tag:kirawilley.com,2005:/blogs/news?p=7Blog2023-09-05T15:47:19-04:00Kira Willeyfalsetag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/72690292023-09-05T15:47:19-04:002024-02-12T03:13:24-05:00The key to a great day with kids ☀️<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/129313/49bfdb3a83401b5220b527e11dbc9ab122a8a7b4/original/newsletter-bookart.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Hi there!</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">How are school mornings going in your house? It can be TOUGH getting out of bed bright and early after lazy summer days of sleeping in. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Well I’ve got a new song that will help get you and your kiddos fired up for the day. It’s called </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/U4vf-zy4M8w?si=1ViJu2wLh1D7hrog" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><u>“What’s the Word?”</u></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> and it's from my </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilley.com/peacefulpandas" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><u>most recent album</u></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><u>.</u> 💫</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Each of you choose a positive word–one that makes you feel good, energized, motivated–then play the song and call out your word, loud and strong, during the “I get to choose” part. 🎶 Play it first thing after waking up, at breakfast time, or in the car!</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Then check back in toward the end of the day–maybe over dinner, or before bed–and talk about how the day went, reflecting on how your word felt. It’s a wonderful way to connect with your child! ✨</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">In the classroom, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/U4vf-zy4M8w?si=1ViJu2wLh1D7hrog" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><u>“What’s the Word?”</u></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> works beautifully as a way to set a positive intention for the school day ahead, or to help focus kids’ energy and attention for a particular lesson. Choosing a word like “confident” for the brain to focus on has a powerful, positive effect! </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">So, what’s your word going to be today? 😄 If you’d like, leave it in the comments below! </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Cheers, </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Kira</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">PS - This song pairs beautifully with the short & sweet mindfulness exercise “Word of the Day” in my book, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime/dp/0593179269" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><u>Peaceful Like a Panda</u></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><u>.</u> 🐼</span></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/72465502023-07-25T07:00:00-04:002023-07-25T07:00:06-04:00How to get kids to LISTEN ✨<img src="https://content.app-us1.com/cdn-cgi/image/dpr=2,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=650/vDVZJ/2023/07/20/2aaaeeb5-e8b0-4971-912d-82c515096dee.png?r=1542959551" class="size_l justify_center border_" width="286" /><p><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Does anyone else feel like their children–or students–don’t REALLY listen until maybe the fourth or fifth time you say something? (It’s probably just me. 😄)</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Listening is a vital part of communication, an essential skill for children to develop, and key to their success in everything from school, to relationships, to the eventual workplace.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Fortunately, there are some fun ways to practice this skill! Here are some ideas: </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">🚶 Take a mindful listening walk, and challenge yourselves to hear a sound you’ve never heard before</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">☎️ The Telephone Game - the classic! Pass a phrase (the sillier the better) down the line or around the dinner table </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">😝 Tongue twisters - try doing them call and response-style; it’s even better if you add rhythm, like clapping, to keep a beat as you say them (try “Unique New York” ten times fast!)</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">🖍️ Verbally describe an imagined scene, in detail, to children, and then have them draw it</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">🤡 Play Simon Says! </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">🐒 The Zoo Game: “I went to the zoo and saw a …” choose your animal, then each person adds another one–as the game goes on, you have to remember all of them </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">🙇♀️ Model good listening! SO important, since young children learn best by imitation. Put your phone down, make eye contact, and give children your full attention when they’re talking to you. 💞</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">What would you add to this list? I’m all ears. 😂 Hit reply and let me know! </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Cheers, </span><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Kira</span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/129313/c8c2e0634837b32af90d638fd2c0345839618da2/original/screenshot-2023-06-26-at-11-27-29-am.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">PS - </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilley.lt.acemlna.com/Prod/link-tracker?notrack=1&redirectUrl=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbSUyRkJyZWF0aGUtTGlrZS1CZWFyLVdvcnJpZXMtTWluZGZ1bG5lc3MlMkZkcCUyRjA1OTM0ODY3MjIlM0Z1dG1fc291cmNlJTNEQWN0aXZlQ2FtcGFpZ24lMjZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtJTNEZW1haWwlMjZ1dG1fY29udGVudCUzREhvdyUyQnRvJTJCZ2V0JTJCa2lkcyUyQnRvJTJCTElTVEVOJTJCJTI1RTIlMjU5QyUyNUE4JTI2dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduJTNERlVMTCUyQkxJU1QlMkI3JTI1MkYyNSUyNTJGMjM=&sig=HrLo2mcHkyUnySEGAPLd8vjtDn3gbpNXFMHGqBTjmcye&iat=1689873510&a=%7C%7C650695485%7C%7C&account=kirawilley%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&email=8%2FKoZkbEYLApPYetXG9u%2BE54f8RRdr4JH%2BLwjCzQ%2BE5VpH%2FEB%2FxQXorO7GoOWQ%3D%3D%3A8ff498%2Bc%2BZzoS9kvuGj3k9EzWfQi%2FTWV&s=690bba8695c20fbdd38bc4275a940702&i=427A469A1A4746" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1"><span style="color:inherit;"><u>Breathe Like a Bear: First Day of School Worries</u></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> is available everywhere now! It makes a great back-to-school gift for your young child, fellow parent, or teacher. 🍎 (And if you have it, I’d be grateful if you’d </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilley.lt.acemlna.com/Prod/link-tracker?notrack=1&redirectUrl=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbSUyRkJyZWF0aGUtTGlrZS1CZWFyLVdvcnJpZXMtTWluZGZ1bG5lc3MlMkZkcCUyRjA1OTM0ODY3MjIlM0Z1dG1fc291cmNlJTNEQWN0aXZlQ2FtcGFpZ24lMjZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtJTNEZW1haWwlMjZ1dG1fY29udGVudCUzREhvdyUyQnRvJTJCZ2V0JTJCa2lkcyUyQnRvJTJCTElTVEVOJTJCJTI1RTIlMjU5QyUyNUE4JTI2dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduJTNERlVMTCUyQkxJU1QlMkI3JTI1MkYyNSUyNTJGMjM=&sig=HrLo2mcHkyUnySEGAPLd8vjtDn3gbpNXFMHGqBTjmcye&iat=1689873510&a=%7C%7C650695485%7C%7C&account=kirawilley%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&email=8%2FKoZkbEYLApPYetXG9u%2BE54f8RRdr4JH%2BLwjCzQ%2BE5VpH%2FEB%2FxQXorO7GoOWQ%3D%3D%3A8ff498%2Bc%2BZzoS9kvuGj3k9EzWfQi%2FTWV&s=690bba8695c20fbdd38bc4275a940702&i=427A469A1A4746" data-ac-default-color="1"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><span><u>leave a review</u></span></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">.)</span></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/72442802023-07-19T13:47:15-04:002023-07-19T13:47:15-04:00Focus kids’ energy-without making them sit still! 😃<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/129313/048eeac7aed5359b6f515457d13d4666c0e38f1f/original/fb-guest-speaker.gif/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">I’m sitting outside as I write this note to you, watching a bee hover around the wildflowers at the edge of my yard. It’s making me think of a simple, fun mindfulness exercise perfect for this time of year: </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilley.lt.acemlna.com/Prod/link-tracker?notrack=1&redirectUrl=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ5b3V0dS5iZSUyRjg5MDlRaU1vRl8wJTNGdXRtX3NvdXJjZSUzREFjdGl2ZUNhbXBhaWduJTI2dXRtX21lZGl1bSUzRGVtYWlsJTI2dXRtX2NvbnRlbnQlM0RGb2N1cyUyQmtpZHMlMkIlMkJlbmVyZ3ktd2l0aG91dCUyQm1ha2luZyUyQnRoZW0lMkJzaXQlMkJzdGlsbCUyNTIxJTJCJTI1RjAlMjU5RiUyNTk4JTI1ODMlMjZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ24lM0RGVUxMJTJCTElTVCUyQjclMjUyRjE5JTI1MkYyMw==&sig=8wFJ6fh3TQoLX3VBfs9ZH2qPdgG5G5EFsACBpDRz35wX&iat=1689788517&a=%7C%7C650695485%7C%7C&account=kirawilley%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&email=gWqE3YaCoxiMpUP0FWyaWH0RlqLlcfxh%2BrJ4i9naP4KRq89cfKefhlg0G%2FA1Lw%3D%3D%3A5ahp091oub0ixHmg%2BfFM%2F%2Fpgnuj2kluG&s=690bba8695c20fbdd38bc4275a940702&i=424A466A1A4714" data-ac-default-color="1"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><span><u>Be a Bumblebee</u></span></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">! You can try it with your little ones </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilley.lt.acemlna.com/Prod/link-tracker?notrack=1&redirectUrl=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ5b3V0dS5iZSUyRjg5MDlRaU1vRl8wJTNGdXRtX3NvdXJjZSUzREFjdGl2ZUNhbXBhaWduJTI2dXRtX21lZGl1bSUzRGVtYWlsJTI2dXRtX2NvbnRlbnQlM0RGb2N1cyUyQmtpZHMlMkIlMkJlbmVyZ3ktd2l0aG91dCUyQm1ha2luZyUyQnRoZW0lMkJzaXQlMkJzdGlsbCUyNTIxJTJCJTI1RjAlMjU5RiUyNTk4JTI1ODMlMjZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ24lM0RGVUxMJTJCTElTVCUyQjclMjUyRjE5JTI1MkYyMw==&sig=8wFJ6fh3TQoLX3VBfs9ZH2qPdgG5G5EFsACBpDRz35wX&iat=1689788517&a=%7C%7C650695485%7C%7C&account=kirawilley%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&email=gWqE3YaCoxiMpUP0FWyaWH0RlqLlcfxh%2BrJ4i9naP4KRq89cfKefhlg0G%2FA1Lw%3D%3D%3A5ahp091oub0ixHmg%2BfFM%2F%2Fpgnuj2kluG&s=690bba8695c20fbdd38bc4275a940702&i=424A466A1A4714" data-ac-default-color="1"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><span><u>right here</u></span></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> (it’s also written out in my book </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilley.lt.acemlna.com/Prod/link-tracker?notrack=1&redirectUrl=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&sig=2SpTdaqtu7Pwg2SL7TGDpiLyBCPfHy8pwvEBafBAidTf&iat=1689788517&a=%7C%7C650695485%7C%7C&account=kirawilley%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&email=gWqE3YaCoxiMpUP0FWyaWH0RlqLlcfxh%2BrJ4i9naP4KRq89cfKefhlg0G%2FA1Lw%3D%3D%3A5ahp091oub0ixHmg%2BfFM%2F%2Fpgnuj2kluG&s=690bba8695c20fbdd38bc4275a940702&i=424A466A1A4715" data-ac-default-color="1"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><span><u>Breathe Like a Bear</u></span></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">). </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Encouraging children to make a “bzzzzz….” sound is as effective as a long exhalation, and just a few of these can help kids calm their stress response and focus their energy. (Plus, what little one doesn’t love to buzz like a bee?) 