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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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Inspiring Kids Creativity with Books, Art & Movement

Posted on July 6, 2013 by OMazing Kids

I love combining books, art & movement to inspire creativity in kids! Here are my “five faves” for this:

Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg [Hooray for mistakes! A mistake is an adventure in creativity, a portal of discovery. A spill doesn’t ruin a drawing—not when it becomes the shape of a goofy animal. And an accidental tear in your paper? Don’t be upset about it when you can turn it into the roaring mouth of an alligator. A singular work of imagination, creativity, and paper engineering, Beautiful Oops! is filled with pop-ups, lift-the-flaps, tears, holes, overlays, bends, smudges, and even an accordion “telescope”—each demonstrating the magical transformation from blunder to wonder. Opportunities for kids yoga or creative movement: alligator, dog, duck, elephant, penguin, pig, car, bunny, fish, worm, frog, gyan mudra looking glasses, flower. Plus lots of opportunity for discussion about the power of creating something beautiful out of what appears to be an “oops”; Ideas for open-ended art exploration: torn paper collage, ink or paint blots, origami, newspaper creations, fingerprint pictures, stamping with paper towel rolls, hole punching, crumpled paper creations. More ideas in this free event kit (5-page PDF).]

beautiful oops guide

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds [Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herself. But Vashti can’t draw – she’s no artist. To prove her point, Vashti jabs at a blank sheet of paper to make an unremarkable and angry mark. “There!” she says. That one little dot marks the beginning of Vashti’s journey of surprise and self-discovery. Opportunities for kids yoga or creative movement: chair, polar bear, jabbing with the marker (woodchopper), Hmmm? breath, writing name (air writing, back writing partner activity, doing poses that start with the letter of each child’s first name), swirls (lazy 8’s from Brain Gym), “paint the room” activity with props, grow bigger (child’s pose – kneeling – mountain – standing star); Plus lots of opportunity for discussion about the power of one person’s encouragement, starting with what we “can” do and growing it into something bigger & “paying it forward”. Lots of fun art & extension activity ideas in this free classroom guide for The Dot & Ish from the publisher (8-page PDF). Need more inspiration? Pinterest is full of ideas for open-ended art exploration for The Dot!]

The Dot easel

the dot frame

Ish by Peter H. Reynolds [Follow the little boy inspired by Vashti in the book “The Dot”. Drawing is what Ramon does. It’s what makes him happy. But in one split second, all that changes. A single reckless remark by Ramon’s older brother turns his carefree sketches into joyless struggles. Luckily his little sister, Marisol, sees the world differently. She opens his eyes to something a lot more valuable than getting things just “right.” The power of “-ish”. Opportunities for kids yoga or creative movement: lay on tummy, bed, “Ewww” breath (painting by trash cans), chair, flower, tense/relax fists (like crumpling paper), stomping feet (I’m done!), standing forward fold (as Marisol picks up a crumpled drawing), Toe-ga (to pick up small crumped balls of paper), stretch up & side to side as Marisol tapes the drawing in the gallery on her wall, gyan mudra looking glasses, ish-poses (make up “ish” variations on poses: tree, house, boat, fish & sun and the poses that make them “feel” peace-ish, silly-ish & excited-ish …. if time allows keep the creative ish-pose process going. Kids could work in pairs – one creates a pose, the other draws it (and of course signs it like in The Dot) & then trade roles. Their art could be copied so the whole group could have a set of yoga-ish pose cards), poem / journaling, mindfulness activities to experience savoring the moment; plus lots of opportunity for discussion of the power of our words to discourage or encourage others.]

ish ideas

Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds [The third book in the Creatrilogy series. Marisol, the little sister from the book “Ish”, loves to paint. So when her teacher asks her to help make a mural for the school library, she can’t wait to begin! But how can Marisol make a sky without blue paint? After gazing out the bus window and watching from her porch as day turns into night, she closes her eyes and starts to dream. Opportunities for kids yoga or creative movement: cat, fruit picking stretch, flower, fish, palming or mudras (for the handprint painting), whale, bumpy bus ride, mindfully noticing colors in the sky, moon, stars, bed, guided “Colors” relaxation; plus lots of opportunity for discussion about thinking outside the box & mindfully experiencing things. Lots of fun art & extension activity ideas in this free classroom guide from the publisher (6-page PDF)]

sky color

Sky Color - I feel colorful

Update 8/4/13: A great “Paint the Sky” guided relaxation from A Seedling’s Nightstand.

