Fingertip Sphere Breathing for Self Regulation & Calming

 

Fingertip Sphere Breathing for Self Regulation & Calming

I learned this technique during one of the webinars in the Preschool Mindfulness Summit in January. It was amazing to see how well it worked with one of my patients who has Autism (and possibly OCD and Explosive Disorder). This child has a very short fuse and when he explodes it is painful for everyone including him. We had tried several different strategies to help him learn self regulation and self calming skills with little success. The issue was in that explosive moment he was too out of control to use any strategies.

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During our last session he became obsessed over a particular page in a board book, insisting that he had to “see the page in the middle” and then exploding when I removed the book to prevent it from being damaged. I then closed my eyes, placed my fingertips together and slowly expanded them (like a Hoberman Sphere) as I took a deep breath in through my nose and gently pressed them back together as I blew the breath slowly out of my mouth. After about 3 breaths I heard him calming down and he asked “What you doing?”. As I continued my slow breathing process with my eyes closed, I softly said “Ms. Angela is taking a break. ________ (child’s name) yelling scared Ms. Angela. When I get scared I take deep breaths.”. Then I continued doing the fingertip breathing with my eyes closed. Within a second or two I heard him breathing, peeked and saw him imitating what I was doing. Once he was calm I gently placed a new activity in front of him. He started to re-escalate and obsess over wanting the book again so I closed my eyes and started the breathing again. He again imitated and this time calmed down and was able to maintain that state of calm for the rest of our session. I cannot express what a HUGE moment this was for him. As he took a play break after the session I talked with his mother to make sure she understood what I had done and how powerful it would be for her son to experience the ability to self regulate and calm.

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It is important to note that I did not tell this child to “calm down” or to “take a deep breath”. When I calmed and centered myself and modeled this breathing technique he began to imitate what I was doing and then got to experience the power of self calming.

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Moments like this are exactly why I sought out training in kids yoga and mindfulness seven years ago. When a child is totally disregulated they are not going to learn anything I had planned for that session. So I needed tools in the speechie toolbox to help my patients.

Of course I also make referrals as needed to good pediatric psychological services in our area.

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I have shared several resources for “breathing”, “self regulation”, “calming”, “mindfulness” and “social emotional learning” over the years on my blog. You can find those posts easily by doing a search for those terms. I have also shared additional resources out on my OMazing Kids Facebook page. Many of those posts are saved in the photos/albums area…. so feel free to look through those as well.

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This gif shows a Hoberman Sphere in action for those that may not be familiar with it:

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga (note: Facebook frequently changes the link to messaging so if this one doesn’t work head over to my page and click on the “Send Message” button)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
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Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 28 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{New “Must Have” Resource} Mindful Kids: 50 Mindfulness Activities for Kindness, Focus and Calm by Whitney Stewart and Mina Braun

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Mindful Kids: 50 Mindfulness Activities for Kindness, Focus and Calm by Whitney Stewart and Mina Braun

Be still my heart! This is the best new kids mindfulness product that I’ve seen in a long time. The boxed card deck includes 50 creative mindfulness games, visualizations and exercises divided into 5 categories to help children feel grounded, find calm, improve focus, practice loving-kindness and relax. Whimsical full-color illustrations on both sides of the cards break down each practice into easy-to-follow steps. Tips on individual cards plus an 8-page instructional booklet show modifications that make these activities inclusive for children of all abilities.

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What I love about these cards:

* Large 5″ X 7″ sturdy cards with a protective coating. The size will be helpful in groups as well as 1-on-1 sessions and the two sided card format is easy to “grab and go”.
* Whimsical colorful illustrations depicting kids of diverse ethnic backgrounds and abilities participating in the activities. The color and style of illustrations are not childish. This makes this card set useable for a wide range of ages (says “ages 4-104” on the front of the storage box)
* The front of each card has a large illustration, activity category with color coded edge, activity title and brief description.
* The back of each card has illustrated step-by-step simple instructions. I love how simple the wording is. Some cards have additional tips or challenges.
* Many of the cards deal with a wide range of emotions…. this set is a perfect addition to any SEL (social emotional learning) program!
* A few cards address “dealing with change”…. this is often difficult for my patients with Autism, OCD and other special needs so I’m especially excited about these cards.
* There are no religious images, words or symbols. This will make this card set usable in a wide range of environments.
* The instructional booklet has simple kid-friendly explanations about mindfulness and the five categories of activities. Also includes tips for modifying activities.
* The cards come in a sturdy storage box with hinged lid covered in whimsical colorful illustrations.