🐝💤 </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">As a bonus, flapping your “bumblebee wings” creates simple, tension-relieving movement of the arms and shoulders. All in about one minute! ✨</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">You’ve heard me say it before, I’m sure–mindfulness with children is NOT all sitting still and taking deep breaths! It can be playful and fun, AND still really effective. </span><br><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilley.lt.acemlna.com/Prod/link-tracker?notrack=1&redirectUrl=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ5b3V0dS5iZSUyRjg5MDlRaU1vRl8wJTNGdXRtX3NvdXJjZSUzREFjdGl2ZUNhbXBhaWduJTI2dXRtX21lZGl1bSUzRGVtYWlsJTI2dXRtX2NvbnRlbnQlM0RGb2N1cyUyQmtpZHMlMkIlMkJlbmVyZ3ktd2l0aG91dCUyQm1ha2luZyUyQnRoZW0lMkJzaXQlMkJzdGlsbCUyNTIxJTJCJTI1RjAlMjU5RiUyNTk4JTI1ODMlMjZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ24lM0RGVUxMJTJCTElTVCUyQjclMjUyRjE5JTI1MkYyMw==&sig=8wFJ6fh3TQoLX3VBfs9ZH2qPdgG5G5EFsACBpDRz35wX&iat=1689788517&a=%7C%7C650695485%7C%7C&account=kirawilley%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&email=gWqE3YaCoxiMpUP0FWyaWH0RlqLlcfxh%2BrJ4i9naP4KRq89cfKefhlg0G%2FA1Lw%3D%3D%3A5ahp091oub0ixHmg%2BfFM%2F%2Fpgnuj2kluG&s=690bba8695c20fbdd38bc4275a940702&i=424A466A1A4714" data-ac-default-color="1"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><span><u>Give this one a try</u></span></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> with your kiddos, and feel free to hit reply and let me know how it goes. </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Cheers,</span><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Kira 💕</span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/129313/c8c2e0634837b32af90d638fd2c0345839618da2/original/screenshot-2023-06-26-at-11-27-29-am.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">PS - Do you have your copy of my brand-new book yet? </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilley.lt.acemlna.com/Prod/link-tracker?notrack=1&redirectUrl=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbSUyRkJyZWF0aGUtTGlrZS1CZWFyLVdvcnJpZXMtTWluZGZ1bG5lc3MlMkZkcCUyRjA1OTM0ODY3MjIlM0Z1dG1fc291cmNlJTNEQWN0aXZlQ2FtcGFpZ24lMjZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtJTNEZW1haWwlMjZ1dG1fY29udGVudCUzREZvY3VzJTJCa2lkcyUyQiUyQmVuZXJneS13aXRob3V0JTJCbWFraW5nJTJCdGhlbSUyQnNpdCUyQnN0aWxsJTI1MjElMkIlMjVGMCUyNTlGJTI1OTglMjU4MyUyNnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbiUzREZVTEwlMkJMSVNUJTJCNyUyNTJGMTklMjUyRjIz&sig=ZFPoSk2cfp1B9TvtcxUJe4bAKcjy3k1CJ3oEYZcqaoK&iat=1689788517&a=%7C%7C650695485%7C%7C&account=kirawilley%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&email=gWqE3YaCoxiMpUP0FWyaWH0RlqLlcfxh%2BrJ4i9naP4KRq89cfKefhlg0G%2FA1Lw%3D%3D%3A5ahp091oub0ixHmg%2BfFM%2F%2Fpgnuj2kluG&s=690bba8695c20fbdd38bc4275a940702&i=424A466A1A4706" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1"><span style="color:inherit;"><u>Breathe Like a Bear: First Day of School Worries</u></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> is available everywhere now! </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">If you have it, I’d be so grateful if you’d </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilley.lt.acemlna.com/Prod/link-tracker?notrack=1&redirectUrl=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbSUyRkJyZWF0aGUtTGlrZS1CZWFyLVdvcnJpZXMtTWluZGZ1bG5lc3MlMkZkcCUyRjA1OTM0ODY3MjIlM0Z1dG1fc291cmNlJTNEQWN0aXZlQ2FtcGFpZ24lMjZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtJTNEZW1haWwlMjZ1dG1fY29udGVudCUzREZvY3VzJTJCa2lkcyUyQiUyQmVuZXJneS13aXRob3V0JTJCbWFraW5nJTJCdGhlbSUyQnNpdCUyQnN0aWxsJTI1MjElMkIlMjVGMCUyNTlGJTI1OTglMjU4MyUyNnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbiUzREZVTEwlMkJMSVNUJTJCNyUyNTJGMTklMjUyRjIz&sig=ZFPoSk2cfp1B9TvtcxUJe4bAKcjy3k1CJ3oEYZcqaoK&iat=1689788517&a=%7C%7C650695485%7C%7C&account=kirawilley%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&email=gWqE3YaCoxiMpUP0FWyaWH0RlqLlcfxh%2BrJ4i9naP4KRq89cfKefhlg0G%2FA1Lw%3D%3D%3A5ahp091oub0ixHmg%2BfFM%2F%2Fpgnuj2kluG&s=690bba8695c20fbdd38bc4275a940702&i=424A466A1A4706" data-ac-default-color="1"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><span><u>leave a review</u></span></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">!</span></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71791342023-03-28T08:00:00-04:002023-03-28T08:00:03-04:00Everything’s more fun with a buddy 🥰<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/129313/b80e47a0ae38c3199d9e8a173e4874f7cf911720/original/photo-mar-23-2023-9-02-41-pm.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Spring has sprung here in the northeastern US, and show season is in full swing! We had three super-fun Rockin’ Yoga assemblies last week. The schools we visited used a buddy system, pairing up third grade students with first graders, and second grade students with kindergarteners. 🌷</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">The power of peer mentors is strong–not only does it give the younger ones a role model to look up to and emulate, but it helps older students step into a role of maturity and leadership as they set the example of behavior for their buddies (and help them out if they need it!). It’s an excellent way to motivate older elementary children who may be feeling too “cool” for yoga and mindfulness. 😉</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">This can work great in your kids’ yoga classes when you’re teaching mixed ages or a family session. It also works well at home–give an older sibling the responsibility (and the choice, of course) of leading the yoga poses or mindfulness exercises with younger ones. The older child will love being in charge! </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Here’s a super-quick fun mindful exercise for buddies to try, that will probably result in giggles, too: </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En7EaWPmJMM" data-ac-default-color="1"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><u>Wake Up Your Face!</u></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> 😃</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Do you use a buddy system in your school or kids’ yoga classes? Comment below and let me know!</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Cheers, </span><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Kira</span></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71751642023-03-20T16:12:09-04:002024-02-12T03:13:24-05:00Do you remember being bored? 🤔<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/129313/c20c8a33d9891fb1d97897afdfbe7ecd4e1bc59a/original/img-0070.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Hey there!</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">We just returned from Costa Rica, visiting our daughter who’s there for the semester. What a gorgeous, lush country, no wonder there are so many yoga retreats there!</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">I had hoped we’d have a forced “unplugging” from all of our various devices - but even our Airbnb, on a dirt road in a really remote area, had perfectly working WiFi! The teens were happy, that’s for sure, but it made me realize that we’re so plugged in everywhere now, that it’s up to us to disconnect. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">And it made me wonder: do children today even know what it’s like to be bored? </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/129313/0f62b3c42b83f0caaae6f00e4258a0730da8a09e/original/img-9932.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span><br><span style="color:#000000;">If you’re reading this, you probably remember what it felt like to be bored as a kid, coming up with your own games to fill the time (for me, it was endless dance routines). Being bored encourages creativity and original thinking–you’ve got to make your own fun, not sit there and passively be entertained by a device. It’s essential for healthy brain development. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">So, especially if you have young ones, make sure they have plenty of time with NOTHING to do. (And resist the temptation to offer suggestions. Let them figure it out! Trust me.) You’ll be amazed at what they come up with! </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Cheers, </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Kira</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">PS - If you’re wondering, yes, I made everyone put away their phones–some of the time–and we played silly road trip games and made up raps in the car and those were some of the best moments of the trip. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">PPS - I’ve been working on something new for you - stay tuned for a fun announcement! </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/129313/54fdf1fbc7dcccfc87a936620e80bb4fcd08af20/original/img-5596.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71720622023-03-15T13:48:30-04:002023-03-15T13:49:11-04:00Grab even the teens’ attention with this!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/129313/a8375d0552d64dbd35313fb4fdda6401c003d420/original/screenshot-2023-03-15-at-1-40-13-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">Photo by Tiffany Robinson<br> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Hi there!</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">We just completed a run of the musical Newsies, Jr. (and by we, I mean my son’s middle school–he played Jack Kelly, the lead, and I played violin in the “pit:” five of us musical parents and teachers accompanying the kids and having a ball). It was so much fun. </span><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>😄</strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">One morning during the last week of rehearsals, the director asked me to lead the kids in a focus exercise. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Usually the sweet spot for my songs, books and mindfulness exercises is the under-tens, but wouldn’t you know it–the super-quick exercise I tried worked like a charm with these 12 to 14-year-olds.