(Looking for more ways to explore feelings through color? Check out the My Many Colored Days post)

The Museum by Susan Verde, with art by Peter H. Reynolds (it’s cool that Susan was an elementary school teacher and is now a certified kid’s yoga instructor!) [As a little girl tours and twirls through the halls of an art museum, she finds herself on an exciting adventure. Each piece of art evokes something new inside of her: silliness, curiosity, joy and ultimately inspiration. When faced with an empty white canvas, she is energized to create and express herself. “When I see a work of art, something happens in my heart”. Opportunities for kids yoga or creative movement: mountain w/ Namaste hands at heart, Warrior I, Warrior II, dancer, crescent moon, standing star, standing forward fold (looking through legs at world upside down), chair, sitting down (a variety of seated poses – lotus, half-lotus, easy pose, seated twist, etc…), seated apple picking stretch, flower (incorporate real flowers into the class – inspired by this post from Carolyn at Imaginations: Fun Relaxation Stories and Meditations for Kids), make up silly poses, laughter yoga, blank canvas mindfulness activity; Also lots of opportunity for discussion about our lives being a “blank canvas” and being empowered to “paint/create” your own future. Any open-ended art exploration activities would be fun to incorporate (remember it should be about the “process” of exploring & having fun with arts/crafts & not the end “product”. Also put thought into kid’s special needs & sensory sensitivities when selecting activities. There are lots of great ways to adapt art to make it accessible to all! http://www.zotartz.com/, http://www.kinderart.com/special/). Fun printables on the author’s website (curriculum guide coming soon!). For more ideas, see this great post Book to Boogie: Dance Inspired by Art by Kerry Aradhya at Picture Books & Pirouettes]

museum frame

more museum activity printables

UPDATE 9/27/13: Fabulous new activity guide for The Museum: http://www.fablevisionlearning.com/pdfs/fablevision_museum_educators_guide.pdf

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Adding art & movement with books taps into the power of multiple intelligences!

For more book suggestions, see the “Childrens Books that Inspire Creativity” post by A Childhood List.

Be watching for an update to this post this fall. A Little Bit of Oomph!, the sequel to Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg, is scheduled to release in September 2013 (I’ve already pre-ordered a copy through Amazon!).

UPDATE 9/27/13: I love “A Little Bit of Oomph!”. See this post for details: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2013/09/22/inspiring-kids-to-add-a-little-bit-of-oomph/

I’d love to hear your ideas for inspiring creativity! Feel free to leave a comment below or on the OMazing Kids Facebook page

BrightIdeas

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

Speech-Language Pathologist at the JD McCarty Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities (http://www.jdmc.org/)

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

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

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Pout-Pout Fish Lesson Plan plus Summer Themed Books, Music & Activities for Kids Yoga & Speech-Language

Posted on July 3, 2013 by OMazing Kids

The Pout-Pout Fish books are a wonderful way to infuse lessons about the power of your attitude, words & friendship into kids yoga & speech-language therapy sessions!

Here are some ideas for each book:

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen (kids yoga pose opportunities: pout-pout fish, oyster with pearl, jellyfish, squid, octopus, shimmer fish, sea turtle, sea horse, worm, starfish, urchin, crab, seaweed, puffer fish breath with Hoberman Sphere; lots of descriptive vocabulary for emotions & facial expressions: glum, gloomy, pout, dreary, weary, grin, frown, scowl, grimace, mope, joy, hope, sulking, cheery; kids LOVE the humorous repeated line: “I’m a pout-pout fish with a pout-pout face, so I spread the dreary-wearies all over the place…. Blub…. Bluuub… Bluuuuuuub”)
The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark by Deborah Diesen (kids yoga pose opportunities: fish, oyster with pearl, yawning breath, seaweed, sea snake, clam, starfish, anemone (flower), urchin, rocks on bottom of ocean floor, sailfish (triangle), shark, dolphin, dark (cover eyes), search looking through Gyan Mudra looking goggles, coral (tree), boat, worm, lantern fish (eye yoga with flashlights), Namaste ball game (roll ball back and forth while saying something positive about the person you are rolling it to); lots of unique vocabulary: yawn, whoosh, weep, promise, swoop, swish, mucky, deeper, dimmer, grimmer, slope, trench, braver; kids LOVE the repeated line: “I’m fast as a sailfish, I’m strong as a shark, I’m smart as a dolphin…. But I’m scared of the dark”. I LOVE how the story ends: “The ocean is wide, and the ocean is deep, but friends help friends – that’s a promise we keep”. For older kids, this can lead to wonderful discussions about obstacles in life & the power of encouraging words (“You can do it”) and having friends with you (“Two are faster than a sailfish, two are stronger than a shark, two are smarter than a dolphin, two are bigger than the dark”).

I use the plush fish & octopus as props. They can ride the waves of a child’s breath when relaxing in Savasana, passed in a seated twist around the circle, describe how they are “alike” & “different”, etc…. I also have used a ball or beach ball to play a game of “pass the pearl” with our feet around the circle when we find Ms. Clam’s missing pearl at the end of The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark.

The Pout-Pout Fish Rap:

The Pout-Pout Fish Song:

Watch a video of the book being read:

Coloring Sheets: Pout Pout Fish Coloring & Activites

The author’s website is full of other ideas & links to printables: http://deborahdiesen.com/books/pout-pout.html

Kohl’s Cares had both books, several plush & a tote for $5.00 each. A great deal + helps a great cause! They just launched a different campaign yesterday so these are now on clearance on their website. They also may be available in the toy clearance section in Kohl’s stores.

Looking for ideas for more summer themed ideas?