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List of cards included in each category:

Start Your Day: Stay Grounded. Feel strong, focused and confident as you begin each day.
* Mindful Breaths
* Mindful Mood
* Mountain Rising
* Rooted Like a Tree
* Inhaling the Universe
* Cloud Burst
* Mindful Jungle Movement
* Reflection Pond
* Words to Yourself
* Rings of Light

Find Calm: Ride Your Waves. Learn to handle tricky or challenging emotions.
* Shake the Sillies Out
* Balanced Breathing
* Tummy Ride
* Mind Bubbles
* The Power of Blue
* Joyful Jellyfish
* Happy Hum
* Fist Squeeze
* Finding the Pause
* Peaceful Place

Focus: Strengthen Your Mind. Wake up your brain, build concentration and sharpen your sensory awareness.
* Tap and Wiggle
* Finger Fiddle
* Mind Castle
* Wise Old Owl
* Mental Snapshot
* Mind Magic
* Open Ears
* The Nose Knows
* Sharp Eyes
* Mindful Munch

Open Your Heart: Accept Life with Kindness. Feel a sense of self-acceptance and connection to the world.
* Sharing Friendship
* Everything Changes
* Sitting With It
* Name That Feeling
* Finding Feelings
* The Inner Me
* Cooking Up Connections
* Breath by Breath
* Loving-Kindness
* Heart Garden

Rest & Relax: Unwind Your Tangles. Reflect, relax and ease your busy mind.
* Animal Dance
* Swaying Trees
* Figure Eights
* Rain Shower
* Safekeeping
* Rock, Roll and Rest
* Squeeze and Release
* Floating Smiles
* I Am Thankful
* Folding Flower

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More details: https://www.barefootbooks.com/index.php?cID=81724
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See samples of the cards: http://store.barefootbooks.com/mindful-kids.html
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Get a better price on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Kids-Activities-Focus-Peace/dp/1782853278
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About the author: http://whitneystewart.com
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This card set is highly recommended as a “must have” resource for therapists, teachers, parents & kids yoga teachers! 

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga (note: Facebook frequently changes the link to messaging so if this one doesn’t work head over to my page and click on the “Send Message” button)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 28 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

Mindfulness in Your Classroom: 4 Ways to FLOW ~ {Guest Post from GoNoodle}

 Mindfulness in your Classroom - GoNoodle

Mindfulness in Your Classroom: 4 Ways to FLOW

By Wynne Kinder BA Ed. (of Kinder Associates LLC and Wellness Works in Schools)

 

Meet guest poster Wynne Kinder— former classroom teacher (16 years), wellness educator, curriculum author, and teacher trainer—who has been using principles of mindfulness, social skills, and emotional balance in classrooms for 10+ years. Most recently, Wynne collaborated with GoNoodle to create Flow, the first-of-its-kind mindfulness brain break for classrooms.

 

Mindfulness Came into My Classroom

 

Jose was not having it.  He declared, with actions and words, that he was not going along with my hopes of quiet, calm or “just breathing” in our 5th grade classroom.

I had envisioned that my newly-discovered personal practice of mindfulness would naturally assimilate into this 28-student, urban, public school classroom.  Jose and friends responded, “You are just trying to calm us to death,” and “We’re not like that, Miss. We’re not like you.”  So, I stuck to the curriculum in the classroom.

That is until a mindfulness program, Wellness Works in Schools, came to our school to lead classroom sessions. I was hopeful, but still skeptical;  My wiggly nay-sayers?  My chatty, non-sitters? My separated from the group-ers? My Jose is going to try something new, quiet, calm? I think not.

I should have given him (actually, all of them) more credit.

 

Jose became the star student.  He reminded me when the mindfulness teachers were coming.  He helped set up our classroom. He even led a mindfulness activity in one of our final sessions, and I resisted the urge to tell him, “I told you so.”

