Rooftop partners, Rain taps on backs partners
  • What did you notice in this book? How could you tell it was spring (refer back to opening discussion.)

Games to play inspired by the book RAIN!

  • Waiter/waitress Game (with partner)
    • Objective: Work on balancing objects (on hand, on back in table pose) also work on focus
    • Materials: Large plastic or paper plate (this will be the serving tray), Play food (plastic is best as wooden may be too heavy) paper cups, plastic cutlery
    • How to play: One person is the waiter/ress. One person is the table. Waiter places one or two pieces of food, plastic cutlery and a paper cup on their plate and balance plate on open palm (for younger children holding the sides of the plate and keeping the cup upright and walking may be enough). Walk across the room to their partner who is the table and balance the plate on their back. Then partners switch roles.
    • Try this! Place obstacles in the room (yoga cushions, stuffed animals, other children) so that the waiter/ress cannot walk in a straight line
  • Contagious Energy (Children 4 and up) Played in a group or with partners
    • Objective:  Children use their own energy, emotions, or gestures to communicate to a group or their partner. Group or partner must guess the emotion or gesture. These are all positive emotions/gestures meant to help “guessers” feel good or happy (they are the Grumpy man in the book RAIN!)
    • Materials: Emotion flashcards (PDF), Energy ball
    • How to play: Teacher gives a card to the first child (only this child sees the card), this child acts out the emotion on the card to the others to communicate the emotion. Example: the card may be a SMILE, the child would then smile at the rest of the group (or their partner) and the group or partner would guess the emotion/gesture. Continue until all children have had a turn.
  •  Closing activity with Energy Ball: Group sits in a circle and talks about the Contagious Energy game and how they felt acting and receiving the emotions/gestures.  Which one was your favorite? Which one was hard to guess? Are there any other emotions/gestures you might try? Have you ever felt some one’s bad mood or negative energy? Now you have some ways you might help a person who is in a bad mood. Can you see how your energy can make a difference? Still not sure about your energy? Teacher takes out energy ball. All of the children hold hands except the teacher. Teacher explains we are all made up of energy and that this energy ball conducts energy and that the group will now prove how they make energy by complete the circuit (or circle). The teacher places her finger on the shiny metal strip (thumb on bottom) and asks student next to her to do the same (be sure teacher and student thumbs do not touch). Then they each hold the hand of the child next to them – BUZZZZ – the ball will buzz and light up!

Bio: Jenny Armor Williams is co-founder of Happy Planet Yoga and is a yoga instructor for children and adults. She discovered yoga when her daughters were babies yoga was the calm to the busyness of motherhood. Through a dedicated yoga practice, Jenny discovered her love for teaching and completed the Radiant Child Yoga Program Teacher Training, ChildLight Yoga Teacher Training, Yoga 4 Classrooms Instructor Training, and is currently enrolled in Spirit Tree Yoga Teacher Training (a 200-hr Registered Yoga School (RYS) with the Yoga Alliance). Jenny says “I love working with children, their energy and their curiosity keeps me on my toes and feeling young at heart!”

Email: jenny@happyplanetyoga.com

Happy Planet Yoga – Jenny Williams and Lynda West are co-founders of Happy Planet Yoga. At Happy Planet Yoga we strive to empower children to find their own light, peace, and creativity through yoga. Working with movement, breath, and meditation we seek to guide children and those that work with children on a path of discovery and joy.
happy planet yoga + pics

Jenny also works for also work for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publishing where she has access to many of their books and tests them out in her yoga classes with toddlers and young children.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Happy Planet Yoga & OMazing Kids have partnered together to bring you the following A Way to Give Giveaway:

Rain-themed Kids Yoga Collection

Rain-Themed Kids Yoga Collection that you can enter to win:

  • 1 copy of RAIN! by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Christian Robinson donated by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers
  • a PDF of the kids yoga lesson plan for this book, an Energy Ball & PDF of emotions flashcards from Happy Planet Yoga
  • three rain-themed mp3 song faves from OMazing Kids
    • The Rain is Coming by Penelope Torribio
    • April Showers Bring May Flowers by Amanda Ellis, MT-BC
    • Underneath the Rainbow by Kira Willey

HMH Kids Spring Book Collection

Plus the HMH Kids Spring Book collection (1 copy of each book donated by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers):

For the “Way to Give” portion of this giveaway, you will also nominate a friend, relative, teacher, therapist, school, clinic, library, etc… it can be any individual (other than yourself) or a setting that you feel would benefit from the HMH Kids Spring Book collection plus the book RAIN! by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Christian Robinson.

A Way to Give - Giveaway

How to enter the A Way to Give – Giveaway:

This particular giveaway is a “fans only” giveaway. It is only open to folks who like/follow all of the following:

Leave a comment on this blog post letting me know you have done that step (this is required to be eligible to enter this giveaway).

Then Enter via the “Giveaways” tab on the OMazing Kids – Contests & Giveaways Facebook page (http://a.pgtb.me/plpbTf) & mention:

  1. Why you would benefit from having the Rain-Themed Kids Yoga Collection (RAIN! by Linda Ashman illustrated by Christian Robinson donated by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers; the kids yoga lesson plan, an Energy Ball & PDF of emotions flashcards from Happy Planet Yoga; & three rain-themed mp3 songs from OMazing Kids) plus the HMH Kids Spring Book collection (My First Day by Steve Jenkins, Lots of Lambs by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger, Like A Windy Day by Frank Asch, Possum and the Peeper by Anne Hunter, Cheer Up Mouse by Jed Henry & Curious George Plants a Tree by HA Rey).
  2. Also nominate a friend, relative, teacher, therapist, school, clinic, library, etc… it can be any individual (other than yourself) or setting & why they would benefit from having the HMH Kids Spring Book collection (My First Day by Steve Jenkins, Lots of Lambs by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger, Like A Windy Day by Frank Asch, Possum and the Peeper by Anne Hunter, Cheer Up Mouse by Jed Henry & Curious George Plants a Tree by HA Rey) + the book RAIN! by Linda Ashman illustrated by Christian Robinson.

Details will count in selecting the winner. Comments must be in English; must include full first & last name; must use respectful people-first language, 1 entry per person.

  • Bonus Entry Options  (only available after liking/following all the pages above + entering via the Facebook tab):
    1. Invite some friends to “like” the OMazing Kids Facebook page (comment here on this blog post to let me know you did)
    2. Share this review on Facebook & include a @OMazing Kids to tag my page – (comment here on this blog post to let me know you did)
  • Helpful Info & Tips: I use the “Giveaways” tab because it saves me the step having to obtain your mailing address – the info you complete on the tab comes directly to me via an e-mail. FYI…. I use a free app from Shortstack for that tab and have no control over technical difficulties either on their end or on Facebook. The Facebook tab may not work on a cell phone. If you experience that, try again on a computer. Make sure you are logged in as yourself (not a page) when using the tab. In the event that you experience difficulties with the FB entry tab, please e-mail me specific details so I can attempt to fix it. E-mail to: amoorad1@juno.com . The entry deadline may be extended at the sole discretion of OMazing Kids in the event of prolonged entry tab problems

Entry Deadline: 11:59pm CST on April 25, 2013 .

Rules of Participation:

  • Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
  • Only USA entries are being allowed for this particular giveaway. (each company that I host a giveaway for decides how this is handled. It is often based on shipping costs & the focus of where they are marketing their products)
  • Employees or family members of OMazing Kids, LLC or the product’s company are not eligible.
  • No purchase required.
  • Comments submitted via the Enter Giveaways Here…. tab on Facebook may be copied & pasted into the blog post.
  • Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received.
  • The winner will be chosen via a drawing of valid entries on April 26, 2013.
  • The winner will receive the items listed in the “Rain-Themed Kids Yoga Collection” & the “HMH Kids Spring Book collection” described above. The “HMH Kids Spring Book collection” described above + the book “Rain!” will be sent to the person or place they nominated in their winning entry (I know this is a bit out-of-the box & different than most typical giveaways where the person who enters wins all the “stuff”.  This is the “A Way To Give” portion of giveaways on OMazing Kids. I was inspired to make giveaways more meaningful after this experience. Think of it as a way to plant some seeds.)
  • The winners will be notified via e-mail, will be posted on the blog post & will be posted on the OMazing Kids Facebook page. The company offering the prize may also post the winner’s name on their website, blog, Facebook page and/or other social media sites at their discretion.
  • The winner’s address will be forwarded to the company and they will be mailing the prizes directly to the winners. Any questions about the prize should be directed to the company.