General Summer Theme

Alaska’s 12 Days of Summer by Pat Chamberlin-Calamar (A fun twist on the familiar 12 Days of Christmas except this time it’s summer with the following opportunities for kids yoga on an Alaska adventure: black bear, spruce tree, moose, bald eagle, wood frog, swan, grizzlies splashing, mosquito buzzing breath, salmon, caribou, wolf, dall sheep)
Bear’s New Friend by Karma Wilson (Fun rhyming text & repeated line. Opportunities for kids yoga: bear, cross crawl hike, tree, mouse, buzzing bee breath, flower, butterfly, bunny hops, bunny breaths, badger/gopher/mole (digging), wren/raven (bird), owl)
Elephants Swim by Linda Capus Riley (Fun book about how different animals “swim”. See an elephant, kangaroo, platypus, armadillo, tiger, jaguar, sea otter, squid, hippo, wildebeest, pelican, caribou, polar bear, sea turtle, walrus & whale)
I See Summer by Charles Ghigna (Fun simple rhyming text about things you see on a summer day: sun, sailboat, seagull, flower, butterfly, bird, snail, ladybug, seesaw, lemonade, ocean, seashell, fish, tree, dog, ice cream, picnic, firefly)
Splish, Splash and Blue by Christianne C. Jones (Fun book with rhyming text featuring the color “blue” at a water park)
Summer by Alice Low (great simple rhyming text about the joys of summer. Opportunities for kids yoga: watermelon (rock and roll on back), sun stretch and breath, palming for heat, ice cream scoops (child’s pose), bike pedaling, swing (ragdoll with arms on top of each other as a swing seat), bird, tree, butterfly, flower, water hose, fish, seagull, starfish, ocean breath, campfire, fireworks breath from Namaste Kid)
Summer Beat by Betsy Franco (The sounds of summer are celebrated with rhyming text & great descriptive language as two friends enjoy a summer day: skateboard, dog, sprinkler, hammock, tree, bee, frog, rain, sizzling burgers, table, chair, corn on the cob, watermelon seeds, three-legged-race, water balloon, sparklers, bikes, parade, fireworks, treehouse, sleeping bags, crickets, moon, stars)
Summer Days and Nights by Wong Herbert Lee (opportunities for kids yoga: “paint the room” warm up, sun stretch & breath, cat. cross-crawl hike, flower, tree, lemonade (sitting in cobblers pose, tense & relax fists like squeezing lemons, reach to get the sugar, stir-the-pot to mix it up, triangle to pour it out, tense & relax face “ooh” it’s sour), buzzing bee breath, seesaw partner pose, slide, sandwiches (sit with legs out, what kind of sandwiches should we make for our picnic?, spread ingredients on legs, seated forward fold to put top bread on), ants (Warrior I), mouse, owl, fireflies, crescent moon, frog, forest of trees group pose, gate, bed, dream of summer nights savasana)
Fun Dog, Sun Dog by Deborah Heiligman (lots of rhyming & adjectives in this fun book)
The Twelve Days of Summer by Jan Andrews (A fun twist on the familiar 12 Days of Christmas except this time it’s summer with the following opportunities for kids yoga on an garden adventure: sun stretch & breath, nest (easy pose), eggs (child’s pose), dandelion seed (blowing cotton balls), grouse (seated angle pose), garter snake, buzzing bee, hawk (eagle), mole digging (standing forward fold to scoop dirt), toad (frog), daisy (flower), crow, swallow (Warrior III), butterfly)
The “Explore the Outdoors” card from the green section of the Yoga 4 Classrooms card deck has a fun Green Group Mandala activity.

An album of summer mandalas & coloring sheets on the OMazing Kids Facebook page (new ones added frequently)

