Spring Training!

Photo: allmyfaves.com

I've been slowing down on blog posts recently because I am working on some other time-consuming (but worth it) projects!

Our main website now has a new home: www.bodylogique.com

Some links and features are not live yet, but I hope to have it completed over the weekend. Our updated (and full) training schedule will be up as well-we have a great lineup for you through the end of 2013!

In addition, The S.M.Art Kids® Adaptive Yoga Facilitator's Training- Spring Session has begun! If you have not signed up-or are undecided- please join us on this Evening's Conference Call. There is no charge for the call, but you must register at this link to participate.

This Evening's Conference Call Meeting Topic:

S.M.Art Kid® Facilitator's Training: Spring (Blended/Hybrid) Session Introduction to teacher's training program

This 20-30 minute call will focus on to introducing ourselves & the instructional materials to Spring Session, S.M.Art Kids® Facilitator's Training (Both Blended/Hybrid and Distance programs).

I will answer your questions regarding the schedule, materials, and/or certificate requirements, or anything else you would like to know.

Even though the call is directed for new Spring Session registrants, all others are welcome to participate whether currently enrolled in the program or not so please feel free to invite guests to join us on this call!

There is no charge for this session, but you must register! If you have not gone to the link and registered, please before 6 PM!

For more details, visit our BodyLogique Facebook Events Page (and give our BodyLogique Page a "Like" if you would be so kind!) 

For questions, please e-mail Barbara: bodylogique@yahoo.com 

I look forward to training with you!

Barbara Gini

Founder,

BodyLogique Health & Learning

S.M.Art Kids® Adaptive Yoga

To find our growing library of

Webinars and Conference Call recordings 

visit AnyMeeting

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Deep Sea Division

My son has already learned his multiplication facts better than I had at his age. (Something I am extremely thankful for!) After a fair amount of practice, I thought I'd test his division skills.

When I stumbled onto Swamp Fox First Graders' Don't Get Zapped game, I knew I could adapt the game to practice division problems fairly easily. And when my son asked me to create an activity with plankton, the game proved an easy way to deliver on my promise.

What You Need

A large pack of jumbo craft sticks

Sticker paper

Deep Sea Division problems (ours are division by 1-5 problems)

Large, tall cup or container

Timer

Prep

Download and print a free, 2-page PDF of the Deep Sea Division problems I created. Use sticker paper for printing.

Cut the division problems, peel off the backing, and adhere one to each stick, close to one of the ends.

Put the sticks in the cup, with the ends that have the problems at the bottom.

Play

Set a timer for 3-6 minutes or longer if division is a struggle for any of the players. Take turns removing a stick from the cup. Either answer the problem or do as the stick instructs.

If the player solves the division problem correctly, they keep the stick and begin a pile. The problem sticks have one of four different kinds of food for the whale shark: squid, krill, small fish, and plankton.

There are three kinds of sticks, though, with no problems.

1. HUNGRY SHARK. Put your sticks back.

2. GOOD CATCH! Take another player's stick.

3. DIVE AGAIN! Take an extra turn.

When the timer beeps, the game is over. The player with the most sticks wins.

Want a great book to read about whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean? We liked Joanne Randolph's The Whale Shark: Gentle Giant!

After School Linky Party!

Welcome to the After School Linky!

Last week's party had SO many great ideas! Here are some of my favorites.

Science Activity for Kids: Air Race! by The Pleasantest Thing

(This simple experiment teaches kids about air resistance. Plus, there's no prep!!)

Virtual Flat Stanley/Sophia at Crafty Moms Share
(This activity is rich with  educational lessons: reading, writing, art, and geography!)

Create an Outdoor Activity Jar that 'Rocks'! by KC Edventures
(Banish boredom. Get kids outdoors. These rocks do both ... and their beautiful too!)

Static Electricity {Fun Balloon Experiment for Kids} at Kids Activities Blog
(The Quirky Mommas never disappoint. Stop by for loads of ways to observe static.)

