Research shows a link between play and the development of social and cognitive skills which are prerequisites for learning more complex skills as children get older. Play is linked to increased literacy skills, memory growth, high levels of school adjustment and increased social development.
Play is important to keep kids active and engaged. I found a wonderful opportunity for kids to engage in various activities from home. These activities include stretching and warm-ups, interactive games, cheers, and cool down activities. Tune in to Playworks on Facebook for live opportunities to engage in play. 3x a day, Monday - Friday, 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
In a previous newsletter, I shared the belly breathing technique. Another deep breathing technique entitled figure 8/lazy 8 breathing can also be used to calm down when stressed. When we experience stress, our bodies go into "flight, fight or freeze" mode. Deep breathing can promote a calming response for your body to help lower stress and calm you down. The goal is to take deep belly breaths and not shallow chest breaths. Directions for figure 8/lazy 8 breathing are below.
Place your finger in the middle of the 8.
Go up to the left and trace the left part of the 8 with your finger while you breathe in.
When you get to the middle of the eight again, breathe out while you trace the right part of the 8 with your finger.
Repeat until your body is calm.
After you have learned the technique, you can use your finger to trace an imaginary 8 on your hand, table or anywhere.