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just kids books, printables, mp3’s & an Energy Ball but just to be safe here is all the legal stuff…

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You are providing your information to OMazing Kids, LLC and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for our internal purposes in relation to the administration of the giveaway. Your information will NOT be sold to any outside parties.

Indemnification/Hold Harmless: By participating, entrants agree: (a) to the decisions of OMazing Kids, LLC, which shall be final in all respects; (b) to release, discharge, and hold harmless OMazing Kids, LLC and its respective representatives and agents from all liability, injuries, losses or damages of any kind to persons or property resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the acceptance, possession, misuse or use of a prize, or from participation in and/or entry into the Contest or any Contest-related activity and for acceptance, delivery, or use of any prize; (c) that the foregoing parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guaranty, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, relating to any prize.

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

Contests & Giveaways on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsContestsandGiveaways

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/#omazing-kids-yoga

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741

Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad

Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

OMazing Kids LLC is an organization that promotes inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities. The blog and social media pages share information about books, DVD’s, CD’s, games and other products specifically designed for kids wellness, mindfulness and relaxation, product reviews & giveaways, lesson plan & activity ideas, research, kids wellness in the news and a connection corner with listings of individuals doing adapted yoga and those offering trainings.

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the crayons divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

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Celebrate The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day with Kids Yoga

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Celebrate Very Hungry Caterpillar Day

Celebrate The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day (1st day of Spring) on March 20th with kids yoga! This has always been one of my favorite books but I had struggled to come up with ideas on how to use it in kids yoga until I was inspired by the ideas shared by Yogaberries – yoga classes for children & families in Derby. in this discussion we had on the OMazing Kids Facebook page about great books to use in kids yoga

  • crescent moon
  • egg (child’s pose)
  • caterpillar (group happy baby pose – lay side by side with arms & legs up and wiggling)
  • sun stretch & breath (http://wp.me/p1t7TU-1T, includes link to a video clip & free sun printables)
  • apple picking stretch (in easy pose stretch one arm up & across to “pick the apple”. Engage kids imagination by asking “What color is your apple?” Repeat on other side. For all of the “food” items you can use toy food items or copies of the story prop printables. Whether or not I do this depends on the kids I have in the group. Some kids get overstimulated with too many props & others need the props to keep their attention)
  • wiggle like caterpillars on tummy around the circle to the next mat to pick the next fruit (pears). Repeat for the rest of the fruits (plums, strawberries & oranges)
  • cake (we did a bake the cake sequence similar to what I used for baking a pie in Apple Farmer Annie)
  • ice cream scoops partner pose
  • pickle (tense face like eating a sour pickle & relax)
  • swiss cheese (gyan mudra at eyes to look through the holes)
  • salami (woodchopper pose to slice it)
  • lollipop (mountain pose like a staight lollipop stick)
  • pie (seated angle pose)
  • sausage (rock & roll on back like a plump sausage)
  • cupcake (blow out the candle breath. For safety, we do not use a real candle….. just pretend)
  • watermelon (triangle pose – like the shape of the watermelon slice)
  • leaf (tree pose)
  • big caterpillar (use Hoberman sphere or hands with Balloon Breath to show the caterpillar getting bigger & bigger)
  • cocoon (roll up each child in their mat for Savasana – Note: it’s important to ask each child’s permission & be mindful of their sensory needs when doing this)
  • butterfly + affirmation “I am beautiful!”
  • could also do some butterfly breathing during Savasana with this prop (or a butterfly beanie baby or small stuffed animal). Place it on the child’s belly so they can watch it “fly” up and down slowly with their breath. (see pic of prop in this album on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/cl8v7wo)
  • for added fun, have colored scarves and explore “flying” fast and slow using the scarves as butterfly wings.

The Imaginations: Fun Relaxation Stories and Meditations for Kids book has a fabulous “If I Could Fly” guided relaxation story that could easily be modified to fit a butterfly relaxation.

More ideas on this mamanaturally blog post.

See this fun yoga story from Cosmic Kids inspired by the book.

Playlist:

  • The Very Hungry Caterpillarby Amanda Ellis, MT-BC 
  • Caterpillar by Geof Johnson
  • Caterpillar, Caterpillar by Kira Willey
  • Hungry Caterpillar by The Learning Station
  • Butterfly by Bari Koral
  • Fly Like a Butterfly by Radiant Child Yoga
  • Butterfly on the I Grow with Yoga CD by Childlight Yoga
  • Butterfly by Lisa Loeb & Elizabeth Mitchell (great for relaxation)
  • Butterfly  – on the Musical Yoga Adventures World Journey CD (instrumental with an Asian flair)
  • Butterfly (Wings of Light) by Bradley Kirkpatrick (lovely instrumental music)
  • Butterfly on the Relax Kids Nature: Enchanting Meditations For All Ages CD (guided relaxation)
  • Butterfly Relaxation on the Meditation for Girls CD by Sada (guided relaxation)
  • The Goodnight Caterpillar on the Indigo Dreams CD by Stress Free Kids (guided relaxation)

Healthy Eating tunes: Fabulous free tunes from the Eat Like A Rainbow CD by Jay Mankita. My faves are Eat Like A Rainbow, My Food Is Made From Sunshine & Sun, Wind, Soil, And Rain. This award-winning 10 song children’s album about healthy fruits and vegetables is a great teaching tool for kids and families, and is free to download from this site. The songs were originally commissioned by a grant for a joint project of the NY Coalition for Healthy School Food, and the NYC Board of Education (Dept of School Foods): http://eat-like-a-rainbow.bandcamp.com/

More fun ideas for Very Hungry Caterpillar songs!

Tangerine with segments on a white background

When we do Very Hungry Caterpillar yoga this year I will be adding a fun fruit mindfulness activity.

  • Have a real piece of fruit for each child (Note: it’s important to know about any food allergies or dietary restrictions before using food in kids yoga. We will be using small seedless clementines for their “kid-friendly” size. Young kids may not be familiar with the word “clementine” so I will call it an “orange”).
  • Hold the orange in your hands with your eyes open. Look at the orange. Is it big or small? What color is it? Does it have any other colors or spots?
  • Close your eyes. Hold the orange up to your nose. How does it smell?
  • Feel the orange in your hands. Is it heavy or light? Is it bumpy or smooth?
  • Hold the orange in your lap. Imagine the tiny orange seed in the ground.  Imagine the sunshine that helped the orange to grow on the tree. How does the sunshine feel? Imagine the rain as it fell. How does the rain feel? Imagine the tree where this orange grew. How tall was the tree?
  • Imagine all the energy that went into this orange. Imagine the farmer who took care of the orange trees. Imagine all the workers who picked the oranges, who delivered them to the store and who work in the store where we bought the oranges.
  • Open your eyes and look at your orange again. Can we eat it like this or do we need to take off the outside peel?
  • Let’s take the peel off. And peel off a small orange wedge. (Note: be mindful of kids sensory issues when doing this. Some kids may be hesitant to touch the fruit unpeeled and may prefer to watch. After you unpeel the clementine you can put it in a small ziploc bag or bowl if needed for kids who would be more comfortable experiencing it that way).
  • Take a small bite. How does the orange taste? Cool? Sweet? Juicy?
  • Close your eyes and take another small bite of orange. Listen to the sound it makes as you chew it in your mouth.
  • Take your time. Be curious about this orange and how it is feeling as you eat it.