Cohosted by

The Educators' Spin On It

Little Wonders' Days

Parent Teach Play

Relentlessly Fun, Deceptively Educational

This Reading Mama

We would love to have you link up your School-Age Post (ages 5 and up) about your learning week after school including Crafts, Activities, Playtime and Adventures that you are doing to enrich your children's lives after their day at school, homeschool or on the weekend! When linking up, please take a moment to comment on at least one post linked up before yours and grab our after school button to include a link on your post or site! By linking up you're giving permission for us to share on our After School Pinterest Board or Feature on our After School Party next week! Don't forget to follow along and join our After School Enrichment Community.

Link up your After School Activities, Crafts and Adventures! We'd love to see them!

We've Flipped Over Homophones!

Who's kidding who? Homophones can be confusing. What's the difference between pair and pear? You're and your? And wheel and we'll? Oy.

To make our homophone drills fun, I made some flip sticks. It's simple. Grab some jumbo wooden craft sticks and square Post-It notes. Write the homophones down, one on each of two notes. Place one face down and center the craft stick on it, so the top of the stick catches the adhesive part of the Post-It. Now place the other note on top (sticky side down), sandwiching the craft stick between the two notes.

Make several of the homophone flip sticks. Use the words in sentences and have your child flip the stick to the right word.

Our List of Homophones

Hour

Our

Are

Ate

Eight

For

Four

Pair

Pear

Knew

New

We'll

Wheel

You're

Your

Note: Since we had an odd number of words, are had a blank post-it on the back of its flip stick.

Our Practice Sentences

It was a gift for her father.

I was tired of waiting for him.

Practice was going to start in four minutes!

All I needed was four more cards to win the game.

I loved my new shoes.

Come and meet my new baby sister.

I knew all the answers to the problems.

She knew I was lying.

Swimming lessons started in an hour.

The cakes takes an hour to bake.

Our teacher told us to be quiet.

She rode in our car to the piano recital.

The flowers are bright yellow.

Are you feeling alright?

I ate my entire hamburger, I was so hungry.

My dad ate the pickle even though it was sour.

There were eight children lined up waiting to go outside.

I finish school in eight days.

There were lots of shoes by the door, but I couldn't find my pair.

I lost my pair of mittens at school.

I had my choice of an apple, orange, or pear.

The pear tree had lots of fruit.

We'll be out of town that weekend visiting friends.                         

I guess we'll eat at the football game.

The toy car was missing a wheel.

The bike's wheel was bent.

Your brother tells funny jokes.

I like your shirt.

You're the first student to complete the assignment.

You're making a mess!

I went through the list randomly and kept track of how many my son got right; he was anxious to know his score as practice progressed and so excited to only get two wrong. (Too bad you're and your tripped him up!)

Looking for even MORE fun with homophones? Download my FREE homophones memory game.

With Gratitude: Teacher Appreciation Week

Photo: Camden Catholic High School
Yearbook  - ©1983

This is teacher appreciation week and I have been lucky enough to have so many wonderful teachers in my life who I would love to thank:

Ms. Dietenback, (K) Mrs. Mayer (1st)- Mrs. McCloy (2nd) - Mrs Murray (3rd)- Miss Drew (4th) - Mrs Whitworth (5th) - Miss Cavenaugh (6th)- Mr Lake (7th) - [ Apologies to my 8th Grade Teacher-I am drawing a blank!]

There have been so many others as well-art and music teachers as well as sport coaches - but I thought today it would  be fitting to tell you about a teacher who has educated, supported & influenced me the most on so many levels-personally, professionally and spiritually.

That person is Sr. Mary Philomena Gini.  (But I usually just call her "Aunt Ellie." )

In June, she will be retiring from 40 years at Camden Catholic High School (Cherry Hill, NJ), but  she has touched so many students and families in the nearly 20 years prior to that, not only as an educator, but also as a registrar, guidance counselor, as my paternal aunt, and as a Sister of Mercy.

In September, this amazing woman will also be honored for her sixty years of service to the Sisters of Mercy.  As one of my former classmates wrote, " I can barely commit to what I'm having for lunch-let alone 60 years to one mission!". I concur with his sentiment!

Camden Catholic was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in Camden in 1887, making it 125 years old-the oldest Catholic School in South Jersey. My aunt has been *volunteering in the guidance department all these years, and  is the last Sister out of a 125 year tradition to serve there.  