Ocean / Beach Theme

10 Little Rubber Ducks by Eric Carle (opportunities for kids yoga: choo-choo breath (for the rubber duck machine), seated forward fold (to reach to paint the duck eyes & bills…. legs are the conveyor belt & our toes were the ducks eyes & bills), seated twist (to deliver the box of rubber ducks to the truck), bumpy truck ride, boat, ocean breath, duck, dolphin, seal, polar bear, flamingo, pelican (standing forward fold to scoop the fish), turtle, octopus (4 kids sat back-to-back to make an 8-legged octopus & felt each others backs breathing), seagull, whale, sun stretch & breath, palming (to make it “dark”), swim ducky swim breath & savasana)
Beach Day by Karen Roosa (Fun rhyming text with lots of descriptive language. Opportunities for kids yoga: ocean breath, cross crawl hike, up dog, down dog, seagull, water skier (Warrior II), buzzing insect breath, beach umbrella (triangle), digging in sand, lighthouse, pass the beach ball with feet game, crab, happy baby, sailboat)
Deep Sea Dive by Salina Yoon (Fun rhyming text under the flap for each animal. The goggles cutout on the front of this board book is fun to look through. Animals in this book: sea star, sea turtle, octopus, crab, shark, jellyfish, lobster, puffer fish, seahorse, sea urchin & oyster. Plus coral & seaweed.)
I Spy Under the Ocean by Edward Gibbs (His whole series of books is fabulous to work on part-to-whole, inferencing & descriptive language. I love the circular cut out that gives you a peek at what is on the next page. This one has the following animals: clownfish, sea horse, crab, sword fish, octopus, dolphin, shark)
If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff (kids yoga opportunities: baking cupcakes – easy pose legs as bowl, shake in flour, sugar & other ingredients, 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, spread on icing & shake on spinkles; table, sand castle (triangle), sea shell (forward seated fold), ocean breath, surfing (Warrior II), sunglasses (gyan mudra), pass the beachball with feet game, cross-crawl hike, boat, whale, dinosaur stomps, pterodactyl (bird), monkey. You could even add a mindful tasting activity (of course be mindful of any food sensitivities, allergies, etc….). Printables for the book: http://www.mousecookiebooks.com/activities/pdfs/cupcake_activities.pdf)
I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry (hilarious book to work on the concept of “big-bigger-biggest” and inferencing. See these free storyprops from Kizclub for the sea creatures featured in the book: I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean story props (color version) & I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean story props (black & white version))
Ladybug Girl at the Beach by David Soman. (Follow Lulu (aka. Ladybug Girl) on a beach adventure where she overcomes her fears. Opportunities for kids yoga: bumpy car ride w/ pool noodle steering wheel, stretch, down dog, up dog, cross crawl hike, ocean breath, standing forward fold to dig in the sand, gyan mudra binoculars, kite, ice cream scoops (child’s pose), draw in the sand (lazy 8’s from Brain Gym), seagull (Warrior III), crab, seaweed (ragdoll), shells (seated forward fold), Ladybug Girl saves the bucket (Warrior II then Warrior I), affirmation (“I’m brave – I’m not afraid of anything!), starfish savasana)
Luke’s Beach Day by Giselle Shardlow (this new addition to the Kids Yoga Stories series features Luke and his classmates on a field trip to the beach. A picture for the pose is included on each 1-2 page spread. Be watching for a review/giveaway for this fun book soon!)
Octopus Alone by Divya Srinivasan (A touching tale about a shy octopus who goes on an adventure in search of some “alone” time and then joyfully returns to her friends. Opportunities for kids yoga: octopus, shrimp, squid, sea turtle, sea horse, sea snake, anemone, urchin, sea slug, lobster, clam, jellyfish, starfish, crab, eel, whale, coral & lots of types of fish)
Once Upon a Tide by Tony Mitton (Fun rhyming text with the following opportunities for kids yoga: spyglass (gyan mudra at eyes), hammer (woodchopper), thread the needle, sewing (lazy 8’s from Brain Gym), biscuits (sit with legs out & pretend to spread butter on, forward fold to put the top on the biscuit), up dog, down dog, seagull (balance on 1 leg), compass (standing star & then balance on 1 side), map (roll/unroll in yoga mat), boat, ocean breath, whale, sail (triangle), coconut palm tree, snake, bug, monkey, dig (standing forward fold & the back up as you “dig”), pirate “arrgh” breath, crab, flower, ragdoll, starfish savasana)
Over in the Ocean In a Coral Reef by Marianne Berkes (Great repeated & predictable text. Love the “eye-popping” photographs of reliefs sculpted from polymer clay! Free teacher’s guide, Over in the Ocean Audio Files (Singing), Over in the Ocean Audio Files (Reading), Over in the Ocean Bookmarks

Secret Seahorse by Stella Blackstone (This book has the following animals & sea life: anemone, angelfish, barracuda, clown fish, coral, crab, giant clam, hermit crab, jellyfish, lion fish, lobster, octopus, oyster, parrotfish, sea slug, sea turtle, sea urchin, seaweed, shark, starfish, stingray, swordfish. Kids love looking for the hidden seahorse on each page!)
Somewhere in the Ocean by Jennifer Ward (A fun twist on the familiar “Over in the Meadow” rhyming text, counting & repeated line. Animals in the book: manatee, orca whale, clown fish, hermit crab, sea otter, tiger shark, sea horse, sea turtle, octopus. Free printables: Tools for Teachers PDF, Reader’s Theater Lesson Plan)
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shell by Lucille Colandro (see the free printable There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shell story props for what she swallows in the book. Additional ideas for poses based on things in the background: sailboat, palm tree, starfish, clouds, clam, snail, dog, shark, lighthouse, bugs, spider)

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shell story props

We’re Sailing to Galapagos: A Week in the Pacific by Laurie Krebs (Great rhyming text & repeated lines. Opportunities for kids yoga: sailboat, ocean breath, tortoise, albatross (Warrior III), iguana (plank), crab, fish, sea lions, red pouched frigate birds (belly breathing w/ hoberman sphere))
The Yoga 4 Classrooms card deck has an “Ocean Breath” card in the blue section & great “At the Beach” guided relaxation card in the purple section.
The Imaginations: Fun Relaxation Stories and Meditations for Kids book has “A Day at the Beach” & “Under the Sea” relaxation stories

Make Calming Ocean Glitter Bottles (free ocean glitter bottles labels printable)

Cool Beach in a Bottle sensory craft:

Kids Yoga Stories has a free beach-themed lesson plan: http://www.kidsyogastories.com/free-resources/.