(adapted from a fruit meditation I learned as part of the fabulous Calm Kids online course I took)

More Resources about “mindful eating”:

  • The Yoga 4 Classrooms Card Deck has a wonderful “Eat Smart” card with tips about healthy & mindful eating and a “Tasty Focus” activity on the “Mindful Meditations” card. 
  • The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook for Kids: Help for Children to Cope with Stress, Anxiety, and Transitions by Lawrence E. Shapiro & Robin K Sprague has a “Mindful Eating” activity. 
  • The MindUP Curriculum: Grades PreK-2: Brain-Focused Strategies for Learning-and Living by The Hawn Foundation has a “Mindful Tasting” 8-page lesson with great ideas for curriculum connections.

Eric Carle reads The Very Hungry Caterpillar (click pic to go to Youtube video)

Video of Eric Carle reading the story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkYmvxP0AJI

Very Hungry Caterpillar story props and PECS activity

I made story props so kids can interact with the story and experience making the caterpillar eat “through” all the food items. I also created picture symbols to use in a Picture Exchange Communication (PECS) activity or as Aided Language Stimulation. The kids I work with benefit from tapping into those many different learning styles and kids with Autism in particular do well with having visuals to go with a book. Learn more about story props

The Very Hungry Caterpillar free printable story props

Great free printable story props from the Kizclub website: The Very Hungry Caterpillar story props from Kizclub.com (color version) – 6 page PDF. Also available in a black/white version that is great for coloring or crafts: The Very Hungry Caterpillar story props from Kizclub.com (black & white version) – 6 page PDF

BIGmack Very Hungry Caterpillar

Kids LOVE filling in the repeated line “But he was still ________ (hungry)”! I always have a BIGmack or other single message voice output communication aide available for kids who have limited verbal skills to be able to participate. I record the repeated line & they “say” it by pushing the button with their hand, foot, head, etc…..

In addition to the therapeutic yoga group, I also teach a weekly adapted storytime at the JD McCarty Center. One of our current inpatients is deaf so I am brushing up on my sign language so I can sign key words in the story. Here are a few signs for this story:

hungry

caterpillar sign

moon

on

leaf sign

sun

up

little

eat

used for “food” & “eat”

apple

pear

Plum: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvZECBsDdkQ

strawberry

orange

cake

ice_cream

pickle

cheese

candy

(use sign for “candy” for “lollipop” or you could fingerspell it)

pie sign

watermelon sign

stomachache

big

Cocoon: http://www.spreadthesign.com/us/96060/cocoon-american-english

Beautiful: http://www.babysignlanguage.com/dictionary/b/beautiful/ starting with your dominant hand open, thumb pointing at your chin and fingers pointing up.  You complete the sign by rolling your fingers across the front of your face.

butterfly

Core Vocabulary: The Very Hungry Caterpillar has lots of opportunities for: eat, more, all done (as he eats through each item)

Eric Carle coloring sheets - click pic to open 31-page PDF

Free coloring sheets for several Eric Carle books, including The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Eric Carle coloring sheets (31 page PDF)

Here is an album of butterfly, insect & spring mandalas & coloring sheets on the OMazing Kids Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.343747752342903.95643.174264525957894&type=3

Lots of free Very Hungry Caterpillar stuff: http://www.us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/features/hungrycaterpillar/index.html

Check out the Eric Carle Pinterest page for TONS of ideas! http://pinterest.com/worldericcarle/

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is featured in “Give Me 20” reading challenge from 3/4 to 4/26/13. Win fun prizes! See their website for rules: http://www.bookitprogram.com/redzone/gm20challenge.asp

Ideas to extend the theme:

Butterfly Butterfly - A Book of Colors by Petr Horacek

Butterfly Butterfly: A Book of Colors by Petr Horacek is another favorite. The peek through die-cuts encourage kids to checkout the next page a the surprise pop-up at the end is beautiful! Love to pair this with The Very Hungry Caterpillar for a butterfly extravaganza 🙂

Very Hungry Caterpillar - Playdoh storytelling ideas from The Imagination Tree (click pic to go that blog)hungry caterpillar sensory tub ideas

Engage multiple senses in learning with these fun ideas for using Playdoh to retell the story: http://www.theimaginationtree.com/2012/08/the-hungry-caterpillar-play-dough-story.html & a Sensory Tub: http://www.theimaginationtree.com/2013/02/the-very-hungry-caterpillar-sensory.html.

Adorable playdoh party favor idea:

The very hungry caterpillar playdoh party favor idea

This “sticky table activity” activity looks SO fun!

Very Hungry Caterpillar Sticky Table activity

Great free Read & Do activity & printable from Official BOOK IT! Program  for The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle / the world of Eric Carle TM: http://www.bookitprogram.com/redzone/printables/VHCRead&Do.pdf

VHC healthy eating

Have a discussion about healthy food choices: Download a copy of the Eating Healthy. Growing Strong. that contains information about healthy eating for young children, as well as ideas for discussing healthy active living using the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Download a very special growth chart developed in collaboration with The Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Incorporate some “food fun” with this snack idea & printable

4 hungry caterpillar snack

Very Hungry Caterpillar food labels & party

Very Hungry Caterpillar rocks

Update 4/23/13: Oh how I love this painted rocks idea from Thrive 360 Living!!!! Wish I had the skills to make a set. Creativity isn’t my issue…. I just don’t have the artistic ability to have them come out this beautiful.

polka dots VHC
Feel free to share any requests you have for kids yoga lesson plan ideas in the comments below or on the OMazing Kids Facebook page!

line of books

8/5/22: Updated contact info

Have a question? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com

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Thanksgiving: Thankfulness, Giving and Gratitude Lesson Plan Ideas

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Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to help kids learn the values of being thankful, giving & showing gratitude. Here are a few free lesson plan ideas [my Thanksgiving gift to all of you who work with kids :)]

Picture books that I love with lots of opportunities for yoga:

10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston [turkey (lotus mudra – fingers are the turkey feathers), fence (mountain), vine (Brain Gym lazy 8’s), roller skate (balance on 1 leg), bird, mindfulness balancing a block on hand as balancing on 1 foot, swan, boar (rock & roll on back like pig in the mud), buzzing bee breath, whistling breath, bubble gum (balloon breath), tree]. Great book for younger kids that love the counting and the silly things the turkeys do.

Give Thanks for Each Day by Steve Metzger [deer, flower, sun stretch & breath, bear, mushroom (childs pose), tree, blowing dandelions (cotton balls), choo-choo breath, bear hug, fox (gyan mudra around nose), marching (cross crawl hike), belly breathing w/ rubber duck on belly, blowing bubbles, chipmunk, candle, palming by warm fire, snowflake (standing star with wiggling fingers), up dog, downward facing dog, ice cream scoops partner pose, cat, duck, turn legs like pages in book, raccoon (gyan mudra mask), crescent moon, star]. Great theme of being thankful for things every day.

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson [making a pie sequence (roll out pie dough (lie on tummy & roll out with pool noodle), pumpkin (child pose with hands at head for stem), easy pose legs as bowl, shake in flour, sugar & cinnamon, mix (stir the pot & do “washing machine” for mixer), forward seated with legs being oven rack & stretch arms to close the oven door, tick-tock-toes timer, “mmm” breath as we smell it cooking, pie pose (seated angle) & blow on it before taking a bite), cider (apple picking stretch, woodchopper to slice the apples, washing machine blender to make it into cider, triangle pose to pour the cider), roll (rock & roll on back), squash (childs pose with hands extended as stem in front), salad (easy pose legs as bowl), turkey (lotus mudra – fingers are the turkey feathers), pot (stir the pot), cake (mountain – like the tall ten-layer cake), bread (woodchopper to slice the bread)]. This is a great cumulative book that builds upon itself so there are lots of opportunities to repeat poses. I changed the repeated line “perhaps she’ll die” to “perhaps she’ll sigh” for an opportunity for a sighing breathing activity.

There was an old lady who swallowed a pie story props – 3-page PDF. Cut out the opening in the old lady’s mouth & cut out all the other items. Laminate. Then use these as story props. Want to know more about “story props”? Check out this blog post: http://learningandteachingwithpreschoolers.blogspot.com/2010/01/props-for-setting-stage.html.