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">It’s </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVKi0VkPGBY" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>1-2-3 Clap</strong></span></a><span style="color:#000000;">, and it’s one of my favorite ways to start any class with a large group. I count to three, and we all clap one time–the goal is to make it sound like one person clapping. It’s fun and challenging, and instantly focuses the energy in a room. Plus it takes less than a minute! </span><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>🙌</strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">You can try it out </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVKi0VkPGBY" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>right here</strong></span></a><span style="color:#000000;">. (It’s also written out in my book</span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"> <strong>Breathe Like a Bear</strong></span></a><a data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;">.)</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">There are lots of variations you can do with this exercise, too: try it with a one-foot stomp instead of a clap, or even a two-footed bunny hop! Works for ALL ages! </span><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>👏</strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Cheers, </span><br><span style="color:#000000;">Kira</span></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71689542023-03-08T11:00:00-05:002023-03-10T14:13:49-05:00Happy International Women’s Day! 💕<p><img src="https://content.app-us1.com/cdn-cgi/image/dpr=2,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=650/vDVZJ/2023/03/08/a279bb2f-9992-45f1-a926-b42c900b9c6a.jpeg?r=484143615" class="size_l justify_center border_" width="539" /></p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><span class="text-small" style="color:#000000;"><i>Photo by Hilary Murphy</i></span></p><p dir="ltr"><br><span style="color:#000000;">It’s International Women’s Day today, and it’s gotten me thinking about all the amazing women in my life–particularly my two grandmothers, one a strong, smart world traveler who just passed away at the age of 100, and my other “Gram” who helped raise me after raising her own seven children, taught first grade for 40 years, mowed her own lawn until she was 90, and made the best molasses cookies. </span><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>🍪💪</strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Helping young girls grow up to be purposeful, passionate women starts with allowing them to be themselves–to discover who they really are, what brings them joy and passion–and encouraging them to do more of that. Girls receive lots of messages from the media and elsewhere that gives them the impression they should strive to be something else, to look or talk or act a certain way, that often doesn’t align with how they feel on the inside. </span><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>💘</strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">This is exactly what my song </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kjUINravKY" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Real Girl</strong></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> (winner of the ASCAP Sesame Street Songwriting Award) is about. I wrote it for the group Real Girls, which was created by another amazing woman, artist Catherine Lent in Frenchtown, New Jersey. The Real Girls are the stars of this video! </span><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>✨</strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Let's help our young girls discover who they are now, so they can blossom and grow into their beautiful, authentic, strong selves. </span><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>🌸</strong></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">I’d love to hear about a woman in your life who’s inspired you. Let me know in the comments below! </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Cheers, </span><br><span style="color:#000000;">Kira</span></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71579432023-02-21T14:19:31-05:002023-02-21T14:20:09-05:00Did someone say bonuses? 😁<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/129313/01543d1e6fec703b49eb2186f83ebb126185f753/original/kw017-rockinyogakirawilley-notag-2021-08-02-1.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Hey there! </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">You probably know by now that I LOVE sharing what I’ve learned in nearly two decades of teaching mindfulness and yoga to children. But believe it or not–I’m not an expert in everything! 😂 </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">So, I find the people who are–and that’s why we have frequent guest speakers inside my </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilleyprograms.com/rockin-yoga/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><span><u>Rockin’ Yoga membership</u></span></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">: experts like Lisa Danylchuk, author and trauma expert, who spoke to us on the importance of teaching with a trauma-informed lens; and author SonJoria Sydnor, who talked about how critical it is for Black children to see themselves represented in books and media when it comes to yoga & mindfulness. (You receive instant access to these workshops and 13 more, when you join us!) </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">And coming up next week inside the membership, we have mindfulness specialist James Butler–author of Mindful Classrooms–who will present his top tips for mindfulness with young children, as well as how to get "buy-in" from schools when it comes to mindful practices. </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Live workshops are just one of the bonuses instantly available to you</span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilleyprograms.com/rockin-yoga/" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> </span></a><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilleyprograms.com/rockin-yoga/" data-link-type="url" data-ac-default-color="1"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><span><u>when you join Rockin’ Yoga</u></span></span></a><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilleyprograms.com/rockin-yoga/" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">. </span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">✨</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Have you ever wanted to learn how to start playing the ukulele? (yes, you can! 😁) Well, another bonus is our </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilleyprograms.com/rockin-yoga/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span><u>Uke 101 training</u></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">, plus a songbook to go with it. This fun session got a whole bunch of our wonderful members on their way to playing an instrument, and sharing music with the children in their lives, for the first time!</span><br><br><img src="https://content.app-us1.com/cdn-cgi/image/dpr=2,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=650/vDVZJ/2023/02/20/d196a3e0-7a04-4193-8b4d-66f224f24853.gif?r=12811252" class="size_m justify_center border_" width="273" /></p><div class="" style="color:rgb(223, 1, 1);font-size:16px;font-weight:inherit;line-height:inherit;margin:0px;outline:none;padding:0px;text-align:left;text-decoration:inherit;">
<span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Here’s the scoop on a few more goodies inside the membership:</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(178,117,171);">🎁 </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilley.lt.acemlna.com/Prod/link-tracker?redirectUrl=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZraXJhd2lsbGV5cHJvZ3JhbXMuY29tJTJGcm9ja2luLXlvZ2ElMkYlM0Z1dG1fc291cmNlJTNETmV3c2xldHRlciUyNnV0bV9tZWRpdW0lM0RlbWFpbCUyNnV0bV9jb250ZW50JTNERGlkK3NvbWVvbmUrc2F5K2JvbnVzZXMlM0YrJUYwJTlGJTk4JTgxJTI2dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduJTNEMiUyRjIxK0FNK09QRU4rQ0FSVCslMjMxNSstK0ZVTEwrTElTVCttaW51cyttZW1iZXJz&sig=9FKWwiuDqP9z3CGTH6TTckDKrBrZ3jsQWPvotXtpsQTF&iat=1676984430&a=%7C%7C650695485%7C%7C&account=kirawilley%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&email=ARw19M4s4k4mrRhnsVtW9kaXX1ze7pIPSiCvXFefcxU%3D&s=8ced36453e9ca07eb9e2d04f2671ecca&i=337A376A1A3756" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><span><strong><u>Mindfulness Printables:</u></strong></span></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> A collection of printable children’s activities, including mindful coloring, positive affirmation pages, gratitude exercises and more, based on my bestselling books Breathe Like a Bear and Peaceful Like a Panda </span><br> </div><div class="" style="color:inherit;font-size:16px;font-weight:inherit;line-height:inherit;margin:0px;outline:none;padding:0px;text-align:left;text-decoration:inherit;">
<span style="color:rgb(178,117,171);">🎁 </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilleyprograms.com/rockin-yoga/" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><span><strong><u>Get Children's Attention Instantly:</u></strong></span></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> </span><span style="color:rgb(67,67,67);">It can be a huge challenge to get (and keep!) children's attention. In my complete mini-course, Super Starters, I teach you my proven, incredibly effective ways to fully engage kids using music, rhythm, and song (and no, you do NOT have to be a musician!)</span>
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<br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">🎁</span><span style="color:inherit;"> </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilleyprograms.com/rockin-yoga/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:inherit;"><span><strong><u>Self-Care for Educators Session:</u></strong></span></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong> </strong>Helping children calm and ground themselves begins with a calm and grounded YOU. Teaching is stressful, and it’s critically important that we take care of ourselves first. In this video training you’ll learn the many benefits of practicing regular self-care, and come away with tons of ideas for practicing it in your daily life. </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">So much good stuff! And you can check it all out </span><span style="color:inherit;">for only $14.99</span><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">. But don’t wait–we’re only keeping the doors open for two more days. 💕</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Cheers, </span><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Kira</span>