Summer yoga ideas from Kami at Elahi Yoga in the Parenting Special Needs Magazine – go to page 58 http://magazine.parentingspecialneeds.org/publication/?i=111307&l&m&p=58&id=5779

Cute Sea Animal Memory Game printable from LearnCreateLove.com: http://learncreatelove.com/?p=4050.

Fabulous sea creature printables from Picklebums: http://nurturestore.co.uk/printable-sea-creatures-ocean-play-dough

sea-creatures-ocean-play-dough

Beach & Ocean playdoh: http://pinterest.com/pin/225813368788645551/

Looking for the Pirate-Themed Yoga? See this post:

Camping / Lake / River Theme:

Curious George Goes Camping by Margret & H.A. Rey (Curious George saves the day in this camping adventure. Opportunities for kids yoga: monkey, drive the car w/ pool noodle steering wheel, pitching a tent, up dog, water pump, bucket, campfire, deer, forest of trees, lizard, squirrel, cat, skunk, washing off in creek)
Into the Outdoors by Susan Gal (a great book to go with a “camping” theme and a fun way to work on prepositions. This book has the following opportunities for yoga poses/activities: car ride (seated forward fold to close the car door & drive w/ pool noodle steering wheel), mountain, bridge, trees, tent (partner rooftops to pitch… the tent), cross-crawl hike (from Brain Gym), going across the stream (could be big steps around the yoga mats or yoga blocks… or maybe we need a canoe), boulders (child’s pose), eagle, waterfall, moon, woodchopper to chop firewood, campfire (palming to warm hands), stars. There are lots of animals in the book as well so we may add poses for those: bear, fox, deer, moose, porcupine (lotus mudra), turtle, frog, dragonfly, raccoon (gyan mudra at eyes for mask), woodpecker & owl. Want more ideas for this book? Check out these great posts by Picture Books & Pirouettes: http://kerryaradhya.blogspot.com/2012/09/into-outdoors-plethora-of-prepositions.html & Maria’s Movers: http://mariasmovers.com/2012/09/04/into-the-outdoors-camping-dance/
Ladybug Girl and Bingo by David Soman (Follow Lulu (aka. Ladybug Girl) on a camping adventure. Opportunities for kids yoga: cross crawl hike, forest of trees group pose, up dog, down dog, bird, turtle, butterfly, canoe, quiet mindful listening, mermaid (pigeon), fish, picnic lunch sequence (open the picnic basket – seated forward fold, decide what kind of sandwiches to make for the picnic, spread out the blanket, seated twist to pass the picnic basket), unicorn, tiger, rocket, boulder, helicopter, pitching a tent (triangle pose), campfire (palming), star, firefly, roll up in sleeping bag (rolling up in yoga mat)
Little Bear’s Little Boat by Eve Bunting (opportunities for kids yoga: boat, fish, tree, beaver (woodchopper), otter, blue heron (balance on 1 leg). Wonderful messages in the book about growing up, destiny & sharing)
Rattletrap Car by Phyllis Root (lots of fun descriptive language, sounds & repeated line)
When We Go Camping by Margriet Ruurs (Gorgeous painted illustrations depict a camping adventure. The back of the book contains hints for finding animals hidden in each painting. Opportunities for kids yoga: tent, sleeping bag, moose, bird, squirrel, canoe, sun stretch & breath, mountain, fish, woodchopper, campfire, bear, skunk, elk, forest of trees, cross crawl hike, butterfly, worm, water bugs, frog, berry picking, owl, eagle, cricket. More if you can find the animals hidden in each picture)
The Imaginations: Fun Relaxation Stories and Meditations for Kids book has “The Night Sky” & “Making Friends with a Tree” relaxation stories

A free kids yoga lesson plan that I wrote for Your True Nature inspired by “Advice from a River” – https://omazingkidsyoga.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/kids-yoga-lesson-plan-inspired-by-advice-from-a-river-your-true-nature.pdf. It is also available on the Your True Nature website, along with other lesson plans, at http://www.yourtruenature.com/yoga (http://www.yourtruenature.com/library/images/Teacher%20Curriculum/Omazing%20Kid%20Yoga.pdf)

Want lots of fun ideas for a “camping” themed kids yoga class? Check out the post on the Little Yoga Stars blog – http://littleyogastars.blogspot.com/2012/03/camping-lesson-plan.html)

Here’s a great camping coloring sheet: http://www.seeyosemite.com/support-files/camping-page1.pdf.

Another coloring sheet: http://funcoloringsheets.blogspot.com/2011/08/camping-in-moonlight.html.