I know An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie coloring sheet – part of the Thanksgiving printables from 3 Dinosaurs (see more below)

3 Dinosaurs has a great new free Thanksgiving printable pack inspired by this book! http://3dinosaurs.com/printables/packs/thanksgiving.php

Each file is a large PDF document so be patient as they load & look before you print 🙂

In November by Cynthia Rylant [mouse, snow (standing star with wiggling fingers), tree, bird, berry picking, cow, horse, cat, buzzing bee breath, up dog, downward facing dog, palming by warm fire, making a pie sequence (roll out pie dough (lie on tummy & roll out with pool noodle), pumpkin (child pose with hands at head for stem), easy pose legs as bowl, shake in flour, sugar & cinnamon, mix (stir the pot & do “washing machine” for mixer), forward seated with legs being oven rack & stretch arms to close the oven door, tick-tock-toes timer, “mmm” breath as we smell it cooking, pie pose (seated angle) & blow on it before taking a bite), group table pose, crescent moon, star]. Great book for kids that are even a little older. It is a picture book but has higher level vocabulary.

Run, Turkey, Run! By Diane Mayr [turkey (lotus mudra – fingers are the turkey feathers), making a pie sequence (roll out pie dough (lie on tummy & roll out with pool noodle), pumpkin (child pose with hands at head for stem), easy pose legs as bowl, shake in flour, sugar & cinnamon, mix (stir the pot & do “washing machine” for mixer), forward seated with legs being oven rack & stretch arms to close the oven door, tick-tock-toes timer, “mmm” breath as we smell it cooking, pie pose (seated angle) & blow on it before taking a bite), farmer (big stomping steps around the mats), pig (rock & roll on back like pig in the mud), duck, boat, scuba breath (ocean breath), barn (rooftop partners), horse, standing forward bend (pretend to hide head in feed bucket), forest (group tree pose), group table pose]. Kids LOVE the repeated line & humor in this book.

Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes [turkey (lotus mudra – fingers are the turkey feathers), making a pie sequence (roll out pie dough (lie on tummy & roll out with pool noodle), pumpkin (child pose with hands at head for stem), easy pose legs as bowl, shake in flour, sugar & cinnamon, mix (stir the pot & do “washing machine” for mixer), forward seated with legs being oven rack & stretch arms to close the oven door, tick-tock-toes timer, “mmm” breath as we smell it cooking, pie pose (seated angle) & blow on it before taking a bite), chair, tree, leaves (forward bend with wiggling fingers as falling leaves), pumpkin (child pose with hands at head for stem), boat, windmill, blowing breath, dancer, book (turn legs like pages in book & gyan mudra reading glasses), swing (forward fold with arms on top of each other as the seat of a swing), group slide (seated angle in a line, lean to each side), bird, apple picking stretch, basket (easy pose with legs as the basket), up dog, downward facing dog, cat, dress-up shoes (big steps around the mats like walking in big shoes), chair, frog, candle, palming for warming hands by the fire, mouse (childs pose), snow (standing star with wiggling fingers), snowman (freeze in mountain, then melt), sled (seated forward fold), “I am loved”, crescent moon, star, group table pose (to make the long Thanksgiving table)]. This book has great rhyming text and a great “thankfulness” message.

The Thankful Book by Todd Parr [standing star, elephant, “I am loved”, butterfly, flower, sun stretch & breath, tree, giraffe, monkey, belly breathing w/ rubber duck on belly, blowing bubbles, up dog, down dog, cat, fish, mountain, choo-choo breath, penguin, pass ball w/ feet, yoga freeze dance, feather blowing, gyan mudra reading glasses, turn legs like pages in book, bunny breath, “I am strong”, pick up leaves, freeze & melt, bear walk, bear hug, group table]

Free coloring sheets: http://www.toddparr.com/imgs/fun/thankful-book-coloring.pdf (4 page PDF)

Turkey Day by Grace Maccarone [bed, tick-tock toes clock, stretch & yawn, house rooftop partners, bike pedaling, car (w/ pool noodle steering wheel), bus (sitting on heels bouncing as bus drives), choo-choo breath, bridge, boat, airplane, marching (cross crawl hike), dancer, skateboard (Warrior II), group table]. This book has great rhyming text.

Other books for a “thankfulness” & “gratitude” theme:

Giving Thanks by Jonathan London (a great story about a gratitude walk. I love the concept and illustrations but did not like the wording that was giving thanks “to” things vs. thanks “for” them so I changed that wording.)

I’m Thankful by Terri-Sue Hill

Thanksgiving is For Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland

Activities:

Print off these leaves. The kids write, draw or paste picture symbols on the leaves to show what they are thankful for & then hang the leaves off your arms (aka. branches) in “Thankful Tree” pose.  http://www.guildcraftinc.com/guildcraft/GuildcraftThanksleaves.pdf

Waves of Gratitude:

Love this idea from Homestead Survival: Start the year with an empty jar and fill it with notes about good things that happen. on New Years Eve, empty it and see what awesome stuff happened that year.

“The definition of appreciation is “gratitude; thankful recognition.” Developing gratitude helps students to focus on what is working in their lives, and also to train their minds to notice the good things that are all around. Learning to appreciate even the little things in life, such as a sunny day, a smile or a good meal, improves one’s outlook substantially, and helps to develop a more optimistic and resilient attitude. What we focus on is what grows — and gratitude promotes positivity.”

from Edutopia: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/elementary-social-emotional-curriculum-2-appreciation-randy-taran

Cool resource on teaching gratefulness – http://www.handsonscotland.co.uk/flourishing_and_wellbeing_in_children_and_young_people/positive_attitudes/gratitude/gratitude.html.

3 simple ideas for teaching gratitude – PDF at: http://www.raisinghappiness.com/storage/gratitude.pdf

Great “gratitude” post from Yogi Beans: http://blog.yogibeans.com/2011/10/26/gratitude-adjustment/

How to start a Gratitude Calendar: http://www.ehow.com/print/how_2147560_start-gratitude-calendar.html

Ideas for teaching gratitude from Gratefulness.org (A Network for Grateful Living): http://www.gratefulness.org/readings/practice_gratitude.htm

How to instill gratitude habits in your kids?  Great The Wall Street Journal articles – “Kids who feel and act grateful tend to be less materialistic, get better grades, set higher goals, complain of fewer headaches and stomach aches and feel more satisfied with their friends, families and schools than those who don’t, studies show.” http://blogs.wsj.com/juggle/2010/11/22/gratitude-the-wonder-drug/ & http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704243904575630541486290052.html?mod=WSJ_hp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsFifth  (via the ChildLight Yoga Facebook page)

Thanksgiving Kids Yoga post on Mind Body Green by Sarah Herrington of Om Schooled: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-3533/Kids-Yoga-Thanksgiving-Style.html

Gratitude Challenge & So Thankful posts on the Alluem Kids Yoga blog: http://alluemkids.blogspot.com/2011/11/15-day-gratitude-challenge.html & http://alluemkids.blogspot.com/2009/11/so-thankful.html.

5 Fun Ways to Teach Gratitude to Children post by Teresa Power of The ABC’s of Yoga for Kids: http://www.examiner.com/article/5-fun-ways-to-teach-gratitude-to-children

A Gratitude Reflection Activity for Children from Yoga 4 Classrooms: http://track.namastelight.com/v/443/872c14bb8e89ebc3884663a06f5edcf53d36765b5b371167

This card is one of 67 activities in the Yoga 4 Classrooms Card Deck.