*(That is right-volunteering. Sisters do not get personal financial compensation for their work-their paychecks go to support the community of sisters and each Sister receives a monthly allowance.)

As a teenager, (and a student of Camden Catholic) it seemed as if I couldn't get away from her watchful eye-and believe me, I tried! She used to tell me that I was closest she would ever have to a daughter-and so I was stuck with her-and she meant it. It was amazing that every formal dance I went to, (about 8 of them between my class's events & those of my then, boyfriend's who was a year ahead of me)  the chaperon's table was always the one RIGHT next to whatever one I was seated at! In front of my friends I would express angst & irritation,  But what I never told anyone is that it also made me feel like someone sincerely cared about me & was really looking out for me. She wanted to be involved in my life and this was her way of doing that.

My aunt is a 5 foot tall delicate balance of loving compassion and dynamic kick-ass. You never have to guess or wonder where you stand with her, she says exactly what is on her mind. She laughs as easily as she expresses displeasure. Nuns have a legendary reputation for getting wicked with rulers, but not my aunt. One look of disapproval from her is enough. She expected the best from us-especially me-but was also patient when we-and I- fell short of those high expectations. 

Her office was always crowded-and still is-with mostly football and basketball players-people just saying hello, people with something to share and people with heavy hearts. Her office was a sanctuary-a safe haven where you shared news, supported each other through rough spots and got told what you were doing right as well as what you were doing wrong. I watched her for four years, as she embraced each one of us as one of her own, and I took mental notes on how to really support people-even those who are irritating you at the moment. She has a gift-does not have any children, yet has keen insight into what a child or teen needs at any given moment, and has shown me, by her example, how to still love someone even if you don't like what they have said/done.

She never pushed religion on me-but always set a good example and answered my questions when they would come up. I think she was secretly hoping that some 'good' would rub off on me when I would spend Saturdays with her at the convent with ALL of the nuns. One of my fondest memories of high school was the environment of Peace and tranquility there among the Sisters-and although I never had a desire to enter a religious order, those early, pleasant experiences helped to shape my understanding of spirituality, inner peace-how to live simply-taking only what you need and how to focus on and stay in the moment. 

My aunt was also the first one who I went to, at 18 and in my first year of college, when I found out I was pregnant. I made some bad choices-(and some good ones) and had many challenges - some self-imposed and some not- to overcome, and  no matter how long I have gone in between phone calls, she always has a smile in her voice and good insight when I talk with her.  She knows things about me that my own parents, brother and those closest to me do not know. She has given me simple guidance, and has always believed in me even through those days when I no longer believed in myself.

The thing that inspires and impresses me most about her is that she has dedicated her entire life to something that she is passionate about and truly believes in. (And when I say her entire life, I mean it. You know how kids play "doctor" or "teacher"? Well, my aunt used to play "Nun in the convent" from the time she was about 5 years old. There are no other nuns/priests in the family who may have influenced this-so I can only conclude that it was truly a Divine Calling.)

So as we celebrate teachers this week, I want to thank her- Aunt Ellie- Sister Philomena for her love, dedication,  inspiration, & passion- for teaching, supporting and inspiring youth - and families from all over the state NJ- for sharing so much of her time, knowledge, experience, charity, unconditional love, and years of her life with all of us. 

Further Reading:

Its About the Little Things

Sisters of Mercy

Teachers: 99 Reasons to Love Them



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Reluctant Writer's Story in Four Days

Writing is painful for my son. It's his Achilles heel.

During the last parent-teacher conference, his teacher told me all the things I already knew. My son's writing needed work. A LOT of work. So even though it was agonizing for him (and it was a little for me too) we forged ahead.

I created a story-in-four-days file folder. (Download a free 2-page PDF here and make your own file folder progressive story.) The idea was that the story would unfold over four days. He didn't need to know where it was going. He needed to answer questions, use descriptive words, and craft those answers and adjectives into sentences - writing a story in small pieces.

The question prompts page was glued to cover of the file folder and it was cut into four sections: 1) character & setting, 2) problem, 3) solution, and 4) conclusion.

The lined story paper was glued to the inside of the folder, directly underneath the other page.