Lots of fun free camping-themed printables & craft ideas: http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/2011/09/camping-preschool-unit-preschool-corner/

Camping Bingo free printable: http://www.nwf.org/Kids/Family-Fun/outdoor-activities/Camping-Bingo.aspx

Father’s Day Theme

Daddy Hug by Tim Wares
Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle
My Dad by Anthony Browne
My Daddy is a Pretzel by Baron Baptiste
Papa, Please get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle

(see kids yoga ideas shared during this brainstorming session on OMazing Kids: http://tinyurl.com/kxfyf3a)

4th of July Theme

Two great books with lots of opportunities for kids yoga: Red, White and Boom! by Lee Wardlaw & “Carl’s Summer Vacation” by Alexandra Day (doesn’t specifically mention the 4th of July but could easily fit that theme since it ends with them watching fireworks). Here’s a free teacher’s guide for Red, White and Boom!:http://www.leewardlaw.com/PDF/redwhiteboomguide.pdf.
Namaste Kid has a fun Firework Breath video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGlcD9DNpVc.
Yogainmyschool.com has this fun sequence: http://yogainmyschool.com/fourth-of-july-kids-yoga-sequence/
Kids Yoga Stories has a new lesson plan inspired by the book “M is for Majestic: A National Parks Alphabet by David Domeniconi: http://www.kidsyogastories.com/free-resources/

* Free printable pinwheels from Spoonful: http://spoonful.com/printables/mickey-donalds-patriotic-pinwheel (great for breathwork)

* Love this idea from Pink and Green Mama Blog for a patriotic “Eye Spy Bottle”: http://pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com/2011/07/smart-summer-challenge-week-2_07.html?m=1

I’d love to hear your ideas for more summer-themed kids yoga! Feel free to leave a comment below or on the OMazing Kids Facebook page

BrightIdeas

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

Speech-Language Pathologist at the JD McCarty Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities (http://www.jdmc.org/)

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

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

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

Monkey Mind Pirates wanted posters

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

Posted on June 29, 2013 by OMazing Kids

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.

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

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 🙂

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 🙂

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

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

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

http://beyogabelove.wordpress.com/2013/05/02/plant-your-own-garden/

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Seeds & Garden Themed Books, Music & Activities for Kids Yoga

Posted on May 4, 2013 by OMazing Kids

Looking for ideas for planting, seeds or garden themed activities?

I love using a “planting seeds” theme both when I am helping kids learn how the actions they take impact themselves and others & for literal gardening activities intended to inspire care for our environment and healthy food choices. This post was inspired by this recent experience of gratitude, loss & blessing.

seeds & garden themed books

Books:

Big Yellow Sunflower by Frances Barry (kids yoga ideas)

How Groundhog’s Garden Grew by Lynne Cherry (kids yoga ideas)

If You Hold a Seed by Elly MacKay (kids yoga ideas)

Jack’s Garden by Henry Cole (free activity guide, kids yoga ideas)

Miss Maple’s Seeds by Eliza Wheeler (free activity/coloring sheets, kids yoga ideas)

Over in the Garden by Jennifer Ward (kids yoga ideas)

Planting Seeds by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace (free activity guide, OMazing Kids yoga ideas)

Rose’s Garden by Peter H. Reynolds (online animated version, free activity guide, kids yoga ideas)

Sunflower House by Eve Bunting (free activity guide, printable sequencing sheets, kids yoga ideas)

The Dandelion Seed by Joseph Anthony (hear it read by Barbara Gini of Bodylogique, kids yoga ideas)

The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle (activity ideas, kids yoga ideas)

music-notes-2

Playlist:

Dandelion by Steve Weeks

Eat Like a Rainbow CD by Jay Mankita (get entire CD download free. My 3 faves on the CD are Eat Like a Rainbow, My Food is Made From Sunshine & Sun, Winds, Soil & Rain)

Every Bug, Every Bee, Every Breath by Lydia Mccauley (great instrumental for Savasana)

Garden Song by David LaMotte

Garden Song by Jamie Barnett (fun to include musical instruments with this one)

In My Garden by Serina Jung

Like a Flower to the Sun by Jack Grunsky

Mama Nature by Kira Willey

One Seed by Laurie Berkner

One Small Seed by Nu Myth Band

Planting a Seed of Peace by Betsy Rose

Planting Seeds of Love by Pam Donkin

Seed Song by Tom Hunter

Seeds for My Garden by Jack Grunsky

Sleepy Night Garden by Sada (guided relaxation)

Working in My Garden by Peanut Butter Jellyfish

You are My Flower by Elizabeth Mitchell

flowers

A fabulous Plant Your Own Garden kids yoga lesson plan from Be Yoga Be Love

And a fabulous Yoga for Kids: Gardening and Guided Imagery post + printable lesson plan from Playful Learning

http://playfullearning.net/yoga-for-kids-gardening-and-guided-imagery/

Love, love, LOVE this post from Carolyn at Imaginations: Fun Relaxation Stories and Meditations for Kids ♥ I’ve never thought of using fresh flowers in kids yoga…. this is definitely on my list of things to try 🙂

http://kidsyoga101.com/2013/04/25/using-live-flowers-in-kids-yoga-classes/

Planting the Seeds of Kindness, Teen Yoga Activity: Planting Good Seeds & Plant Good Seeds posts on the Shanti Generation blog

See the “In The Garden” chapter from the “Once Upon a Mat” DVD by Namaste Kid on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV6Aylq8WrE

More seeds & garden fun:

Kindness Tree idea from The Learning Station ♥

http://www.tonychestnut.com/BookAboutTonyCurriculum.pdf

Free printable seed packets

wwsees-preview

http://weedsandwildflowersdesign.com/seeds-of-kindness-–-nsd-freebies/

Great gardening printable packs:

http://homeschoolcreations.com/gardenpreschoolpack.html

Check out this fun craft activity: Planting Seeds of Kindness {via Sun Hats and Wellie Boots}

http://www.toddlerapproved.com/2012/01/planting-seeds-of-kindness-via-sun-hats.html