Playlist: Please be mindful of kids individual sensory needs when using music in a group setting (http://omazingkidsyoga.com/music/) 🙂

Making Pie by Kira Willey

What Are You Thankful For? by Elana Jagoda

I Am Blessed by Bunny Hull & Friends

Thanks Be by Betsy Rose

Grateful by Aaron Nigel Smith and the One World Chorus, featuring Dan Zanes

Orange You Grateful? by Kidding Around Yoga (activity to go with the song: http://kiddingaroundyoga.com/pass-the-orange)

Thanksgiving by Si Kahn

Thanksgiving Song by Mary Chapin Carpenter

Thanksgiving Day by John McCutcheon

Over the River and Through the Woods by Dog On Fleas

(I’m Gonna Eat) On Thanksgiving Day by Laurie Berkner

Thanksgiving Waltz by Jay Ungar & Molly Mason

Grateful by Charity and the JAMband (*** FREE download until 11/25/12: http://charityandthejamband.bandcamp.com/track/grateful)

The Gratitude Song by Michael Farr

Singer/songwriter Michael Farr performs an inspiring song joined with beautiful images to get you feeling thankful! From this great Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bf1akDYakw.

Free mp3: http://www.willowandtheverse.com/parknride/gratitude.mp3; Lyrics: http://www.willowandtheverse.com/lyrics/gratitudesong.html. Hear more great songs from Michael Farr & make gratitude donations on his website: http://www.willowandtheverse.com.

I Give Thanks by Kristen Cook – free mp3 download: http://kristencook.bandcamp.com/track/i-give-thanks

I give Thanks - free download

Looking for more song ideas? Check out this great Thanksgiving playlist post on yogainmyschool.com: http://yogainmyschool.com/2011/11/04/thanksgiving-playlist-for-kids-teens-yoga-class/.

Coloring Sheets:

I’m Thankful For…..

I’m Thankful Turkey Handprint Coloring Sheet – Trace the child’s handprints on this page to make the turkey’s feathers. Then write one thing you are thankful for on each “feather”.

.

Crafts:

Wonderful “Thanks & Giving Trees” printable from the Chocolate on my Cranium blog:
http://chocolateonmycranium.blogspot.com/2008/10/thanks-and-giving.html#.T8S4QY7FVpU

PDF- http://thejoyofwomanhood.googlepages.com/ThanksandGivingTrees.pdf

http://www.busybeekidscrafts.com/TP-Roll-Turkey.html

http://iheartcraftythings.blogspot.com/2012/11/thankful-turkey-box-tutorial.html

http://www.crafts-for-all-seasons.com/thankful-turkey-craft.html

http://speechroomnews.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-peek-at-thanksgiving.html

Template for a turkey craft: http://shared.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/holidays/feltturkey.pdf

This Gratitude Tree craft from Green Kid Crafts looks fun to make! http://greenkidcraftsblog.com/2012/11/08/holiday-crafts-for-families-gratitude-tree/#

Another fun version of a gratitude tree from Projects for Preschoolers: http://www.projectsforpreschoolers.com/making-a-thankful-tree-and-21-days-of-contagious-gratitude/ & more of their crafts: http://www.projectsforpreschoolers.com/holidays/thanksgiving/.

Make a gratitude garland: http://mamascouts.blogspot.com/2011/11/make-gratitude-garland.html & another version at: http://www.simplymodernmom.com/2009/11/thanksgiving-garland/.

Tons of great ideas on this blog post! http://raisingfigureskaters.com/2012/10/31/november-family-gratitude-activities/

ABC’s of Thanksgiving printable: http://thisreadingmama.com/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2012/10/ABCs-of-Thanksgiving.pdf (57 page PDF). This would be cool to incorporate with yoga poses for each letter from any of the alphabet-inspired kids yoga products (The ABCs of Yoga for Kids by Teresa Anne Power – book & yoga cards; Asana Alphabet: Yogi & Yogette Learn the Asana Alphabet; Elahi Yoga Student Workbook; Frog Yoga Alphabet Teacher Training Package by Young Yoga Masters; Learn With Yoga ABC Yoga Cards for Kids cards by Addyria)

Fun snack idea from “Cooking Up Good Speech“! See details on how to make it: http://speechsnacks.com/2012/11/juiciest-turkey-ever-speechsnacks-direction-sequencing/

Looking for more fall activities & ideas? Check out this updated blog post. I have added several new things for 2012: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2011/09/24/happy-fall-fun-fall-books-activities/ & the Apple Farmer Annie post: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2012/09/15/apple-farmer-annie-seed-to-farmers-market-kids-yoga-lesson-plan/.

See more Gratitude & Thankfulness ideas in this album on the OMazing Kids Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga/photos_stream#!/media/set/?set=a.268074106576935.81063.174264525957894&type=3

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” William A. Ward.

What are you thankful for?

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

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Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

OMazing Kids LLC is an organization that promotes inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities. The blog and social media pages share information about books, DVD’s, CD’s, games and other products specifically designed for kids wellness, mindfulness and relaxation, product reviews & giveaways, lesson plan & activity ideas, research, kids wellness in the news and a connection corner with listings of individuals doing adapted yoga and those offering trainings.

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Review & Giveaway: Anna and her Rainbow-Colored Yoga Mats by Giselle Shardlow @ Kids Yoga Stories

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Looking for unique, interactive and educational books for 4 to 8 year olds that will spark their creativity and get them moving? Check out “Anna and her Rainbow-Colored Yoga Mats”, another fun new book from Kids Yoga Stories!

 

Product Details: Anna finds happiness practicing yoga at recess. She imagines traveling the world and exploring new places. Will her new classmates accept her and join the fun? Kids Yoga Stories introduce you to engaging characters who will get your child laughing, moving, and creating. Reading is good for the mind AND body!

List Price: $14.50

  • Paperback: 36 pages
  • Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 26, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 147740077X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1477400777
  • Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches

Where to Purchase: Available on their website w/ PayPal: http://www.kidsyogastories.com/annas-yoga-mats/ & on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Anna-her-Rainbow-Colored-Yoga-Mats/dp/147740077X

Here’s what I love about this book:

  • LOVE that the two main characters in the book have special needs (hearing loss) and are portrayed in a positive & empowered way!
  • It is a moving story of the power of being true to yourself & friendship when being faced with teasing/bullying. Love the positive ending 🙂
  • There are 16 yoga poses woven throughout the story with opportunities for more by incorporating poses for other things seen in the background.
  • The book has bright colorful illustrations & a nice easy-to-read font size.
  • Lots of great vocabulary & descriptive language will make this book fun to use in my work as a SLP 🙂

Here’s a “sneek peek” inside the book:

Free Coloring Page:

Be sure to sign up for their newsletter & check out the great “free resources” section on their website:

http://www.kidsyogastories.com/free-resources/. She often shares free lesson plan ideas!

They are also on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KidsYogaStories & Twitter: http://twitter.com/kidsyogastories.

More info about the author: http://www.kidsyogastories.com/about/ and feedback from folks who have used her books: http://www.kidsyogastories.com/testimonials/.

Disclaimer: I received a free sample of this product to facilitate my review.  Opinions expressed are my own.

How to enter the giveaway:

  • Enter via the “Giveaways” tab on the OMazing Kids – Contests & Giveaways Facebook page (http://a.pgtb.me/plpbTf) & mention how you would be using this book. (comments must be in English; must include full first & last name; 1 entry per Facebook account).
  • For one additional entry, leave a comment on this blog post. Must mention how you would be using this book. If you only enter via blog post comment, you must also send me an e-mail with your mailing address (send to amoorad1@juno.com). You will not need to do this if you also entered via the Enter Contests Here…. tab on Facebook since your address will be provided on that entry (comments must be in English; 1 entry per person; must have a valid e-mail address)
  • Helpful Info & Tips: You increase your odds of winning by entering via both methods. Entering via the “Giveaways” tab will save you the step of e-mailing me your mailing address – the info you complete on the tab comes directly to me via an e-mail. FYI…. I use a free app from Shortstack for that tab and have no control over technical difficulties either on their end or on Facebook. In the event that you experience difficulties with the tab you can submit an entry via e-mail providing your full name, e-mail address, mailing address, how you would be using the book. E-mail to: amoorad1@juno.com. Unfortunately Facebook rules prohibit me from accepting entries directly from posts or comments on Facebook.

Entry Deadline: Enter by any of the methods listed above by 11:59pm CST on November 16, 2012.