</div>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71530402023-02-14T08:00:00-05:002023-02-14T08:00:08-05:00Practice compassion w/ this quick, easy tip today<p> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/129313/d669e2c840139c02683780c681d670e21a7237c7/original/screenshot-2023-02-13-at-12-38-55-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="text-small" style="color:#000000;"><i>Artwork by Anni Betts from Peaceful Like a Panda</i></span><br> </p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Happy Valentine’s Day! </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">I hope you’re showing yourself some love today. 💕</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">And speaking of love, it’s so important that we help children learn to love themselves, to have self-compassion. Here are three simple, mindful steps to help that you can try with your child: </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">✅ Ask yourself: How does my body feel? </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">✅ Say: It’s ok to feel this, whatever it is. (Avoid comparing or making judgments, although those things are totally natural 😀) </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">✅ Answer the question: What do I need? (Sometimes this can be easier when you think of a close friend: if they felt this way, what would they need? What could I do for them?) </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Simple mindfulness exercises like </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVH8_hwBCME" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;">Clouds</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> use kid-friendly concepts to help young children identify their emotions–the first step toward having compassion for their sweet selves. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">💕 Kira</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">PS - Mindfulness paves the way for self-compassion in children. Join me at my </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kirawilleyprograms.com/webinar-signup/%20" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;">free webinar this Thursday, February 16th</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> to talk about how to make easy, fun mindfulness part of daily life with kids! </span></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71500112023-02-07T11:37:54-05:002023-02-07T11:37:54-05:00Is this your challenge with children too?<p>If you wanted to learn how to play the piano, would you take one or two lessons, and then just assume you know how to play? </p>
<p>Of course not. Because as we all know, playing the piano is a skill–one that needs to be taught, and then practiced consistently. </p>
<p><strong>So is paying attention. </strong></p>
<p>Here’s the thing: we often ask children to pay attention (or to focus, or to concentrate…it’s all the same thing, essentially). But are we teaching them how? Are we practicing it with them on a regular basis? </p>
<p>The #1 challenge that I hear from parents and educators is–no surprise here–yup, getting children to pay attention. </p>
<p>Maybe it’s your biggest challenge, too. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/00ebb531d5de133a9475b4d8343dca6c04e2c9e1/original/screenshot-2023-02-07-at-11-35-53-am.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Mindfulness is literally the practice of paying attention, of bringing our awareness to the present moment. So when we do it consistently, we strengthen that skill, and it becomes easier and easier. </p>
<p>Here’s a quick, fun mindfulness activity to try with children that helps build that "paying-attention" muscle: <a contents="Listen to the Bell." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BPAW8B2SU8KJCBlB7qYMLg1btqdKysenG2gMWaxme5I/edit" target="_blank">Listen to the Bell.</a> </p>
<p>Listening exercises are engaging and effective; they give kids "something to do" as opposed to simply asking them to sit still and breathe. Give it a try! </p>
<p>Cheers, <br>Kira </p>
<p>PS - Helping children focus with easy, fun mindfulness strategies–including not only listening, but movement and music as well–is one of the main topics I’ll cover in my free webinar on <a contents="Thursday, February 16th at 7 PM Eastern" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilleyprograms.com/webinar-signup/" target="_blank">Thursday, February 16th at 7 PM Eastern</a>. I’d love for you to join me!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71463872023-01-31T13:05:23-05:002023-01-31T13:05:23-05:00Do kids really need mindfulness?<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilleyprograms.com/webinar-signup/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/a7f8f379b4c50b01caeee725b74ca9a4fcaa18f4/original/webinar-feb-2023-3.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Hi there, </p>
<p>Sometimes I hear people ask: why do children need to practice mindfulness, anyway? They’re kids! What do they have to be stressed about? </p>
<p>Well the answer is: plenty, unfortunately. Young children are dealing with more stress and anxiety than ever before (no thanks to ever-present devices and media that shout 24/7 about all the craziness in the world). If you’re a parent or a teacher of young children, I’m sure you know what I mean. </p>
<p>And like the rest of us, children hold stress in their bodies, which is why incorporating movement into mindful exercises with them is so important. (Here are two quick and easy, tension-busting ones for you to try: <a contents="Shoulder Squeeze" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv-szizO3MM" target="_blank">Shoulder Squeeze</a> and <a contents="Twister" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SLTPMmbDjg" target="_blank">Twister</a>.) 🧘💫 </p>
<p>Making mindfulness a part of daily life with your children will serve them for a lifetime. To help you do just that, I’m teaching a <a contents="free training" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilleyprograms.com/webinar-signup/" target="_blank">free training</a> on Thursday, February 16th, at 7 PM Eastern.</p>
<p>Whether you’re a parent or an educator, in this workshop, you'll learn easy and fun movement, music & mindful activities to help children release stress and regulate their bodies and emotions–and the secrets to success in making it a regular part of your routine. </p>
<p>It’s happening on Thursday, February 16th, at 7 PM Eastern, and I hope you’ll join me! <a contents="Grab your spot now" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilleyprograms.com/webinar-signup/" target="_blank">Grab your spot now</a>. ✨ </p>
<p>Cheers, <br>Kira </p>
<p>PS - <a contents="Sign up now" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilleyprograms.com/webinar-signup/" target="_blank">Sign up now</a> for the inspiration and tools you need to make mindfulness a daily practice with children!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71422412023-01-24T08:00:00-05:002023-01-24T08:00:01-05:00 A new, calming song just for you 💕<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/ddd26b16a166ba81d7133817f7da76aab96ed141/original/i-have-a-light-lyric-video.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>Hey there, </p>
<p>Could you use a new tool to help calm and soothe your little one at rest time or bedtime? I have a new song for you: <a contents="“I Have a Light.”" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giSJorrypPc" target="_blank">“I Have a Light.”</a> 🕯️ </p>
<p>It’s a lullaby, almost a mantra, and its message helps children remember that they each have their own special light inside to shine out to the world. Simple, repetitive songs–this one actually turns into a round at the end–are soothing to young children, and this one is perfect for this time of year when the days are still long and it gets dark so early. (I feel like every evening I look at my watch thinking it’s bedtime, and see that it’s only 7:15…anyone else? 😄) </p>
<p>I wrote “I Have a Light” to go with the calming mindfulness exercise “The Light in Me” from my book <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime/dp/0593179269" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>. The two pair beautifully to soothe and settle children. </p>
<p>I hope you enjoy! </p>
<p>Cheers, <br>Kira </p>
<p>PS - Next week I’ll be telling you about an upcoming free training I’m teaching, all about how to make simple, effective mindfulness part of your daily life with children. Stay tuned! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71386922023-01-17T08:00:00-05:002023-01-17T08:00:06-05:00How to support our introverted children 💗<p>We have a bunch of school visits coming up, and I can’t wait to get back to performing Rockin’ Yoga assemblies! My band and I have a blast at these shows–we chat with the students as they’re coming in (discussing important topics like favorite colors and the best breakfast food) and give as many high fives as we can at the end. The assemblies themselves, usually for a few hundred kids at a time, are super high-energy and packed with singing, dancing, yoga and mindfulness. The kids, the teachers and the parents all love it. </p>
<p>Then we pack up and load out, and I get in my car by myself and just SIT THERE. </p>
<p>In silence. </p>
<p>And breathe. </p>
<p>It can take a while before I even start driving. </p>
<p>I’m an “extroverted introvert” (I’ve decided 😀). I LOVE performing, teaching, singing, and talking on big stages–and when the event is over, boy do I need time to recharge. Get me to my couch! <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/3d96fb42749a5134a46801d2ff0e9a9613f1d14d/original/colors-assembly-gif.gif/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>We need to respect that many children are the same way, but they may not even know or understand it yet. (It’s often, though, why that meltdown happens during the loud birthday party or in the crowded mall...and can be the real story behind the child who’s labeled “shy.” PLEASE don’t do this.) </p>
<p>We teachers and parents have such an important role here: helping children understand, first and foremost, that there’s NOTHING wrong with them, they’re perfect just as they are (introverts are often deep thinkers, highly creative, empathetic, the list of positives goes on). Then, we have to help them figure out what they need to take care of their precious selves. </p>
<p>There’s a lot written on this topic; and many helpful <a contents="articles like this one" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://quietrev.com/15-ways-to-parent/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1673896245775317&usg=AOvVaw1u-gEjaIWhZ54yYcfrASBb" target="_blank">articles like this one</a>, but here are some key points for you: Respect an introverted child’s need for alone time. Don’t push them to be with others, or to talk when they’re not ready (but when they do open up, zip it and listen). Talk through social situations beforehand, and help children practice what to say when they need something or when it’s time to go. </p>
<p>Help them take breathers–during a long family gathering, for example, make plans ahead of time for a break, so they know they’ve got one coming. And then, maybe give them headphones and put on a dreamy song, like <a contents="How to be a Cloud" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADxvZbQg86E" target="_blank">How to be a Cloud</a>. Let them float off into their own world, until they’re ready to join this one again. 💕 </p>
<p>Cheers, </p>
<p>Kira </p>