Make flowers out of cupcake liners:

246422_530815766969433_1693276857_n

http://brighamcitylibrary.blogspot.com/2011/03/storytime-review_24.html. Also saw this idea to make them out of coffee filters: http://neverlandarling.blogspot.com/2012/04/cute-crafts-watercolor-flowers.html

Fun printables from Picklebums: http://picklebums.com/2013/04/09/printable-playdough-garden/

pladough-garden-title

The Yoga 4 Classrooms® Card Deck has a wonderful “Metamorphosis” card in the yellow section of the deck.

Yoga 4 Classroom Metamorphosis card

Imaginations: Fun Relaxation Stories and Meditations for Kids has a “Planting a Seed” short guided relaxation story.

Imaginations cover

The Yoga Garden Game

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Peace Garden guided relaxation story from Bodylogique

Spring, Insect & Flower Mandalas & Coloring Pages

DIY Veggie Garden Sensory Box

Rock Garden Marker Craft

Bug finger puppet rings printable

Bug mobile printable

BrightIdeas

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

Speech-Language Pathologist at the JD McCarty Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities (http://www.jdmc.org/)

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

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

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

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

Posted on April 21, 2013 by OMazing Kids

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:

Listen to the song BOOTS by Laurie Berkner – use your imagination and put on each different color boot and dance and stomp along with the words of the song OR use one of the below as a warm up song:
April Showers by Amanda Ellis: http://www.morewithmusic.org/2012/04/april-showers-bring-may-flowers.html
Sounds of Spring by Amanda Ellis: http://www.morewithmusic.org/2010/04/sounds-of-spring.html
Singing in the Rain by Gene Kelly (cute video of school children singing this song with hand movements http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmR3j-PcwZI)
More song suggestions from OMazing Kids: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2013/03/23/spring-kids-yoga-activity-ideas-on-omazing-kids/

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.

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 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):

Cheer Up Mouse by Jed Henry (kids yoga ideas: http://tinyurl.com/ccauva6)
Curious George Plants a Tree by HA Rey (kids yoga ideas: http://tinyurl.com/d9g8evk)
Like A Windy Day by Frank Asch (kids yoga ideas: http://tinyurl.com/csh6dap)
Lots of Lambs by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger (kids yoga ideas: http://tinyurl.com/buc3fv9)
My First Day by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page (kids yoga ideas: http://tinyurl.com/chllljw)
Possum and the Peeper by Anne Hunter (kids yoga ideas: http://tinyurl.com/c3vzv79)

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:

HMH Kids Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HMHTeen)
HMH Kids Twitter (https://twitter.com/hmhkids)
Happy Planet Yoga Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Happy-Planet-Yoga/267920929910987)
Happy Planet Yoga Twitter (https://twitter.com/happyplanetyoga)
OMazing Kids Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga)
OMazing Kids Twitter (https://twitter.com/amoorad)

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:

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).
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):

Invite some friends to “like” the OMazing Kids Facebook page (comment here on this blog post to let me know you did)
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

Examples of “people-first” language are “children with autism” vs. “autistic children”and “children with disabilities” vs. “disabled children” (see more examples at: http://www.inclusionproject.org/nip_userfiles/file/People%20First%20Chart.pdf)

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.

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

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

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

The Spring Fairy guided relaxation story

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Spring Kids Yoga & Activity Ideas on OMazing Kids

Posted on March 23, 2013 by OMazing Kids

Looking for ideas for Spring themed activities? Check out these albums of pics on the OMazing Kids Facebook page!

We will be doing Little White Rabbit by Kevin Henkes in OMazing Kids Yoga next week….. such a simple great book for Spring! See this pic on the FB page for a discussion of fun ideas for a kids yoga class based on this book, links to some free printables & coloring sheets, etc: http://tinyurl.com/brqmrpt

Yoga Bunny coloring

More favorite books for this time of year (links are to pics on the OMazing Kids FB page…. lots of great discussion & sharing of ideas there. Feel free to join in on the “brainstorming” fun):

If You’re Hoppy by April Pulley Sayre (http://tinyurl.com/cnbsbzw, http://tinyurl.com/c5d5s8w & http://tinyurl.com/c8r4c53

Like a Windy Day by Frank Asch

Lots of Lambs by Laura Numeroff (http://tinyurl.com/cc9c3kj)

Mouse’s First Spring by Lauren Thompson (http://tinyurl.com/d5u2dtb)

Move Over Rover! by Karen Beaumont (http://tinyurl.com/a54zzxx)

Mushroom in the Rain by Mirra Ginsburg (http://tinyurl.com/a7t3ztn; bought this book after seeing it recommended on the Storyoga FB page)

UPDATE 3/25/15: Free printable pose idea cards for Mushroom in the Rain: Mushroom in the Rain ~ OMazing Kids Yoga Lesson Plan

My First Day by Steve Jenkins (http://tinyurl.com/cmh48mz)

