In teaching a yoga class recently I realized how similar yoga is to ECE developmentally appropriate practice. By that I mean, both address the individual in a holistic way: Either in a practice that unites mind, body and spirit OR activities and/or experiences that address all areas of development ( Physical, Emotional, Social and Cognitive).
Often it’s the promise of physical benefits that draws students in to yoga. Before too long, the other aspects naturally follow. I received the book, Work Your Body Grow Your Brain from its author, and occupational therapist, Erin Boodey. This is a fantastic book geared to a child’s physical area of development. And, as per my usual, I got to thinking how I could expand the book beyond just reading it; continue for more!
OVERVIEW
The general story line: A handful of children act out and suggest ways the reader (or listener as the case may be) can move and use their bodies.
IMPRESSION
Children’s lack of optimal, physical conditioning is, in part, collateral damage from all the screen options children have available to them nowadays. When I was in elementary school, President Kennedy, concerned about the overall fitness level of Americans, and youth in particular, created a council on fitness. The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports designed curriculum to improve fitness nationwide. It was viewed as being successful in improving fitness as well as bringing attention to the topic.
“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” ~JFK~
Sadly, budget cutbacks and a (mis)guided belief that more instructional time will produce better academic (test) scores have eliminated a lot of PE classes. So it’s left up to parents to insure their children get enough physical activity.
Work Your Body Grow Your Brain falls right in line with President Kennedy’s philosophy! The book can be used by parents, caregivers and teachers alike to get their young child(ren) exploring the many ways they can move and use their bodies—and in doing so have fun, be healthy and LEARN! I would describe the workout from the book as being a full-body treatment and sensory experience. The text consists of clear descriptions and simple commands. Even toddlers can follow along and participate with most of the movements in the book.
I love the questions posed. Many are time-dependent. In other words, the potential answers will vary depending on when they’re asked. This makes the book more versatile and therefore, more useful.
I appreciated John Konecny’s illustrations showing both boys and girls of various ethnicities. If I was going to have one criticism it’d be I’d wish a physically disabled child had been included in the mix. It’s important to show they, too, like to PLAY as well as it being just as good for their health and well-being.
There are several blank pages at the end. Teachers could make use of this space by jotting down additional movements to have their children try. Parents or caregivers could take photos of their child trying different actions at various times and document their improvement. Sometimes when a child comes to a challenge it’s hard to remember how much they’ve already learned. Showing them proof of what they’ve accomplished can be just the motivation they need!
IMPLEMENT
Back in the day, back when schools were making a concerted effort to improve the fitness level of children, a song came to be associated with the movement. Chicken Fat –even saying the name almost has me down on the floor doing sit-ups and push-ups in time to the beat. It was a song played many times as our class, as a whole exercised.
Instead of Chicken Fat why not include Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes?
Sing, pointing to the body areas:
Head, shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes
Head, shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose
Head, shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes!
Moving the Body MORE!
If you’re a teacher or child care provider, challenge your children to try to build a human pyramid! Back in my day we were instructed to climb onto each others’ backs to build up each successive level. You could try that or try this way instead:
Balance, strength, coordination, teamwork and communication skills will all be required in either case!
As per Reading Rainbow, books can take readers anywhere. Books can let readers be anything. Work Your Body Grow Your Brain is a book for readers (and listeners!) to move their bodies any way!
Yours in Play!
Teacher Karen
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