<p>PS - Mindfulness can help introverted children–and all children–develop self-awareness, which leads to them understanding and loving themselves, and being better able to practice self-care. Stay tuned for an upcoming free training I’m teaching for parents, homeschoolers, and educators, all about the three essential elements of mindfulness with children! ✨</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71355772023-01-10T08:00:00-05:002023-01-10T08:00:06-05:00The key to calm(er) travel with children 🚗<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/f3e507e8ba5bf137a2432d3a227e904dd25c8af9/original/img-9476.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Hi friend! </p>
<p>I just sent my oldest off to study abroad for the semester. Hugging her goodbye was bittersweet…off to travel on her own! It made me remember road trips with my kids when they were little–and how antsy-pantsy they got when they were strapped into their car seats and couldn’t move freely. 🙄 </p>
<p>This is exactly how my <a contents="Mindful Moments for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nc02Gc5EycMmsx3CTBMmTPjZZkbnFe-r0" target="_blank">Mindful Moments for Kids</a> exercises came about: the host of the morning show on Sirius XM radio asked me to come up with exercises to keep kids calm in the car during the ride to school or daycare. (We originally called them “Backseat Yoga Breaks!”) </p>
<p>I came up with 30 exercises, all designed to be done seated (as in, strapped into a five-point harness car seat) which means they can also all be done at a desk at school. </p>
<p>They’re short, fun, and effective, and you can <a contents="find them all for&nbsp;free on YouTube" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nc02Gc5EycMmsx3CTBMmTPjZZkbnFe-r0" target="_blank">find them all for free on YouTube</a> (or <a contents="purchase for download here" data-link-label="Mindful Moments For Kids" data-link-type="page" href="/mindful-moments-for-kids" target="_blank">purchase for download here</a>). ✨ </p>
<p>Here’s one of my favorites: <a contents="Stop &amp; Go" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BShj2-Ap6Fs" target="_blank">Stop & Go</a>. Active and engaging, it encourages focus and improves children’s listening skills–and takes about one minute! Try it with your littles, or your students in the classroom!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71319462023-01-03T12:12:06-05:002023-01-03T12:12:06-05:00A pat on the back for you 🙂<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/4f223af94ee4e39bd2e537c4a92be84b42954238/original/screenshot-2023-01-03-at-11-31-34-am.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small"><em>Artwork by Anni Betts from <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a> </em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>Happy new year, friend! 🥳 </p>
<p>How are your resolutions coming along? </p>
<p>Just kidding. There’s a lot of go-getter, goal-setting energy flying around, and I have to tell you I’m not into it. Many people are just plain tired, or have been dealing with sick children and all the other things, and just need a pat on the back for making it through what can be a challenging season. </p>
<p>How about we take it easy on ourselves. </p>
<p>How about: good for us! We made it this far. 👏✨</p>
<p>If you can today, find a cozy spot with your little ones, block out the noise, and just be for a few minutes. To help you along, here’s my favorite mindfulness activity: the "Do Nothing Moment," from <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839">Breathe Like a Bear</a>. </p>
<p><span style="color:#16a085;"><em>Does it feel like there’s always something you’re supposed to be doing? </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#16a085;"><em>There are places you have to go, and lots of jobs to do. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#16a085;"><em>And everyone seems to be in a hurry! </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#16a085;"><em>Well, for this moment, there’s nothing you have to do. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#16a085;"><em>Except, of course, breathe. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#16a085;"><em>Breathe in, breathe out. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#16a085;"><em>If you want, close your eyes. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#16a085;"><em>Breathe in, breathe out. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#16a085;"><em>Breathe in, breathe out. </em></span></p>
<p>Oh, and here’s the perfect song to go with it: "<a contents="Just Be." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gj76Ma8zLU" target="_blank">Just Be.</a>" </p>
<p>Take good care of yourself. 💗 </p>
<p>Cheers, <br>Kira </p>
<p>PS - My favorite Christmas gift was a pretty new blue yoga mat. I’m going to lie down on it now, and maybe I’ll stretch…? Or maybe I’ll just rest. 😴</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71221842022-12-13T12:07:46-05:002023-12-10T13:09:57-05:00Feeling overwhelmed & off balance?<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/a0a1129c1d1c45b17da722bcd38a469838c879f4/original/snow-flamingo.gif/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Challenge your balance, literally, with “Flamingo” from <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime/dp/0593179269" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>! (Art by Anni Betts)</span><br> </p>
<p>Does the holiday season have you feeling a bit overwhelmed or off balance? </p>
<p>I get it! It’s that special time of year with lots of extra stuff–sparkly cookies on the counter, holiday movies to watch, lots of gatherings and people and gifts and you name it. Those things aren’t bad, of course–but for our own well-being and that of our children, we need to try and find a balance. </p>
<p>Kids having lots of screen time? Get outside for a walk, even if it’s chilly. </p>
<p>Too much sugar? Balance it out with plenty of water and some carrot sticks. </p>
<p>Finding ways to keep it a little more even helps all of us from feeling the stress and overwhelm that this season often brings. </p>
<p>Here’s something that might help you and your kiddos: it’s my song about this very subject, called “<a contents="Balancing Act" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr3avIdIHa4">Balancing Act</a>,” from my newest album, <a contents="Songs for Peaceful Pandas Volume 1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://orcd.co/d1qa2r5" target="_blank">Songs for Peaceful Pandas Volume 1</a>–I hope you enjoy! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71221692022-12-06T12:00:00-05:002022-12-13T11:52:34-05:00Less stress, more sweet memories<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/ab390de21129c343b3203dcdbd6ee594023ef5d2/original/screenshot-2022-12-13-at-11-51-13-am.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>As I write this, I’m sitting in the green room at PBS39, in between shooting episodes of a new children’s music TV show called Kids Jam. It’s super fun, but also long hours and lots of standing on your mark trying not to squint in the bright lights, waiting for the producers to give the go-ahead. </p>
<p>Earlier this morning, I could feel the energy in the room seriously dipping among the crew as we waited for the technical stuff to get figured out. </p>
<p>And then the band started to play. </p>
<p>It was remarkable: everyone started to move–feet started tapping, heads started nodding, and there were suddenly smiles on previously stressed-out faces. </p>
<p>Music is magic. </p>
<p>It lifts our mood, gets our bodies moving, decreases our stress levels, and connects us with those around us. </p>
<p>(Also: the incredible range and diversity of artists in the family music world is truly amazing. Just one perk of this super-fun job I have is meeting incredible artists–we’ve shot episodes with hip hop/soul artist Fyutch, taken a musical journey through Latin America with Sonia De Los Santos, and danced with Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats–and we’re not even halfway done!) </p>
<p>So in the (often stressful) hubbub of this time of year, don’t forget to put on some tunes you love and dance around with your littles. It just might turn out to be your favorite memory of the season! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71130072022-11-29T12:10:59-05:002022-11-29T12:11:00-05:00CALM YOURSELF (AND YOUR KIDS) ANYTIME, ANYWHERE<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/4ede6c088b18b8e5398f09c57798537304dd6a0b/original/screen-shot-2022-11-28-at-7-29-49-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small">Artwork by Anni Betts from <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a></span></p>
<p>Is it me, or is time speeding up? 😳This time of year feels rushed and hectic, and I’m willing to bet you’re feeling it too–especially if you have young children in your life. </p>
<p>It’s so important to BREATHE (ok, I know you’re breathing…I mean deeply, intentionally). Not only will it help keep your nervous system “online,” (as in, calm you down) but it’s a simple, quick way to bring yourself back to the present, which can help alleviate that time-going-too-fast feeling. </p>
<p>How about a super-simple technique that you can literally do anywhere, anytime, that works for all ages? </p>
<p>Bring your attention to your breath, and then “follow it” as the air travels in and out of your body. Pay attention to where you feel it: in your mouth, nose, or belly, for example. And see what else you can observe, like the quality of the air or its temperature. Doing this for even 30 seconds has a calming, grounding effect that’s incredibly helpful when things feel a bit nuts. </p>
<p><a contents="Head here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVHHi0vTCS4" target="_blank">Head here</a> to listen along as I teach the family-friendly version of “<a contents="Where is Your Breath" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVHHi0vTCS4" target="_blank">Where is Your Breath</a>.” (It’s also in my book <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>). 😁</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/71022202022-11-15T08:00:00-05:002022-11-15T08:00:01-05:00When mindfulness doesn’t work 😖<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/d58927bce06f7443ecdbc8f077773ce761a79d5b/original/screen-shot-2022-11-14-at-4-01-09-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><em><span class="font_small">Artwork by Anni Betts from <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear Board Book" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Moments-Kids-Breathe-Like/dp/1984894110/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=breathe+like+a+bear+board+book&qid=1668464095&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear Board Book</a></span></em><br> </p>
<p>I read a <a contents="study" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mindful.org/new-study-finds-school-based-mindfulness-program-doesnt-work-and-may-evenbe-harmful-for-some-children/" target="_blank">study</a> recently that questioned the effectiveness of mindfulness in schools. The model was that teachers, with minimal training, introduced mindful practices to students with the expectation that they would do it regularly at home. </p>