Three years later, I retired from classroom teaching to help spread classroom mindfulness concepts around the district and the county through Wellness Works in Schools. Today, teachers like me who weren’t sure how, when or why to engage their students in mindfulness don’t have to wait for a mindfulness expert to save the day.

 

Mindfulness Goes Everywhere

 Mindfulness in your Classroom - GoNoodle 2

 

Last week, I received an emailed plea from a teacher-friend two hours away.  “How do I teach what you teach?  I need to try.  My kids are talkers.  They seriously won’t stop.  Help!”

 

I sent her straight to GoNoodle, an online suite of resources to engage students and teachers with physical activity breaks or “brain breaks,” that incorporate mindfulness practices.  I specifically recommended Flow, the newest online, centering, mindfulness brain break I created with GoNoodle.  I heard from her a day later.  “Success! Made me cry.”

Brain breaks are three to five-minute experiences that can change the tone of a classroom from high energy chaos to channeled productivity or even to focused, balanced readiness.

 

Taking my work from one-on-one classroom wellness consulting to collaboration with GoNoodle opens up the possibilities for classroom mindfulness and reaching classrooms everywhere. Teachers who never imagined practicing mindfulness are now discovering the benefits, and those who wanted to practice classroom mindfulness, but weren’t sure how, now have an accessible starting point.

 

4 Ways to Flow

Mindfulness in your Classroom - GoNoodle 3

Flow is designed as a “jumping off” point for mindfulness practice. While Flow does not represent the entirety of mindfulness practice, it serves as a way to guide students in short, repeatable mindfulness exercises without need for prior experience.

 

1. Morning Meeting offers an opportunity to set the tone for your day. Take note of the vocabulary used in the exercises and remind students how they can “bring down their balloon” when feeling out of control, or “chin up” when feeling discouraged or frustrated.

 

2. Class Meetings are an interjection of a needed shift for you and your students. Use Flow during such times: before a test, after a conflict, or as a break from a challenging or frustrating lesson (long division, anyone?).

 

3. Transitions are one of the most uncertain parts of classroom management, as they afford the most opportunity to “lose” the class. Make Flow a natural 3-minute transition aid.  Use Flow as a chance for students to be more present and to give yourself the opportunity to smoothly shift focus and manage energy.

 

4. Anytime.  Really, any time you or your students want to Flow! Once mindfulness becomes a regular part of your classroom routine, students will ask for a brain break when they need it. Follow their intuition (and your own) to offer Flow as a strategy to rearrange energy and attitudes.

 

To use Flow with your kids or students, create a free account at GoNoodle.com. GoNoodle also includes 3-5 minute brain breaks of varying energy levels from calming to high energy.

 

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Note from OMazing Kids: Be sure to check out the FREE Teacher’s Guide PDF on the GoNoodle website (http://inspiration.gonoodle.com/2014/05/a-teaching-guide-for-flow/)

GoNoodle Flow Teacher's Guide - PDF

and their social media sites for updates:

https://www.facebook.com/GoNoodleGames

https://twitter.com/GoNoodle

http://www.pinterest.com/gonoodlebreaks/

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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

App Reviews on The Appy Ladies: http://theappyladies.com/?s=Moorad

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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.

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the crayons divider bar or any ads or unusual hyperlinks that may appear above. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here. I have attempted to remove the CouponDropDown but no luck so far…. DO NOT click on any hyperlinks unless you hover above them first to insure they are valid. Ones I included should appear in blue font.

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Visiting Feelings ~ a book with heart & purpose

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Be still by heart…. look at this gorgeous book “Visiting Feelings” coming out in September by Lauren Rubenstein! It is currently available on Amazon.com for pre-order for $10.17 hardcover (32% off). Release date: 9/15/13.
Order at: http://amzn.com/1433813394.

I just ordered a copy and am challenging everyone who follows my page to do the same.

This is the first time I have put forth a challenge like this. Why? And for a book I haven’t even seen in person yet?

Read this description: “Beautifully descriptive prose and delightful illustrations cultivate a message of mindfulness and emotional awareness to help children fully experience the present moment. Rather than labeling or defining specific emotions and feelings, Visiting Feelings invites children to sense, explore, and befriend any feeling with acceptance and equanimity. Children can explore their emotions with their senses and nurture a sense of mindfulness. Gaining this objectivity allows space for a more considered response to the feelings. Practicing mindfulness can also enhance many aspects of well-being, help develop insight, empathy, and resiliency. Includes a “Note to Parents to provide more information about emotional awareness, and suggests ways to seamlessly incorporate mindfulness practices into your child and family’s daily routines.”

