Overview

Offered here are simple ways to get started, which augment the information, lessons and explicit instruction in the book, Calm and Alert: Yoga and Mindfulness Practices to teach self regulation and social skills to children. The practices can be used with typically developing children and those who may struggle with:

  • autism

  • anxiety

  • anger management

  • sensory issues

  • behavior challenges

  • ADHD and executive function (EF) deficits

  • developmental delays

The fields of yoga and mindfulness for children have developed a body of research over the past 15 years that support the practices. I have been exceptionally careful in Calm and Alert to develop concepts, language and practices that are easy to understand, easy to use and avoid unnecessary controversy.  Below is  information that easily explains the practices and why we do them: for you, the children, and their families.

Zen Chime

Zen Chime

 Learn more from Helene about the how and why of the chime practice

 

 

 

 
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Getting Started

Watch a presentation for the Learning Disability Association of America which gives an overview of all the content areas (40 minutes):

Overview of the Calm and Alert Program

Calm and Alert can be used by classroom teachers in a public or private school classroom, parents, yoga teachers, speech, occupational or physical therapists in a school or office. 

Beginning Practices

  1. Breath Awareness - Learning To Breathe

  2. Chime Practice - How to Teach the Chime Practice

  3. Chime Practice Video for Kids

  4. Mountain poses - How To Be a Mountain

  5. Getting to Know Your Mind - Understanding Thoughts

  6. Calm and Alert Class Songs video

Link to my blog post here:

https://www.pesi.com/blog/details/1419/calm-alert

Beginning Materials

For less than fifty dollars, you can purchase and make these three items that will give you confidence and enhance your instruction with the beginning practices. The zen chime, found on Amazon,  is used widely without controversy and has a resounding tone for listening. The hoberman sphere, found on Amazon, is easiest to handle when it is as small as possible.

The 3 jars are mason jars of any size: jar 1, clear water; jar 2 dirt from anywhere and water; jar 3 plastic confetti (my preference) or glitter and water.

  1. Zen Chime

  2. Hoberman sphere

  3. 3 Jars: Mud, Water, Confetti /glitter and water