Rules of Participation:

  • Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
  • International entries are being allowed for this particular giveaway.
  • Employees or family members of OMazing Kids, LLC or the product’s company are not eligible.
  • No purchase required.
  • Comments submitted via the Enter Giveaways Here…. tab on Facebook or e-mail may be copied & pasted into the blog post.
  • Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received.
  • One (1) winner will be chosen via a random drawing of valid entries on November 17, 2012.
  • The winner will receive one (1) copy of the book.
  • The winner will be notified via e-mail and will be posted on the blog post.
  • The winner’s address will be forwarded to the company and they will be mailing the prize directly to the winner.
  • Prize Value: $14.50

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just a book but just to be safe here is all the legal stuff…

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You are providing your information to OMazing Kids, LLC and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for our internal purposes in relation to the administration of the giveaway. Your information will NOT be sold to any outside parties.

Indemnification/Hold Harmless: By participating, entrants agree: (a) to the decisions of OMazing Kids, LLC, which shall be final in all respects; (b) to release, discharge, and hold harmless OMazing Kids, LLC and its respective representatives and agents from all liability, injuries, losses or damages of any kind to persons or property resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the acceptance, possession, misuse or use of a prize, or from participation in and/or entry into the Contest or any Contest-related activity and for acceptance, delivery, or use of any prize; (c) that the foregoing parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guaranty, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, relating to any prize.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

Contests & Giveaways on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsContestsandGiveaways

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

OMazing Kids LLC is an organization that promotes inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities. The blog and social media pages share information about books, DVD’s, CD’s, games and other products specifically designed for kids wellness, mindfulness and relaxation, product reviews & giveaways, lesson plan & activity ideas, research, kids wellness in the news and a connection corner with listings of individuals doing adapted yoga and those offering trainings.

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

Apple Farmer Annie: Seed to Farmers’ Market Kids Yoga Lesson Plan

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Apple-Farmer-Annie

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“Apple Farmer Annie” by Monica Wellington is a new addition to my OMazing Kids collection of “Fall Faves”.

The vivid fall colors, cute illustrations & large text make this a fun read. In the fall, Annie picks her apples, and sorts and organizes them. Some she turns into applesauce, apple muffins, apple pie, apple cake, and cider. The best she saves to sell at the market. Happily, she sells everything and returns home to rest, read, and, of course, eat an apple. I bought my copy on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Farmer-Annie-Monica-Wellington/dp/0142401242

 

The book has the following opportunities for yoga poses & breathing:

  • sun breath & stretch (http://wp.me/p1t7TU-1T, includes link to a video clip & free sun printables)
  • seed (child’s pose)
  • apple tree
  • orchard of trees partner pose
  • apple blossoms (flower pose)
  • buzzing bee breath
  • apple picking stretch (crescent moon, ask kids what color apples they want to pick)
  • basket ( cobbler’s pose)
  • sort the apples (toe-ga game with red, green & yellow pom-poms. pick up with toes & sort into small baskets – for more about “toe-ga” see this great post on Yoga in My School: http://yogainmyschool.com/2012/09/04/toe-ga-kids-yoga-sorting-game/
  • slice the apples (woodchopper pose)
  • pour the apple cider (triangle pose)
  • stir-the-pot
  • cookbook (cobbler’s pose, then open & close legs like turning pages in a cookbook)
  • roll out the pie dough (lay on belly & kids choose if they want their arms, legs or back rolled out with a pool noodle “rolling pin” or a real rolling pin – be mindful of kid’s sensory needs and always ask their permission before touching. Some kids may prefer to roll out their own arms or legs with the pool noodle)
  • pie (seated angle pose)
  • oven (seated forward fold, legs are the oven rack & lean forward towards toes as you “close the oven door”)
  • tick-tock-toes timer (point-flex feet while saying “tick tock” as the pie “cooks” on your oven)
  • smell & “mmm” breath
  • load the truck (seated twist to pass the apple basket)
  • drive the truck (use pool noodle “steering wheel” for added fun – see pic in this Facebook album: http://tinyurl.com/9897x7h
  • bridge
  • boat
  • table (have an empty aluminum pie tin to place on the kids “table” for added fun & to encourage holding the pose steady)
  • crescent moon
  • yawn & stretch
  • reclined belly breathing with small apple basket on belly
  • star savasana

See some pics from our Inclusive Kids Yoga Class in this album on the OMazing KidsFacebook page:

Playlist: Please be mindful of kids individual sensory needs when using music in a group setting (http://omazingkidsyoga.com/music/) 🙂

Update 9/16/13: check out this fun Apple Tree action song from The George Center for Music Therapy, Inc.: http://youtu.be/U2ztJjUcqSA

Update 9/16/13: Add a mindful tasting activity with the awesome book “No Ordinary Apple: A Story About Eating Mindfully” by Sara Marlowe (Note: it’s important to know about any food allergies or dietary restrictions before using food in kids yoga).

See book trailer at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqxrEoLi2xY

It would also be fun to incorporate a mindfulness activity with my vintage Fisher Price Happy Apple chime toy! One idea would be shake it and listen for the chime to stop (similar to the chime bar activity). If I have a group of kids that are pretty calm and I feel I can trust not to throw it, I may even do a walking mindfulness walking activity (walking carefully with the intent of not making it chime). Even just as an apple “story prop”, my beloved Happy Apple is definitely coming along when I read this book (it makes me smile just to look at it & the chime sound is beautiful…… wish they still made this toy 🙂 ). If you are curious about what is inside a “Happy Apple”, check out this post: http://carolynkephart.blogspot.com/2011/09/at-core-of-happy-apple.html

http://soundcloud.com/omazing-kids-yoga/happy-apple-vintage-fisher

Free printable Apple Farmer Annie: Seed to Farmers’ Market Kids Yoga Sequence (5 poses with small pics to color for each):

Apple Farmer Annie – seed to farmers market kids yoga sequence by OMazing Kids– 1 page PDF.

(The cute stick figure yoga pose pics are available on: http://media.freeola.com/other/6271/freeyogaasanastickfigures.pdf

See the entire book on this Youtube video from ChildcareLand: ht

This SLP website has a great free adapted Apple Farmer Annie interactive book that includes symbols, an adapted picture recipe, apple bingo game boards & more: http://www.4gaslps.com/AppleAnnie.doc

Looking for more fall activities & ideas? Check out this updated blog post. I have added several new things for 2012: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2011/09/24/happy-fall-fun-fall-books-activities/

Join in on a discussion about fun fall kids yoga ideas on the OMazing Kids Facebook page:

Extend the apple theme with “10 Apples Up on Top” by Dr. Seuss. See this blog for free printable story props:

http://chapelhillsnippets.blogspot.com/2012/08/10-apples-up-on-top-printables.html

Even more apple stuff on this website: http://web.archive.org/web/20050113090219/http://home.att.net/~elteach/appleseed.html

A cool apple tree life cycle animation video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chNwmpqSa78

UPDATE – 9/3/13: Fun construction paper apple craft: http://hubpages.com/hub/Fall-Preschool-Apple-Craft-Ideas#PhotoSwipe137780056

Love how each child’s apple ended up being unique! (from our Inpatient Adapted Yoga Class at the JD McCarty Center on 9/3/13)

UPDATE 9/16/13: Fun apple fingerplay action songs (see page 1 of this PDF: http://www.ylpl.lib.ca.us/teach/fingerplays.pdf

apples fingerplays

8/11/22 Updated contact info:

Have questions? The best way to reach me with any questions is via messaging on the OMazing Kids Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

Review & Giveaway: Care for Our World book & playset

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“Care for our world, for you and for me, for all living things from mountain to sea”. Want to inspire kids to be caring & to show kindness? Check out the wonderful “Care for Our World” book & playset from Compendium / Live Inspired!

 

Product Details: Get ready to meet some truly wonderful wild animals from every continent on Earth. As children turn the pages of this book, they’ll encounter dozens of playful creatures in their natural habitats and will learn about the importance of caring for all the plants, animals, and people that call planet Earth their home. A timely reminder of the responsibility every generation shares: to nurture and respect life in all its many forms.

