REGULAR EDUCATION STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THE LEARNING PROCESS

Relaxation Strategies for the Classroom Proactive Strategies, for all students, that promote relaxation to enhance learning.

Engagement Classroom School Community Learning Content Instruction Relationships Student Staff Student Staff Families Core Practices, Services & Programs IF A STUDENT ISN’T SUCCESSFUL? SOME Students Classroom Specific Supports School/District Wide Supports FEW Students Time Limited Specialized Support FEWER Students Long Term Intensive Specialized Support FEWEST Students ASSESSMENT ALL Students COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS © MMSD

Wisconsin Teacher Standard # 3 The teacher understands how pupils differ in their approaches to learning and the barriers that impede learning and can adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with disabilities and exceptionalities.

What’s this all about? The purpose of this presentation is to: 1. Provide you with some basic information on the negative effects of stress and the benefits of relaxation. 2. Show it’s relevance to student learning and teaching practices. 3. Provide relaxation strategies to be used in the classroom environment.

What is Relaxation?

Relaxation is… A natural and innate protective mechanism against STRESS

Why do we need Relaxation?  Turns off harmful body effects of stress  Counteracts fight or flight response  Decreases heart and breathing rates  Lowers blood pressure  Brings system into balance…

What is STRESS ? Anything that happens that is out of the ordinary. NORMAL ADAPTIVE RESPONSE HARMFUL REACTION TO STRESS

Normal Adaptive Response Source of stress is identified Challenge is met Body returns to normal functioning

Harmful Reaction to Stress If stress is prolonged, undefined or from multiple sources, the body does not return to baseline as rapidly, and continues to have a potentially damaging stress response.

Signs of Stress in Children

Negative Effects of STRESS FIGHT - FLIGHT - FRIGHT - FREEZE -

Fight, Flight, Fright, Freeze Response Release of chemicals in brain Increased heart rate Tense muscles Increased respiration rate Sharpens our senses Shuts down digestion

50-80% of Diseases Are Influenced by STRESS Cardiovascular disease Cancer Respiratory disease Arthritis

Effects of Stress on Learning Lowers achievement scores Interferes with memory Impairs problem solving ability Creates dependent behaviors Lowers self concept Interferes with peer relationships

Using Relaxation Strategies in the Classroom Will: Decrease effects of stress Calm students down after physical activities or conflict Help children stay calm in tense situations Combat test anxiety Decrease hyperactivity

Improve school performance Teach students a relaxation response to use any time Increase concentration Encourage listening skills Encourage positive thinking and self talk Strategies, con’t.

Relaxation Breathing Progressive Muscle Relaxation Massage Sedative Music Movement Active Imagination Yoga

Breathe In and Out slowly

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Hands Arms Shoulders Neck Face Trunk Thighs Knees Legs Feet

Ready… Set… Relax… Research-based program that systematically provides relaxation activities: Muscle relaxation Deep breathing Thinking positive thoughts Listening to relaxing music by Dr. Roger Klein

Ready… Set… R- Release scripts to teach breathing and muscle relaxation E- Enjoy scripts focus on using the creative imagination to feel good about self L- Learn scripts stress opening the mind to academic motivation and success A- Appreciate Scripts promote healthy self concept and relationships X- X-pand scripts apply above concepts to real life

YOGA Movements

Yoga movements address:  Breathing  Strength  Balance  Coordination  Relaxation  Endurance

Yoga Movements

When can you use relaxation? Anytime! Transitions Breaks between subjects Before work to increase focus Before test taking To quiet the class down After recess

Resources Other teachers in your school Other teachers in your school Building Support Staff- Occupational and Physical Therapists, Psychologist, Social Worker Building Support Staff- Occupational and Physical Therapists, Psychologist, Social Worker Positive Behavior Support Team Positive Behavior Support Team

Ready… Set… R.E.L.A.X. - Ready… Set… R.E.L.A.X. - Brain Gym Brain Gym 20-Minute Yoga Workouts 20-Minute Yoga Workouts Yoga Kit for Kids Yoga Kit for Kids Yoga for Teens Yoga for Teens My Relaxation Book My Relaxation Book

Many thanks to the following for contributions to this presentation: MMSD OT/PT Committee on Relaxation MMSD Teaching and Learning Staff MMSD Educational Services Program Support Teachers and Staff Dr. Roger Klein for generously donating materials and research