Each day he completed a section of questions on the outside, opened the flap, and wrote three or four sentences about the details he'd just provided on the inside.

This activity reminds me of the cliché, "There's only one way to eat an elephant - one bite at a time." Writing stories is like eating an elephant for my son.

Day 1 there was crying.

Day 2 there was no crying, just whining.

Day 3 there was reluctance, but no whining.

Day 4 there was willingness and an end.

My son had written a short story. I was elated. But more importantly, he was extremely proud.

After School Linky Party!

Welcome to the After School Linky!

I'm SO excited to be joining four amazing blogs as a new host for the weekly After School Linky.

Here are a few of my favorite activities shared during last week's linky.

Beyond the Great Wall - Dai Peacock Dance at Marie's Pastiche

(What a clever and beautiful peacock craft!)

How to Get Kids to Love Writing at The Measured Mom

(If you have a reluctant writer, you MUST read this. Great tips, suggestions, and advice!)

Science for Kids: Planting a Bulb at Buggy and Buddy

(This is wonderful hands-on science. Just exactly the way I like it.)

Cohosted by
The Educators' Spin On It

Little Wonders' Days

Parent Teach Play

Relentlessly Fun, Deceptively Educational

This Reading Mama

We would love to have you link up your School-Age Post (ages 5 and up) about your learning week after school including Crafts, Activities, Playtime and Adventures that you are doing to enrich your children's lives after their day at school, homeschool or on the weekend! When linking up, please take a moment to comment on at least one post linked up before yours and grab our after school button to include a link on your post or site! By linking up you're giving permission for us to share on our After School Pinterest Board or Feature on our After School Party next week! Don't forget to follow along and join our After School Enrichment Community.

Link up your After School Activities, Crafts and Adventures! We'd love to see them!

One Very Charming Snake [a Static Electricity Experiment]

The ancient art of snake charming concocts wonderfully imaginative visions of faraway places and exotic music. 

When I saw this activity in 50 Science Things to Make & Do by Georgina Andrews and Kate Knighton, I knew we had to give it a try. We already had all the supplies we needed!

What You Need

Tissue paper

Scissors

Small plastic ruler

Markers

Wool fabric (I used a wool winter coat)

Here's how to be a snake charmer, with the help of static electricity.

Step 1

Use a plate to draw a circle on your tissue paper. Use a marker to do this, since a pencil or pen will be more likely to tear the thin tissue. Cut the circle out. 

TIP: If your tissue paper has folds in it, use an iron on a low temp setting to smooth it out some before drawing your circle.

Step 2

Draw a spiral inside the circle. Add eyes and a pattern to your "snake" with markers. (NOTE: My son neglected to decorate the snake's body until after Step 3 was complete and it was a challenge.)

Step 3

Cut along the spiral lines. Once you've finished cutting, recoil your snake.

Step 4

Take your ruler and vigorously (I'm talkin' hard and fast, folks) rub one end of the plastic ruler back and forth against the wool material for 30 seconds or longer.

Step 5

Now touch the end of the ruler that you rubbed to the snake's head. Watch the snake rise up and uncoil itself!

The extra particles transferred from the wool to the ruler cause a build-up of static electricity that is strong enough to lift the lightweight tissue paper.

If you weren't convinced to check out 50 Science Things to Make & Do when you saw the amazing kaleidoscopewe made, hopefully you are now!

People Aren't Robots

Photo: Qatar Chronicle

When I was a kid, we had gym once a week and went outside after lunch every day. Sometimes, we would hold science class outside. We also would go up to the school yard after school-or out in the street-and play kickball, street hockey or just ride bikes. I often wonder why things are so different now?


School Physical-Ed, sports programs as well as art and music departments have been significantly impacted as administrations feel compelled to make curriculums more academically 'rigorous'.

We have a daily motor time in preschool and Kindergarten. Why do we suddenly stop this practice in upper grades and adulthood? We still need movement. Humans need movement. Movement is how the human brain grows and thinks. As one gym teacher puts it: "If the bum is numb, the brain is too."  Wise words.

Movement educators & PE advocates have been making the case that more time in the gym has not only physical benefits, but academic benefits as well. There has been a large body of research in neurology and brain development that supports this. The question is, if we know this, then why are we not applying it?