  • Hardcover: 36 pages
  • Publisher: Compendium Inc (July 15, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • Includes the hardcover book, dozens of punch-out animals & a habitat storage box.

List Price: $34.95

Where to Purchase: http://www.live-inspired.com/Care-for-Our-World-play-set-P1095, http://www.amazon.com/Care-World-Play-Punch-Out-Hardcover/dp/1935414631/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343869057&sr=1-9

The book is also available separately (list price: $16.95): http://www.live-inspired.com/Care-for-Our-World-book-P1094, http://www.amazon.com/Care-World-Book-Karen-Robbins/dp/1935414615

Here’s what I love about this book & playset:

  • The beautiful rhyming words flow easily as you read this book outloud & inspire kids to think about all the gifts of nature and living creatures from forest, jungle, or sea that live in our world and a plea to take care of them.
  • The illustrations by Alexandra Ball are breathtaking! Really more works of art than just illustrations.
  • I love the gentleness of both the words & illustrations. Both evoke feelings of calmness & kindness. I love that the message of caring for the earth is done in a kid-friendly way.
  • The book & playset items are printed with soy ink.
  • The playset animals & trees are made of very thick, sturdy cardboard. The kids I work with tend to be very rough on things so I am planning on having the items preassembled when I use them. I wrote the name of the item on each base using a very fine-tip permanent market before I punched the items out to aide in easy assembly. The items have to be taken apart to fit back in the storage box.
  • The playset is wonderful to use to work on vocabulary, following directions, spatial concepts, adjectives, etc….

Here’s a “sneek peek” inside the book & playset:

.

UPDATE: Check out this post for a review of the new app version of this book: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2017/04/22/app-review-care-for-our-world-an-amazing-app-for-earth-day-or-any-day/

Be sure to check out their social media sites:  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/liveinspiredeveryday  Twitter: http://twitter.com/LiveInspired Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/iliveinspired/.

Also check out Alexandra Ball’s, the illustrator, websites & social media pages: http://www.alexandraball.co.uk/, http://www.illustrationweb.com/artists/AlexandraBall/view, http://www.facebook.com/AlexandraBallIllustration, http://twitter.com/miss_bally_ball, http://pinterest.com/missballyball/my-illustrations/. She was SO kind to share black and white illustrations from the book to use as coloring sheets with the kids! Since the theme of the book is all about kindness & caring it was really cool to be able to tell the kids how the illustrator shared these via e-mail all the way from the UK 🙂

Here is a 6-page PDF coloring booklet I put together with a cover, the illustrations above and kids kindness & peace pledges: care for our world coloring sheets and peace pledges – OMazing Kids

The kids LOVED coloring as part of relaxation at the Inclusive OMazing Kids Yoga Class at JDMC! It was the Monday following the tragedy in Aurora, Colorado so this book & coloring activity were a perfect way to share a message of peace & kindness 🙂

 

Disclaimer: I received a free sample of this product to facilitate my review.  Opinions expressed are my own.

How to enter the giveaway:

  1. Enter via the “Giveaways” tab on the OMazing Kids FB page (http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga?v=app_197602066931325) & mention how you would be using this book & playset.  (comments must be in English; must include full first & last name; 1 entry per Facebook account). Details count in determining the Grand Prize winner.
  2. For one additional entry, leave a comment on this blog post. Must mention how you would be using this book & playset. If you only enter via blog post comment, you must also send me an e-mail with your mailing address (send to amoorad1@juno.com). You will not need to do this if you also entered via the Enter Giveaways Here…. tab on Facebook since your address will be provided on that entry (comments must be in English; 1 entry per person; must have a valid e-mail address).
  3. Helpful Info & Tips: You increase your odds of winning by entering via both methods. Entering via the “Giveaways” tab will save you the step of e-mailing me your mailing address – the info you complete on the tab comes directly to me via an e-mail. FYI…. I use a free app from Shortstack for that tab and have no control over technical difficulties either on their end or on Facebook. In the event that you experience difficulties with the tab you can submit an entry via e-mail providing your full name, e-mail address, mailing address, how you would be using the book & playset. E-mail to: amoorad1@juno.com. Unfortunately Facebook rules prohibit me from accepting entries directly from posts or comments on Facebook.

Entry Deadline: Enter by any of the methods listed above by 11:59pm CST on August 4, 2012.

Rules of Participation:

  • Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
  • Only USA entries are being allowed for this particular giveaway.
  • Employees or family members of OMazing Kids, LLC or the product’s company are not eligible.
  • No purchase required.
  • Comments submitted via the Enter Giveaways Here…. tab on Facebook or e-mail may be copied & pasted into the blog post.
  • Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received.
  • One (1) grand prize winner for the playset w/ book & two (2) book winners will be chosen via a random drawing of valid entries on August 5, 2012.
  • The grand prize winner will receive 1 playset w/ book. The two book winners will each receive 1 copy of the book.
  • The winner will be notified via e-mail and will be posted on the blog post.
  • The winner’s address will be forwarded to the company and they will be mailing the prize directly to the winner.
  • Prize Value: $34.95 playset w/ book; $16.95 book

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just a playset & book but just to be safe here is all the legal stuff…

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You are providing your information to OMazing Kids, LLC and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for our internal purposes in relation to the administration of the giveaway. Your information will NOT be sold to any outside parties.

Indemnification/Hold Harmless: By participating, entrants agree: (a) to the decisions of OMazing Kids, LLC, which shall be final in all respects; (b) to release, discharge, and hold harmless OMazing Kids, LLC and its respective representatives and agents from all liability, injuries, losses or damages of any kind to persons or property resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the acceptance, possession, misuse or use of a prize, or from participation in and/or entry into the Contest or any Contest-related activity and for acceptance, delivery, or use of any prize; (c) that the foregoing parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guaranty, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, relating to any prize.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

Review & Giveaway: Sophia’s Jungle Adventure by Giselle Shardlow @ Kids Yoga Stories

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Looking for unique, interactive and educational books for 4 to 8 year olds that will spark their creativity and get them moving? Check out the fun new books from Kids Yoga Stories!

 

Product Details: Sophia’s Jungle Adventure is a kids yoga class for 4 to 8 year olds woven through a story. Sophia and her family take a journey through a Costa Rican jungle and meet up with different animals such as toucans, snakes, and butterflies.

The storybook includes a List of Yoga Poses and a Parent-Teacher Guide.

List Price: $15.95

  • Paperback: 40 pages
  • Publisher: CreateSpace (May 19, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1475225482
  • ISBN-13: 978-1475225488
  • Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches

Where to Purchase: Available on their website w/ PayPal: http://www.kidsyogastories.com/sophias-jungle-adventure/ & on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sophias-Jungle-Adventure-Includes-Parent-Teacher/dp/1475225482.

A Sophia’s Jungle Adventure Coloring Book is also available to go with the book (List Price: $9.95): http://www.kidsyogastories.com/sophias-coloring-book/ & on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sophias-Jungle-Adventure-Coloring-Book/dp/1477414320.

  • Paperback: 28 pages
  • Publisher: CreateSpace (May 31, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1477414320
  • ISBN-13: 978-1477414323
  • Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches

Kids Yoga Stories is having a 15% off sale from July 18 to 21, 2012 at www.kidsyogastories.com! (sale price is only available on items purchased directly through their website)

Here’s what I love about this book & coloring book:

  • Great eco-friendly theme! Sophia & her friends are in an Environment Club at school 🙂
  • Each page in the book includes the targeted pose in bold font in the text & a picture of the pose in the top right corner. This makes it easy to keep the flow in a kids yoga storytime especially for those who are new to yoga and may not know all the poses. Additional details are provided in the back of the book.
  • There are 18 poses in the book. Plenty to fill most kids yoga classes for the targeted age range (4-8 year olds). For a longer class, you could add poses for other animals you might see in a jungle and talk about conservation/eco-friendly choices to extend the theme. Suggestions are provided in the book.
  • Each page in the coloring book includes the name of that item in the story, the name of the pose and illustrations of both Sophia doing the pose and some of the elements from that scene in the story. The illustrations and font sizes are large & clear.
  • The Parent-Teacher Guide section at the end of the book & the coloring book are goldmines of great tips for setting up a fun & safe yoga storytime for kids. Gotta share this quote from the end of both books: “Ooze creativity, imagination and abundance. Encourage each child to tap into his or her own creativity and imagination through movement and breath. Welcome quiet times for reflection. Pause often. Remember, it’s not the end result, but the journey where miracles happen…“. Giselle’s passion and love for kids shines through 🙂
  • Love the inclusion of Savasana at the end of the book & the idea of Sophia putting her notebook on her belly!
  • The book has bright colorful illustrations & a nice easy-to-read font size.
  • Lots of great vocabulary & descriptive language will make this book fun to use in my work as a SLP 🙂

Here’s a “sneek peek” inside the book & coloring book:

Be sure to sign up for their newsletter & check out the great “free resources” section on their website:

http://www.kidsyogastories.com/free-resources/. She just shared a fun free Summer Olympic Yoga Lesson Plan for kids!

