Brought to you by Erin O’Neill MS, OTR/L and Kara Nies MSPT,DPT – your school Occupational and Physical Therapists
Yoga Pose: Tree
Directions
Begin in standing. Shift your weight to your right foot and place your left foot on your right calf. Push your palms together in front of your chest. Balance while focusing your eyes on one spot or object. Slowly slide your left foot up your leg towards your thigh; never place your foot at your knee! If balanced, slide your hands up reaching over head. Repeat on the opposite side.
Modifications
Arms: Keep your hands on your hips or in front of your chest.
Legs: Keep your toes on the ground as a “kickstand.” Raise it up as high as you can while maintaining balance.
Benefits
Tree pose is another balancing pose that calms the mind by giving it plenty to do. You’ll have more success with balancing postures if you bring your eyes to one spot on the floor in front of you. It’s much easier to balance when your eyes are still and focused. Considering how much of the brain is dedicated to the visual cortex, some researchers believe that calming eye movement also has calming effects for the entire brain. By cultivating stillness in the eyes and a strong balance in the body, kids can also cultivate peaceful calm minds. (From: http://moveyogastudio.com/adhd-yoga-postures-to-improve-focus/)
Cardio Challenge: Star Jumps
(Jumping Jacks)
How to do it
Start in standing with feet together and hands at your side (I position). Jump moving feet open and hands over head (X position). Alternate between I and X position maintaining rhythm.
Form tip
Try to land on the balls of your feet as you jump and move as fast as you can without losing the pattern.
Modifications
Jump opening and closing feet with hands on your hips. Add in arms as your form and speed improves.
Challenge
Try to maintain for 15 seconds. Challenge yourself by increasing the time or doing it 3 times.
Thanks to our Fourth Grade representatives Takhi, Gabrielle, and Mohammed-Ali.