Something a friend of mine (also an athlete) said today in response to an article link I posted yesterday on this topic, struck me:


'There are so many aspects that are important. Giving the mind a break in the day so you don't get overwhelmed. Exercise is a natural mood booster. Social skills. Coordination. The list goes on... Some similar arguments can be made of Art and Music. People aren't robots. So frustrating! Good for the people who are out there fighting for what's right.'

People aren't robots...

No. We are not, and neither are our kids.

It IS frustrating. Given the increasing rate of learning & behavior issues in kids, general stress in schools AND in the workplace combined with the fact that we already KNOW the benefits of movement/exercise... it seems as if we have an answer to at least to some of the problems we face, but the powers that be, won't even acknowledge it, let alone apply it. They just keep imposing more rules and restrictions... and administering more tests to see how we're doing compared to the rest of the world-and putting more kids on medication before we've ruled out every other possible solution. Wouldn't be much easier for everyone involved to just put preventative programs in place before behavior and learning problems get out of control? 

Its frustrating & ridiculous, but most of all, its doing our kids a huge disservice.  Kids are not wired to sit still and listen to rote, lecture and do worksheets for 6 hours a day. Kids are not learning more in spite of 'enriched' curriculums and more instruction time. Kids are wired for fun & movement. They are wired for the novel and the unusual. Many classrooms are recognizing this and are incorporating some innovative types of group & blended learning methods. But for the rest, the kids are being routinely bored and/or traumatized on a daily basis-(NOT the teacher's fault!) and this is being sanctioned and sometimes encouraged by the state and US Boards of Ed. Our kids are being set up to fail, (and teachers are too) and parents and educators (and kids) are all expected to just deal with it-academically, emotionally, financially and otherwise.  

Well, the good news is, it doesn't have to be this way. A parent is a child's first (and best) teacher. So start by leading by example- get moving and get the kids moving too. I  know you are tired. We all are. We work hard to support our families. The movement will improve your energy level and do everyone a world of good. Resist the temptation to throw it all into a teacher's lap and say "Its his/her job to [fill in the blank]" Be proactive. Teach kids that if they need a movement or hydration break, to ask for one. They can stretch in their seat if they can't take a break. If they need to study more at home and put more effort into their academics, then they should. Be a good example and above all don't allow them to stagnate- to do nothing at home. There are plenty of everyday tasks at home to keep kids moving, engaged and connected with their families. 

Teachers, schedule daily movement breaks in the classroom-preferably at the beginning and halfway through.  Let the students water plants, (if you don't have any, get some. Not silk, not plastic. Real ones.) dance, stretch, yoga, Tai Chi, march in place, clean out desks, take a water fountain break, move furniture, have a "Chinese Fire Drill" and switch desks...it doesn't matter what type of movement it is, just encourage it. Three to five minutes per class period is all you need. If you can fit ten minutes in every half hour-even better, but start somewhere. You will find you get more done in less time.  Student cooperation and learning readiness will improve along with self-confidence, efficiency and motivation. At the same time, stress, lethargy and boredom will decrease. 

At first, you will feel silly-but give yourself permission to be silly-even with High school students who need it the most-along with the cognitively, socially or sensory challenged. After just one week, you will notice a difference in the atmosphere and demeanor of the class. I promise you.

Smithfield Elementary in south Charlotte, SC has figured out a way to balance physical movement time with the increased academic requirements: students take a "Brain Break" every 20 minutes.  The kids dance, maybe do a few calisthenics while counting by fives or saying their multiplication tables.  She says kids are more engaged and teachers actually feel like they fit more reading and math into the day.

Its your classroom-(and parents, they are your kids). Take charge and use what works. After all, we are not Robots.

To read the full article that inspired this post:

PE Advocates Argue Gym Benefits Not Just Health but Academics Too

To help get kids moving, you can find some inspiration on our You Tube Channel or find our Sensory Games and Activities 

To learn how to incorporate more movement into your classroom or home environment, visit our BodyLogique Online Workshop & Training Page (Schedule is currently being updated for Summer and Fall classes, 2013.)


To contact us with questions: bodylogique.info@gmail.com


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