<p>As I got into the fine print, I read this comment from one of the researchers: “Very few students (less than 20%) took any interest in doing the home practice—a key part of the program.” </p>
<p>It went on to say that the “model of having school teachers, with very little mindfulness experience or training, teaching mindfulness to kids and then expecting them to practice at-home mindfulness on their own is ineffective.” </p>
<p>But the headline of the article–the attention-grabber–was “New Study Finds School-Based Mindfulness Program Doesn’t Work.” </p>
<p>Seriously? 😡😡😡 </p>
<p>Um, of course it didn’t work. They didn’t like it, so most of them DIDN’T EVEN DO IT! </p>
<p>When working with mindfulness and children, it’s absolutely critical that the practices and activities we use are fun and engaging. We can’t treat children like small adults in this department–they’re not interested in how their amygdala works and whether or not their nervous systems are regulated. They do, however, love to pretend they’re bears hibernating for the winter, taking long, deep breaths in and out in their cozy caves…🐻 </p>
<p>Not making it engaging and fun–something children actually WANT to participate in–is a mistake I see often in school settings. </p>
<p>And while we’re on the subject, here are some other factors which will make mindfulness practices ineffective: </p>
<p>➡️ Introducing them DURING a meltdown (they literally can’t hear you when they’re having Big Feelings) </p>
<p>➡️ Not practicing them consistently </p>
<p>➡️ Assuming they’ll take the place of mental health services from a licensed professional </p>
<p>➡️ Not teaching from a trauma-informed perspective </p>
<p>➡️ And just one more time: 😁not making the practices kid-friendly, age-appropriate, and FUN! </p>
<p>Practicing mindfulness with children can be short and sweet, as well as engaging and fun. <a contents="Here’s a quick, active one" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BShj2-Ap6Fs" target="_blank">Here’s a quick, active one</a> to try that will help children focus in no time. It’s called “<a contents="Stop &amp; Go" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BShj2-Ap6Fs" target="_blank">Stop & Go</a>,” and I hope you’ll give it a try with your little ones! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/70974212022-11-08T08:00:00-05:002022-11-08T08:00:02-05:00A fast (and fun) way to wake up children’s brains 😁<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/4d7f60960c81e921da1cdc6600bf664831bcec5d/original/screen-shot-2022-11-07-at-4-19-44-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><em><span class="font_small">Artwork by Anni Betts from Peaceful Like a Panda</span></em></p>
<p><br>Here’s a question I get a lot: Why do we have to teach children to breathe? They’re doing it all day long, right? 🤔 </p>
<p>Well, of course! But learning how to control our breathing is vital–different types of breath exercises have different benefits. And it’s essential to be able to recognize when our breath is being affected by our emotions (short, shallow breathing when stressed, for example). </p>
<p>For young children, just learning how to differentiate between long and short breaths is really important. When a child can identify that she’s experiencing short breaths, and learns how to slow it down on her own–she’ll be better able to handle the inevitable high-anxiety situations she’ll encounter in life. </p>
<p>My exercise Hot Air Balloon, from my book <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime/dp/0593179269/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=peaceful+like+a+panda&qid=1648576283&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>, has quick, short inhalations followed by a long exhalation. It’s kid-friendly and fun, and a great focus reset–waking up the brain with its rapid intake of oxygen during the quick, short breaths in, and clearing out stress with a long exhale. </p>
<p><em>Let’s go on a hot-air balloon ride! </em></p>
<p><em>You can take your balloon anywhere you want. </em></p>
<p><em>Take quick, short breaths in through your nose: sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff. </em></p>
<p><em>As you breathe in, lift your arms out to the sides and up toward the sky. </em></p>
<p><em>You’re filling up your balloon with air so it can fly. </em></p>
<p><em>Breathe out slowly. Bring your arms back down. </em></p>
<p><em>Do it again! </em></p>
<p><em>Take short, quick breaths in through your nose: sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff. </em></p>
<p><em>Lift your arms out and up. </em></p>
<p><em>Breathe out. Bring your arms back down. </em></p>
<p><em>Do it again, as many times as you want. </em></p>
<p><em>It’s time for an adventure!</em></p>
<p>I wrote a <a contents="dreamy song" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JspWbBWe7g&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=A+fast+%28and+fun%29+way+to+wake+up+children+s+brains+%F0%9F%98%81&utm_campaign=Newsletter+-+Main+List++-+WARM+11%2F8" target="_blank">dreamy song</a> to go with this exercise, too–it’s called <a contents="Up in the Air" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JspWbBWe7g&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=A+fast+%28and+fun%29+way+to+wake+up+children+s+brains+%F0%9F%98%81&utm_campaign=Newsletter+-+Main+List++-+WARM+11%2F8" target="_blank">Up in the Air</a>, and it’s one of my favorites from my most recent album, <a contents="Songs for Peaceful Pandas Volume 1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://orcd.co/d1qa2r5" target="_blank">Songs for Peaceful Pandas Volume 1</a>. 🎶 </p>
<p>The exercise works beautifully with the song–once children’s brains are awake, fire up their imaginations with musical hot-air balloon adventure. You could ask children to close their eyes and dream up anywhere they want to go…then guide them to imagine what they’re seeing as they soar through the air! 💕</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/70924312022-11-01T07:00:00-04:002022-11-01T07:00:05-04:00Do you need to lighten up?<p style="line-height: 1.38; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Ubuntu,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/fc3ec8209ca239582f406ee937751c0025631e13/original/screen-shot-2022-10-31-at-4-39-47-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 1.38; text-align: center;"><em><span class="font_small"><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Ubuntu,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">Artwork by Anni Betts from Peaceful Like a Panda</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></em></p>
<p style="line-height: 1.38;"><br><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Ubuntu,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">When’s the last time you laughed so hard your belly hurt, and tears came to your eyes? 😂</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height:1.38"><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Ubuntu,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">If you have to think about it, that’s too long! Humor helps keep us healthy in lots of ways, and for children, it’s also an important part of building trust, helping them develop positive relationships. It actually helps drive learning in the classroom. 🍎</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height:1.38"><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Ubuntu,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">Humor also diffuses stress–which many children are struggling with right now–and creates space for clear thinking and problem solving. Moreover, laughter has physical effects on our bodies: it releases dopamine and increases healthy blood flow. (They do say laughter is the best medicine!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height:1.38"><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Ubuntu,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">So, how about we infuse more humor into our time with children? </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height:1.38"><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Ubuntu,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">Here are some ideas for you: </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height:1.38; margin-bottom:13px"><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Ubuntu,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">😆 During mealtime at home, or snacktime in the classroom, go around the table for each person to tell a joke (or make one up!) </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height:1.38; margin-bottom:13px"><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Ubuntu,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">😆 Make a point to look for the humor in otherwise-not-so-funny situations (can your child spot a funny bumper sticker in that traffic jam?)</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height:1.38; margin-bottom:13px"><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Ubuntu,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">😆 Try this “<a contents="Three Funny Things" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/three_funny_things" target="_blank">Three Funny Things</a>” practice from Greater Good</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height:1.38; margin-bottom:13px"><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Ubuntu,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">😆 Kickstart your funny with Ha Ha Hyena! from my book, <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime/dp/0593179269/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=peaceful+like+a+panda&qid=1648576283&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>: </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:13.999999999999998pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Ubuntu,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:700"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height:1.38"><span class="font_regular"><em>Imagine you’re a hyena in the jungle.<br>Hyenas love to laugh!<br>Put your hands on your belly.<br>Take a breath in.<br>Start with a baby laugh: “Ha ha ha.”<br>Take a breath in.<br>Laugh a little more: “Ha ha ha ha ha!”<br>Take a looong breath in.“HA HA HA HA HA HA!”<br>Take a really looong breath in! “HA HA HA HA HA HA!”<br>What’s so funny, hyena?</em></span></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/70891062022-10-26T13:47:48-04:002022-10-26T13:47:48-04:00Need some positive energy? 😀<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/6622707b0d4953dbe703b315e4b4b84975456cd8/original/screen-shot-2022-10-25-at-7-31-55-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small">Artwork by Anni Betts from Breathe Like a Bear</span><br> </p>