If that’s not enough to seal the deal, read this review on Anxiety-Free Child: http://anxietyfreechild.com/visiting-feelings/.

And she is donating the proceeds to Go Give Yoga http://www.gogiveyoga.org/volunteers/lauren-rubenstein-psyd

Wouldn’t it be cool if this book went viral and sold out even before it’s released?!

Please “like” and “share” this pic with as many folks as you can: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.602434699807539.1073741861.174264525957894&type=1&l=a203d9abc7

Sneek Peek inside the book: visiting feelings2

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Feel free to comment and “tag” your FB page or include the link to your blog or website.

{this is my first time to try out blogging via the WordPress app on my iPhone…. so I may have to fix links via a computer later}

#Mindfulness #socialemotionaldevelopment #kidsyoga #yogaforkids #kidslit #ece #Haiti #payitforward #charity #sharethesparkle

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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 or any ads or unusual hyperlinks that may appear above. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

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Review & Giveaway: Calm Kids – Help Children Relax with Mindful Activities book & Level 1 online course

Calm Kids book and online course

Want to learn how to teach mindfulness, meditation & relaxation to kids of all ages? Want to help the kids in your life or the kids you work with learn skills to manage stress? The Calm Kids – Help Children Relax with Mindful Activities book & Level 1 online course are wonderful resources & provide a wealth of information!

Book:  (Publication Date: March 1, 2012 | ISBN-10: 0863158625 | ISBN-13: 978-0863158629, paperback, 153 pages). Mindfulness and meditation can help children recognize and cope with tension and stress throughout their lives. In this practical and inspiring book, Lorraine Murray explains a variety of different approaches including: meditations around daily activities for busy families, ideas for group ‘quietness’ sessions in schools, fun & tactile rhymes for toddlers to help them calm down before bedtime, ways to help teenagers reduce anxiety, grounding and balancing for children with ADHD, calming suggestions for children with autism spectrum disorders. This book is ideal for teachers, parents and youth workers; for complete beginners or those with experience in relaxation and meditation techniques. It offers advise needed to lead sessions with children, helping them feel calmer, happier and more peaceful.

Calm Kids TOC

The book is available through their websitethe publisher, Amazon and other online book sellers. I purchased my copy when it was first released on Amazon.com in the USA in March 2012 (http://www.amazon.com/Calm-Kids-Children-Mindful-Activities/dp/0863158625), read it cover to cover within a couple of days & have been using the concepts & techniques in my OMazing Kids inclusive kids yoga classes & the therapeutic kids yoga group at the JD McCarty Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities for the past 11 months.

Here’s what I love about the book:

  • great info about causes of stress & stress in kids
  • practical benefits & strategies
  • easy to understand information about the concept of being “grounded & centered”
  • lots of sample guided imagery, meditation & relaxation scripts are included for a variety of age levels
  • great tips on learning how to write your own scripts, transitioning to using trigger words (instead of relying on a script) & finally developing your own “inner script”
  • specific tips on working with different age groups [babies/caregiver, toddlers young kids (4-6), older kids (7-12), and teenagers to young adults (12+)]
  • the very simple script examples in the chapters on babies & toddlers have been especially helpful as ideas for the kids I work with at JDMC who have a variety of special needs and often have significant developmental delays, cognitive impairments & short attention spans.
  • the chapter on ADHD has great charts listing symptoms of hyperactivity – impulsiveness – inattention, symptoms of the center of imbalance (being “ungrounded”) and grounding/balancing activities. It also includes several case studies & info about mudras.
  • the chapter on Autism has an in-depth case study and several tips. (FYI…. Lorraine recently announced on her Facebook page that she is working on a second book and that it will be specifically about teaching meditation to children with special needs and/or who have been diagnosed with ADD, ADHD or Autism. See details on her blog: http://www.teachchildrenmeditation.com/?cat=-0)

Online Course: The online course covers everything (and more) which Lorraine teaches in her level 1 Calm Kids course. The course includes 5 modules which help bring the Calm Kids book to life! The online course costs £99 and includes a copy of the book ‘Calm Kids’.