They are also on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KidsYogaStories & Twitter: http://twitter.com/kidsyogastories.

More info about the author: http://www.kidsyogastories.com/about/ and feedback from folks who have used her books: http://www.kidsyogastories.com/testimonials/.

Disclaimer: I received a free sample of this product to facilitate my review.  Opinions expressed are my own.

How to enter the giveaway:

  1. Enter via the “Giveaways” tab on the OMazing Kids FB page (http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga?v=app_197602066931325) & mention how you would be using this book.  (comments must be in English; must include full first & last name; 1 entry per Facebook account).
  2. For one additional entry, leave a comment on this blog post. Must mention how you would be using this book. If you only enter via blog post comment, you must also send me an e-mail with your mailing address (send to amoorad1@juno.com). You will not need to do this if you also entered via the Enter Giveaways Here…. tab on Facebook since your address will be provided on that entry (comments must be in English; 1 entry per person; must have a valid e-mail address)
  3. Helpful Info & Tips: You increase your odds of winning by entering via both methods. Entering via the “Giveaways” tab will save you the step of e-mailing me your mailing address – the info you complete on the tab comes directly to me via an e-mail. FYI…. I use a free app from Shortstack for that tab and have no control over technical difficulties either on their end or on Facebook. In the event that you experience difficulties with the tab you can submit an entry via e-mail providing your full name, e-mail address, mailing address, how you would be using the book. E-mail to: amoorad1@juno.com. Unfortunately Facebook rules prohibit me from accepting entries directly from posts or comments on Facebook.

Entry Deadline: Enter by any of the methods listed above by 11:59pm CST on July 20, 2012.

Rules of Participation:

  • Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
  • International entries are being allowed for this particular giveaway.
  • Employees or family members of OMazing Kids, LLC or the product’s company are not eligible.
  • No purchase required.
  • Comments submitted via the Enter Giveaways Here…. tab on Facebook or e-mail may be copied & pasted into the blog post.
  • Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received.
  • One (1) winner will be chosen via a random drawing of valid entries on July 21, 2012.
  • The winner will receive one (1) copy of the book + one (1) copy of the coloring book (what a cool combo!).
  • The winner will be notified via e-mail and will be posted on the blog post.
  • The winner’s address will be forwarded to the company and they will be mailing the prize directly to the winner.
  • Prize Value: $15.96 book & $9.95 coloring book

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just a book but just to be safe here is all the legal stuff…

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You are providing your information to OMazing Kids, LLC and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for our internal purposes in relation to the administration of the giveaway. Your information will NOT be sold to any outside parties.

Indemnification/Hold Harmless: By participating, entrants agree: (a) to the decisions of OMazing Kids, LLC, which shall be final in all respects; (b) to release, discharge, and hold harmless OMazing Kids, LLC and its respective representatives and agents from all liability, injuries, losses or damages of any kind to persons or property resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the acceptance, possession, misuse or use of a prize, or from participation in and/or entry into the Contest or any Contest-related activity and for acceptance, delivery, or use of any prize; (c) that the foregoing parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guaranty, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, relating to any prize.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

Book Review: ABC Menagerie (be prepared for a menagerie of fun!)

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Check out this fun new book I won from Compendium – Live Inspired!

I have tons of ABC books but ABC Menagerie is definitely a new fave!  There is an animal and rhyme for each letter of the alphabet. The book has unique animal names that give it a multicultural flair (Ayo the Aardvark, Brunhilde the Bear, Chione the Camel, Degas the Dog, Eshe the Elephant, Fritz the Fox, Galina the Goat, Henri the Hare, Ignacius the Iguana, Jesenia the Jaguar, Kyeema the Kangaroo, Luciana the Llama, Murray the Mole, Nigaq the Narwhal, Ophelia the Opossum, Percival the Pig, Quintessa the Quail, Runako the Rhino, Sheldon the Sheep, Thuy the Turtle, Ultima the Umbrellabird, Vikram the Vulture, Wava the Walrus, Xavier the X-imal, Yuri the Yak & Zareb the Zebra), great descriptive vocabulary and is full of humor and play on words. I love the additional details of how to pronounce each name & the information about each animal and their habitat in the back of the book…. laughed out loud at the humourous description of the X-imal 🙂

But best of all are the photos of the quirky felt animal sculptures that stand out against the plain white background. So many details to look at and to describe….. a SLP’s dream come true! The plain white background, vivid colors & large font type will be great for kids with special needs, especially those with Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities & Visual Impairments.

Kids yoga teachers are gonna LOVE all the great opportunities for poses with this many animals. Most pair up easily with existing poses while others will require some creativity. I’ve got my thinking-cap on to come up for poses for aardvark, llama, opossum, walrus & yak as well as the birds in the book: quail, umbrellabird & vulture. Any ideas?

Available at: http://www.live-inspired.com/ABC-Menagerie-P1032 & on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/ABC-Menagerie-M-H-Clark/dp/1932319549.

See the cool story behind the creation of the book: http://www.live-inspired.com/blog/post.cfm/abc-menagerie.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

 

222 Books for Kids Yoga – a Resource List from OMazing Kids Yoga (updated 7-7-12)

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I just updated the resource list to add new books I have purchased since the original list was posted on 4/6/12 – (https://omazingkidsllc.com/2012/04/06/books-for-kids-yoga-a-resource-list-from-omazing-kids-yoga/). This is now a list of 222 kids picture books that would work well in a kids yoga class and includes the book title, author & themes . 

Excel document (you can sort, search & print – must have MS Excel to open): Books for Kids Yoga Resource List (from OMazing Kids Yoga) – updated 7-7-12 (Excel Version).

PDF version (you won’t be able to sort but will be able to search and print – included this for folks who don’t have Excel): Books for Kids Yoga Resource List (from OMazing Kids Yoga) – updated 7-7-12 (PDF Version).   Need help with “searching” for specific words in a PDF? Check this out:http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/search.html .

It does not include kids books specifically designed for yoga or mindfulness because the list was created to be a resource for folks like parents, teachers, childcare providers, therapists, etc….   I have reviewed several great kids books specifically designed for yoga &/or mindfulness, love them all and plan on making a separate list of those soon. In the meantime, you can find books I have reviewed by searching my blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com/category/books/.

Want even more ideas for books to use in a kids yoga class?

Check out the “Books, Books, Books” album on the OMazing Kids Yoga Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.338142666236745.94253.174264525957894&type=3. I post new books, links to free printables & story props in this album frequently. I also have an OMazing Kids Yoga Pinterest page where I share info: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/.

 Also check out Storyoga for lots of book ideas (website:  http://www.storyoga.com & Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Storyogafriends)

And the cool bibliography from Yoga in my School:  http://yogainmyschool.com/pdf/yoga4literacy_bibliography.pdf (15 page PDF) and their Pinterest board: http://pinterest.com/yogainmyschool/books-for-kids-yoga/.

Can you tell that I LOVE great kids books?!  Feel free to share any of your favorite books (including title & author) & details about how you use them in a kids yoga class either in the comments section below or on my Facebook page….. I love exchanging ideas :)

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.