<p>As I type this, I’m sipping hot broth to soothe my wicked head cold (‘tis the season, as they say). </p>
<p>Feeling under the weather, with the shorter days and chillier temperatures–it’s all making me feel a bit low-energy, and that might be the same for the little ones in your lives, too. When we feel like we’re dragging kids out of bed in the morning, struggling to get them to put shoes on and head out the door, or like they just have no motivation to focus on schoolwork…it makes it hard for everybody. </p>
<p>Here’s a quick and easy exercise that helps generate positive, focused energy by teaching little ones how to work with their breath. And…it’s called <a contents="Hot Soup" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-PoMasaqLM&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Need+some+positive+energy%3F+%F0%9F%98%80&utm_campaign=Newsletter+-+Main+List++-+WARM+10%2F26" target="_blank">Hot Soup</a>! 🥣 (You’ll never guess what made me think of it today. 😆)</p>
<p>Just listen and follow along with me <a contents="right here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-PoMasaqLM&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Need+some+positive+energy%3F+%F0%9F%98%80&utm_campaign=Newsletter+-+Main+List++-+WARM+10%2F26" target="_blank">right here</a>. (It’s also in my book, <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Need+some+positive+energy%3F+%F0%9F%98%80&utm_campaign=Newsletter+-+Main+List++-+WARM+10%2F26" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>.) </p>
<p>With its fun and kid-friendly concept, this quick exercise encourages a pattern of breathing sometimes called “breath of fire”–a long inhalation with short, repeated exhalations, which helps us focus our attention and wakes up our energy. It’s also said to help reduce stress, boost brain function, and improve respiratory health. </p>
<p>I hope you’ll give it a try. Wishing you good health and lots of positive energy! 💕</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/70752382022-09-20T14:00:00-04:002022-10-05T16:41:50-04:00A secret about mindfulness (that I’ll keep telling) 😉<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/8f1954e39fdbb7a62f59a2e47350803124feefd5/original/screen-shot-2022-10-05-at-4-39-33-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>For the first time in ages, I have a new guitar! It’s a Martin (if you know, you know) and I’m SO fired up about it.💥 </p>
<p>I forgot how inspiring it can be to have a sparkly new instrument–as soon as I got it home, I sat down and spent I don’t know how long playing it. </p>
<p>You know why I don’t know how long it was? Because I was completely, totally absorbed in what I was doing. 🎶</p>
<p>I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again (probably many times): mindfulness does not need to mean sitting still, especially with children. Anything that brings us out of distraction and focuses our attention on the “now” is a mindful activity. </p>
<p>This is why I incorporate music and rhythm into mindfulness with kids–because music is not only incredibly engaging and fun, but it’s also a powerful way to fire up and focus the brain, and bring our attention to what we’re doing in the present moment. </p>
<p>(It’s why I teach a “Ukulele 101” training inside my <a contents="Rockin’ Yoga membership" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.kirawilley.com/membership" target="_blank">Rockin’ Yoga membership</a>, to encourage teachers to give ukulele a try in their classrooms–and they’re crushing it.) </p>
<p>How can you incorporate music into your day with your children? How about a dance party in the kitchen, or a call-and-response rhythm game in the car? Or make up a special “Kindergarten Rocks!” song with your littles–they’ll love it! There are endless possibilities. And it will lift you all up, I know it will. ❤️</p>
<p>Let me know how it goes below–I’ll just be over here riffing on my new guitar! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/70751192022-09-13T13:00:00-04:002022-10-05T13:52:27-04:00Ready to let go of some of that stress? <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/2b7a38c2a125d5377fe2a6f4ff42bb9060befaf8/original/screen-shot-2022-10-05-at-1-49-18-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small">Artwork by Anni Betts from Breathe Like a Bear</span></p>
<p><br>Be honest–are you holding tension in your shoulders right this minute? </p>
<p>Stress from all the things: hectic schedules, financial pressures, scary world events, you name it–-lives in our bodies, and for many of us, the first place to tighten up is our necks and shoulders (even as I write this, I can feel that my own shoulders are super-tight). </p>
<p>The same is true for children. Now that school is back in session, many kids are spending long hours hunched over desks and laptops. Even very young children are spending more time on devices than ever before. </p>
<p>Simple, quick stretches (with long, deep breaths, of course) can work wonders to help children release unhealthful tension they might not even know they’re carrying around. </p>
<p>I’ve got you: you just need a little <a contents="Shoulder Squeeze" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv-szizO3MM" target="_blank">Shoulder Squeeze</a>. Here are two ways to try it: listen to my instructions <a contents="right here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv-szizO3MM" target="_blank">right here</a>, or grab your copy of <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>, where it’s written out.</p>
<p>Try it in your classroom, or at home. Maybe do it a few times a day: in the classroom, at the beginning of a new period, or before a test; at home, before homework or at mealtime. </p>
<p>Let me know how it goes!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/70561902022-09-08T19:09:03-04:002022-09-13T14:18:36-04:00A Simple (and fun) Way to Self-Awareness for Children<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/ac8074b3e391e773e0fdc0f1a909264da4add8b1/original/screen-shot-2022-09-05-at-8-51-07-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small"><em>Artwork by Anni Betts from Peaceful Like a Panda</em></span><br> </p>
<p>One of my favorite yoga teachers likes to say that movement is simply a vehicle for sensation in the body, and that that sensation is a tool for self-awareness.</p>
<p>The movement itself–in addition to its clear physical benefits, of course–helps us become aware of our bodies in space. Simple physical practices can lift us out of distraction (thinking about the future, or dwelling on the past) and into the present moment, and how we’re feeling in it. </p>
<p>This self-awareness is a key component (I’d actually say THE key component) to helping children self-regulate–it’s just not possible for them to manage and control their bodies without first being fully aware of them! </p>
<p>Here’s a favorite movement that young children get a real kick out of (you can do it right this minute too, go ahead smiley). It’s “Puppy Shake” from my book <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://One%20of%20my%20favorite%20yoga%20teachers%20likes%20to%20say%20that%20movement%20is%20simply%20a%20vehicle%20for%20sensation%20in%20the%20body,%20and%20that%20that%20sensation%20is%20a%20tool%20for%20self-awareness.%20(sparklies)%20%20%20The%20movement%20itself%E2%80%93in%20addition%20to%20its%20clear%20physical%20benefits,%20of%20course%E2%80%93helps%20us%20become%20aware%20of%20our%20bodies%20in%20space.%20Simple%20physical%20practices%20can%20lift%20us%20out%20of%20distraction%20(thinking%20about%20the%20future,%20or%20dwelling%20on%20the%20past)%20and%20into%20the%20present%20moment,%20and%20how%20we%E2%80%99re%20feeling%20in%20it.%20%20%20This%20self-awareness%20is%20a%20key%20component%20(I%E2%80%99d%20actually%20say%20THE%20key%20component)%20to%20helping%20children%20self-regulate%E2%80%93it%E2%80%99s%20just%20not%20possible%20for%20them%20to%20manage%20and%20control%20their%20bodies%20without%20first%20being%20fully%20aware%20of%20them!%20%20%20Here%E2%80%99s%20a%20favorite%20movement%20that%20young%20children%20get%20a%20real%20kick%20out%20of%20(you%20can%20do%20it%20right%20this%20minute%20too,%20go%20ahead%20smiley).%20It%E2%80%99s%20%E2%80%9CPuppy%20Shake%E2%80%9D%20from%20my%20book%20Peaceful%20Like%20a%20Panda:%20(link)%20%20%20KT%20write%20out%20Puppy%20Shake%20from%20Panda%20in%20italics,%20make%20it%20fun%20%20%20For%20a%20little%20extra,%20I%20have%20the%20PERFECT%20song%20to%20go%20with%20this:%20%E2%80%9CShake%20It,%E2%80%9D%20from%20my%20newest%20album%E2%80%93listen%20wherever%20you%20get%20your%20tunes!%20(KT%20link%20song%20title%20and%20%E2%80%9Cnewest%20album%E2%80%9D)" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>:</p>
<p><em>Imagine you're a puppy, and you just had a bath. </em></p>
<p><em>You're all wet! </em></p>
<p><em>Give your head and shoulders a tiny little shake.</em></p>
<p><em>Give your arms a medium shake.</em></p>
<p><em>Give your legs a big shake!</em></p>
<p><em>Give your whole body a HUGE shake!</em></p>
<p><em>Can you shake your tail?</em></p>
<p><em>Shake, shake, shake, little puppy!</em></p>
<p><em>Shake shake shake!</em></p>
<p><em>Start to slow down. </em></p>
<p><em>Slow down a little more. </em></p>
<p><em>Hold your body still.</em></p>
<p><em>Breathe in, and breathe out.</em></p>
<p>For a little extra, I have the PERFECT song to go with this: <a contents="“Shake It,” from my newest album" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://orcd.co/d1qa2r5" target="_blank">“Shake It,” from my newest album</a>–listen wherever you get your tunes! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/70492692022-08-30T11:15:39-04:002022-09-01T14:55:57-04:00Here’s a FUN way to help children focus 😀<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/c6852c39afdf7d93eb7009fb8b8695609976456d/original/screen-shot-2022-08-29-at-4-25-24-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><em><span class="font_small">Artwork by Anni Betts from Breathe Like a Bear </span></em><br> </p>
<p>The results are in from our survey of thousands of educators: the number one struggle in the classroom is engagement–getting and keeping students’ attention, and helping them listen and focus. (If you filled out the survey, thank you so much! We truly appreciate you taking the time.) </p>
<p>So. Here’s a really fun–and effective–way to practice focus. </p>
<p>Tongue twisters! 😜🌀✨ </p>
<p>Yes, I’m serious. </p>
<p>Take a deep breath, and try saying one of these ten times fast: “Irish wristwatch!” or “unique New York!” or the classic “toy boat!” 😂 </p>
<p>The fact is that as fun and funny as they can be, tongue twisters also require a great deal of focus, and they’re an excellent way to practice it. (As a bonus for younger children, they strengthen the muscles involved in speech.) </p>
<p>And when you add extra layers of challenge–great for older kids–like rhythm, movement, and balance, it’s just about impossible to think about anything else–you really have to concentrate. </p>