Module 1 – What is Meditation

Module 2 – Writing Meditations

Module 3 – How to Deliver a Meditation

Module 4 – Developing your Mediation Ideas

Module 5 – Sharing the Experience

See in-depth info, including samples & an online currency converter to calculate the course cost outside the UK on their website: http://www.teachchildrenmeditation.com/calmkids-online-course/

Calm Kids level 1 online course

Calm Kids level 1 - info

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Here’s what I loved about the online course:

  • it brought the concepts in the book to life through lots of video clips & mp3’s. The mp3’s provided great examples of vocal tone & pacing to use in guided relaxation.
  • it especially brought home the concept of going through the creative process of learning how to write guided relaxation scripts, then going to trigger words & taking the leap into going “script-free” by developing my “inner script”. This concept was covered in the book but somehow clicked for me after having it presented via video & mp’s examples in the online training.
  • Lorraine was so encouraging in her online video clips. Each step of the way she was complimenting you for what you had accomplished & encouraged you to keep going. Her passion for the work she is doing shines through!
  • it is divided into small, very manageable segments which was great to be able to do it in small increments. Anyone who works full time and has family commitments will appreciate this. It took me a total of about 5 hours to do the online course but I did it is several small segments. There is homework & practice activities to do in each module. So take your time in doing the course. Many folks do it spread over a 5 week period….. but the beauty of an online course is that you can go at a pace that works for you & your schedule 🙂
  • the site is very easy to navigate, easy to log in and out of, it resumes where you left off when you log back in & you can review previous segments as many times as you would like.
  • I tried it out on two different web browsers on my home computer (Internet Explorer & Google Chrome). It worked on both but looked better on Google Chrome so I used that for completing the course.

Website: http://www.teachchildrenmeditation.com/Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/teachchildrenmeditation & Twitter: http://twitter.com/meditation4kids

Disclaimer: I received free access to the online course to facilitate my review.  I had already purchased the book when it was first released. Opinions expressed are my own. Starting in 2013, a new component of reviews & giveaways hosted on OMazing Kids is that a review will be added on Amazon.com (for products sold on that site). See my Amazon profile at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A1JKVLELLSX7FD?ie=UTF8&ref_=cm_aya_bb_pdp.

How to enter the giveaway:

  • Enter via the “Giveaways” tab on the OMazing Kids – Contests & Giveaways Facebook page (http://a.pgtb.me/plpbTf) & mention why you are interested in learning how to teach mindfulness to kids (be specific, details will count in picking the grand prize winner) (comments must be in English; must include full first & last name; must use respectful people-first language, 1 entry per Facebook account).
  • For one additional entry, leave a comment on this blog post. Must mention why you are interested in learning how to teach mindfulness to kids (be specific, details will count in picking the grand prize winner).  If you only enter via blog post comment, you must also send me an e-mail with your mailing address (send to amoorad1@juno.comPlease copy and paste the title of this blog post into the subject line of the e-mail to insure that I see it.). 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 use respectful people-first language, 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. The Facebook tab may not work on a cell phone. If you experience that, try again on a computer.
  • In the event that you experience difficulties with the tab or in leaving a blog post comment, you can submit an entry via e-mail providing ALL of the following information: your full name, e-mail address, mailing address & please copy and paste the title of this blog post into the subject line of the e-mail to insure that I see it. Please also include info about any problems you encountered trying to enter via blog post comment or the Facebook tab. E-mail to: amoorad1@juno.com .

bonus entryBonus Entry Options: After you complete one of the entry options above AND “like” both the main OMazing Kids Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga) (not the contests & giveaway page) & the Calm Kids (Teaching Children Meditation Campaign) Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/teachchildrenmeditation), you are entitled to three bonus entry options:

    • post a comment on the OMazing Kids Facebook page saying “Teaching Children Meditation Campaign” sent you (tagging page if possible) & mention the giveaway for the book + online course (limit 1 entry per Facebook account; must be logged in as a person, not another fan page to do this but you can mention or tag your fan page if you would like)
    • post a comment on the Teaching Children Meditation Campaign Facebook page saying “OMazing Kids” sent you (tagging page if possible) & mention the giveaway for the book + online course (limit 1 entry per Facebook account; must be logged in as a person, not another fan page to do this but you can mention or tag your fan page if you would like)
    • share a post from the OMazing Kids Facebook page regarding this giveaway (limit 1 entry per Facebook account; must be logged in as a person, not another fan page to do this & your bonus entry via this method is contingent upon your FB privacy settings regarding visibility of sharing)

Note: None of the “bonus entries” will count unless a valid entry is received via one of the other methods listed above and you have liked both of the Facebook pages.