My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann (http://tinyurl.com/ctbejgz)

One Brown Bunny by Marion Dane Bauer (http://tinyurl.com/bq4glnz)

Quiet Bunny by Lisa McCue (http://tinyurl.com/d2auh8n)

Quiet Bunny’s Many Colors by Lisa McCue (http://tinyurl.com/bqewsf9)

Red Hat by Lita Judge (http://tinyurl.com/c8qkyem)

Split! Splat! by Amy Gibson (http://tinyurl.com/bueoccx)

“The Listening Walk” by Paul Showers (http://tinyurl.com/bm3bo53)

What Will Hatch? by Jennifer Ward (http://tinyurl.com/c4ksz8d)

Playlist:

April Showers Bring May Flowers by Amanda Ellis, MT-BC (http://www.morewithmusic.org/2012/04/april-showers-bring-may-flowers.html – love the ideas for incorporating a hand drum!)
Boots by Laurie Berkner (http://www.amazon.com/Boots/dp/B003SK03L0 – suggested by Jenny at Happy Planet Yoga)
Hippity Hop
I’m a Little Bunny by Charity & The Jam Band (http://charityandthejamband.bandcamp.com/track/im-a-little-bunny)
Like a Flower to the Sun by Jack Grunsky (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000US0FIO/ref=dm_dp_trk3)
Spring by Charlie Hope (http://www.amazon.com/Spring/dp/B002FBJ1ES)
Spring is in the Air by Bob Schneider and the Rainbow Kids (http://www.amazon.com/Spring-Is-In-The-Air/dp/B005A8BUR4)
Springtime Tree song & yoga poses from Musical Yoga Adventures (http://tinyurl.com/c8wcp68)
The Rain is Coming by Penelope Torribio (http://www.amazon.com/The-Rain-Coming-Rainforest-Musical/dp/B001ZF77JG)
The Sounds of Spring by Amanda Ellis, MT-BC (http://www.morewithmusic.org/2010/04/sounds-of-spring.html – love her inclusive ideas for kids with special needs!)
Underneath the Rainbow by Kira Willey (https://soundcloud.com/kira-willey-music/underneath-the-rainbow)

More spring fun:

Kids Yoga Stories

Peace Garden guided relaxation story from Bodylogique

Spring, Insect & Flower Mandalas & Coloring Pages

Spring Printables & Crafts

Sounds Right: A Mindful Listening Gamerom Yogainmyschool

Yoga Bunny

Earth Day & Nature Ideas)

Rainbow-themed ideas

Celebrate The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day (aka. 1

April Themed Activities for Kids

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

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

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

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

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Brainstorming & Sharing Ideas on OMazing Kids

Posted on March 13, 2013 by OMazing Kids

Put on your thinking cap & come join the fun brainstorming sessions we have been having on the OMazing Kids Facebook page!

{Brainstorming & Networking Invitation} I love networking and sharing ideas! Feel free to ask a question, share ideas, share links for fun things, share your kids yoga Facebook page, blog posts, etc…. Anything related to kids yoga, kids wellness, education, special needs, etc. is fine. Feel free to post on the OMazing Kids Facebook page or send me a Facebook message and I’ll be glad to share it with the group. If you post logged in as your FB page, please give your name & if you post logged in as yourself, please “tag” or include the link to your kids yoga FB page if you have one. It will help folks get to know each other & build connections. It’s also one of the main ways I find new FB pages to “like” 🙂

The only things that I ask in return are that you post a comment on that brainstorming session thanking folks who took the time to share ideas, that you consider “liking” each other’s kids yoga Facebook pages & that you consider inviting a couple of friends to come join us on OMazing Kids.

I have been using the “schedule post” feature to schedule the brainstorming posts for 7:00am CST and we have had wonderful participation!

Check out the fabulous questions & ideas shared so far:

3/5/13 {Brainstorming Question} Rebecca Villa asks: Have you come across any resources or ideas for western/cowboy/girl themes? I was asked to teach a kids yoga class at an event where this is the theme and could use some ideas. It is a class for toddlers. Any good book ideas??? Thanks in advance for any help! See the ideas shared on this Facebook post

3/7/13 {Brainstorming Question} Carrie Sheffield asks “I am running a manners workshop this Saturday for kids ages 5-12. Any great ideas?” See the ideas shared on this Facebook post

3/8/13 {Brainstorming Question} Susan McGarrah Bonanno asks “Any suggestions on managing a large group? I’ve been recruited to teach the yoga portion of a fitness series for 32 six-to-nine year olds in my local public school. Excited to get yoga into the schools, petrified about managing 32 kids who may not have had exposure to yoga! I will have adult helpers but no yoga instructors. Can’t split it into smaller groups. Thanks!” See the ideas shared on this Facebook post

3/13/13 {Brainstorming Question} Becky Groberg asks “Any fun ideas for a transportation theme for kids 4-11?” See the ideas shared on this Facebook post

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

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

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

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Thanksgiving: Thankfulness, Giving and Gratitude Lesson Plan Ideas

Posted on November 16, 2012 by OMazing Kids

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.”

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

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