Entry Deadline: Enter by any of the methods listed above by 11:59pm CST on February 19, 2013.

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.
  • Two (2) winners will be chosen via a drawing of valid entries on February 20, 2013.
  •  One (1) “grand prize” winner will receive free access to the Calm Kids level 1 online course + one copy of the Calm Kids book. To insure that the prize goes to the place where it will have the biggest impact on helping kids, I will be reviewing the details in each entry and hand-selecting the grand prize winner.
  • One (1) additional winner will be chosen via a random drawing out of the remaining valid entries and will receive one copy of the Calm Kids book.
  • The winner 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 prize directly to the winner & e-mailing the online course access info. Any questions about the prizes should be directed to the company.
  • Grand Prize Value: £99.00 for online course including the Calm Kids book = $157.69 US dollars on the date of this post. (See the online converter on the company’s website to calculate a specific prize value where you live if you are interested in that detail); book-only prize value: £9.99 ($18.95 US dollars)

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just a book & online course 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.

online learning

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 crayons divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

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Turn Your Arghs Into Oms! with Monkey Mind Pirates

Turn Your Arghs Into Oms! with Monkey Mind Pirates. They sent me their CD & workbook a couple of months ago to try out. Just now getting time to check it out…… SO much fun! Kids love pirates and “monkey mind pirates” is such a fun analogy that they will be able to relate to 🙂

Product Description:

Monkey Mind Pirates tells the story of a sea captain’s search for the legendary Waters of Calm. As Cap’n Fitz sets sail, he confronts stressors common among children—including doubt, anxiety, and distraction—all represented by the unruly Monkey Mind Pirates. The Pirates board Cap’n Fitz’s ship and wreak havoc until he discovers basic principles of yoga that guide him to manage stress and regain peace.

Perfect for use at home, in the classroom, or in childcare settings, each Monkey Mind Pirates CD includes:

  • 8 catchy, original songs full of humor, drama, and calm
  • 3 Trading cards featuring the Monkey Mind Pirates, identifying each Monkey’s stress-causing behavior and simple techniques for taming them
  • Step-by-step instructions to make a shadow puppet monkey
  • Kid-friendly mindfulness exercises and bonus chime track

“Monkey Mind” is a popular yoga phrase to describe when the brain swings from thought to thought, unable to focus. Simple techniques of breathing, visualization, and movement can clear distraction, quiet the mind and bring a sense of peace. Sail into the “waters of calm” with Cap’n Fitz as he discovers the secrets of taming the Monkey Mind Pirates!

Hear samples on Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/monkey-mind-pirates/sets/monkey-mind-pirates/

My faves are “Monkey Mind Pirates” (track 6), “Sea Monkey Do” (track 7) & “Om, Mateys” (track 8) 🙂

A couple of examples from inside the 32-page workbook:

Buy the CD at: http://www.zpuppets.org/store/monkey-mind-pirates-CD or on Amazon.

Buy the mp3 download version on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Monkey-Mind-Pirates/dp/B004ZR49YW/ref=tmm_other_meta_binding_title_0

Buy the Workbook at: http://www.zpuppets.org/store/Monkey-Mind-Pirates-Workbook

** Updated ordering info as of 6/15/15: I contacted the company via Facebook messaging and received the following reply:

Angela,
We are sorry for the technical difficulties with our website. We are happy to take orders over the phone or email for anyone still interested in purchasing a workbook. Please have them call Managing Director, Kathleen Conroy at 612-724-1435 x6 or email kathleen@zpuppets.org
Website: http://www.zpuppets.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monkeymindpirates

Twitter: https://twitter.com/monkeymindpirat

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/monkeymindpirates

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

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.