<p>You can repeat shorter tongue twisters a few times–start slowly of course, and then try to speed up and increase the amount of repetition. Or–and this is my favorite way to do it–choose a longer one like “Betty Botter,” break it up into chunks and do it call-and-response style, speeding up as you go. </p>
<p>Betty’s my favorite, I do it at nearly every <a contents="Rockin’ Yoga school assembly" data-link-label="Schools" data-link-type="page" href="/schools" target="_blank">Rockin’ Yoga school assembly</a>. It’s a huge hit and keeps hundreds of students totally engaged. I speed it up each time, and then challenge kids to do it while standing on one foot, or partner up and do “pattycake” or other hand motions to it. 😊😀</p>
<p>I hope you’ll give it a try! </p>
<p><em>Betty Botter bought some butter </em></p>
<p><em>but she said this butter’s bitter </em></p>
<p><em>if I put it in my batter, it will make my batter bitter </em></p>
<p><em>but a bit of better butter, that will make my batter better </em></p>
<p><em>so Betty Botter bought some butter better than the bitter butter </em></p>
<p><em>and she put it in her batter and her batter was not bitter!</em></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/70440542022-08-23T10:59:34-04:002022-08-23T10:59:35-04:00How to help children LISTEN 🐘<p style="text-align: center;"><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/655270af10f953d996c9ee7160124471b1938a2a/original/screen-shot-2022-08-22-at-5-15-20-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><span class="font_small"><em>Artwork by Anni Betts from Listen Like an Elephant</em></span><br> </p>
<p>Anyone else ever feel bewildered when your kids ask you a question that you’ve already answered three times? (“Um…I told you where the soccer ball/clean towel/vacuum was…were you not LISTENING?!”) </p>
<p>Listening is one of the most important skills kids need in order to be successful in school. The ability to follow the teacher’s lesson, follow directions, and really pay attention when friends are talking is at the root of success academically as well as socially. </p>
<p>The thing is, since listening is a skill, it needs to be practiced like any other. Luckily, there are plenty of super fun and kid-friendly ways to work on it with children–here are a few for you! </p>
<p>🐘 Read aloud - when children are interested in a story, they’ll hang on your every word when you read to them, sharpening their listening skills. </p>
<p>🐘 Rhythm games - Call and response-style: create a pattern of sounds using body percussion (claps, snaps, foot stomps, drumming on lap, etc). Children have to listen carefully in order to repeat the rhythm back. </p>
<p>🐘 Guess the sound - This is a fun one: fill plastic containers or easter eggs with random objects, have children shake them and guess what they are based on the sound. </p>
<p>🐘 The telephone game - A classic! Choose a phrase (the sillier the better, in my opinion) and whisper it to one child, have them whisper it to the next, and so on. Good listening helps it come out the other end somewhat like it started (or a hilarious version of it…).</p>
<p>🐘 A chime - The long sound of a chime (or you could pluck a guitar string, clink a glass with a metal spoon, anything where the sound lasts for a while) is an excellent focusing tool - ask children to listen until the sound disappears completely. </p>
<p>🐘 Freeze dance - Another classic: play any upbeat song, and when the music stops, freeze like statues. When kids are invested in this game, you better believe they’ll listen up! </p>
<p>🐘 Mindfulness - In my board book Listen Like an Elephant (part of our current Big Giveaway link - see below), children practice listening to sounds from left and right and from near and far with Elephant, who has REALLY big listening ears. 🐘</p>
<p>As a bonus, all of these listening exercises bring our attention into the present moment, the very definition of mindfulness. Give some of these a try with your students, or with your own little ones at home! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/70391192022-08-16T13:05:16-04:002022-08-16T13:05:16-04:00Come on in, the water’s fine 🌊<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/9ca1340e1b26b8133fc06785b90cd8b5c35f5e29/original/screen-shot-2022-08-15-at-1-22-08-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><span class="font_small"><em>Artwork by Anni Betts from Breathe Like a Bear</em></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you’ve been under a blanket of persistent, sticky late-summer heat, the thought of cool water probably sounds pretty great about now (especially if you’re landlocked like I am). But water is more than just relief from hot weather–it actually has a powerful physiological effect on our bodies. </p>
<p>Water triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s ‘rest and digest’ response; and helps lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Even the color blue is known to have a calming, relaxing effect. 💦</p>
<p>And as it turns out, simply imagining water or looking at pictures of it can have some of the same soothing effects–which is why I wrote this simple mindfulness exercise that works for all ages, no matter where you are. </p>
<p>Here’s “Waves on the Water” from my bestseller <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>: </p>
<p><em>Imagine you’re standing in front of a lake. </em></p>
<p><em>The water is flat and calm, like glass. </em></p>
<p><em>You have a stone in your hand, and you throw it in the water. </em></p>
<p><em>When it lands, it makes little waves on the water. </em></p>
<p><em>In your mind, watch the little waves as they go farther and farther out, getting smaller and smaller. </em></p>
<p><em>Watch the lake in your mind until it gets totally calm and flat again. </em></p>
<p><em>Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out.</em></p>
<p>Aaaahhh… 🌊</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/70334092022-08-09T07:00:00-04:002022-08-09T07:00:02-04:00How to make a positive message stick 💫<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/d9ab86eef04ed61be917f662f5b89cefe7305044/original/screen-shot-2022-08-08-at-4-02-58-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><em><span class="font_small">Art by Anni Betts from Peaceful Like a Panda</span></em><br> </p>
<p>I’ve talked about the power of positive affirmations before–how simple and fun they are to do with young children, and the <a contents="science" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilley.com/blogs/news/posts/the-power-of-positive-affirmations-for-kids?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=How+to+make+a+positive+message+stick+%F0%9F%92%AB&utm_campaign=8%2F9++Newsletter+-+Main+List" target="_blank">science</a> behind using them. </p>
<p>But hmmm….if only there was a way to reinforce this powerful effect even more? </p>
<p>Wait, I know. SING THEM! 🎶</p>
<p>I think we all know how I feel about the power of music. 😀 But don’t take my word for it–research has shown conclusively that attaching information to a melody makes it significantly easier to remember. For example, how did you learn your ABC’s? Maybe with the Alphabet Song, perhaps even before you could speak very well? </p>
<p>Helping children internalize information by using music works brilliantly (I’m pretty confident about this, I’ve basically built my career on it). 💫</p>
<p><a contents="“I am strong. I am smart. I am kind.”" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ba2_uGL1jc&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=How+to+make+a+positive+message+stick+%F0%9F%92%AB&utm_campaign=8%2F9++Newsletter+-+Main+List" target="_blank">“I am strong. I am smart. I am kind.”</a></p>
<p>These are the musical messages in the <a contents="new song" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ba2_uGL1jc&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=How+to+make+a+positive+message+stick+%F0%9F%92%AB&utm_campaign=8%2F9++Newsletter+-+Main+List" target="_blank">new song</a> I have for you today. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="8ba2_uGL1jc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/8ba2_uGL1jc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8ba2_uGL1jc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> </p>
<p>Imagine a world where children grow up internalizing these beliefs about themselves! </p>
<p>As we gear up to head back to school (um, how is this happening already?) children can use all of the positivity and self-confidence they can get. Encouraging self-belief and a positive, I-can-do-it attitude are powerful tools to give them. </p>
<p>Positive affirmations can reinforce that no matter what’s going on around us, we always have a choice around our mindset and our attitude! ✨</p>
<p><em>“<a contents="Strong, Smart, Kind" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ba2_uGL1jc&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=How+to+make+a+positive+message+stick+%F0%9F%92%AB&utm_campaign=8%2F9++Newsletter+-+Main+List" target="_blank">Strong, Smart, Kind</a>” is from my most recent album, <a contents="Songs for Peaceful Pandas Volume 1 " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://orcd.co/d1qa2r5" style="" target="_blank">Songs for Peaceful Pandas Volume 1</a> which is a companion to my book <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime/dp/0593179269/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=peaceful+like+a+panda&qid=1648576283&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>. </em></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/70285192022-08-02T07:00:00-04:002022-08-02T07:00:01-04:00The wrong time to try mindfulness 😳<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/faeebf3f07c7e09add139a52dbe854bbf4078446/original/screen-shot-2022-08-01-at-2-40-07-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small">Photo by Bruna Saito</span></p>
<p><br>If you’ve ever observed a first responder act calmly and efficiently during an emergency, you may have wondered: how are they able to remain so calm? </p>
<p>Because they practice their responses, over and over, BEFORE an emergency arises. </p>
<p>With children and mindfulness, it’s the same kind of thing. We can’t expect a child to learn how to take deep breaths and calm themselves down while they’re in the MIDDLE of a meltdown. They’re not neurologically able to get it together in that moment–the rational ship has sailed, as it were. </p>
<p>But if we’ve put in the time to consistently practice simple, kid-friendly mindfulness practices designed to soothe the body’s stress response–if we’ve made it a part of our regular routine, then that tool will be available to children when a stressful situation arises. Muscle memory will kick in and the body will know what to do, because it’s been rehearsed so many times before. </p>
<p>To make consistent practice simple, my Mindful Moments for Kids are super short–just 60 seconds long, to make them a no-brainer to fit into your day. Try one of my favorite calming ones, the classic Bear Breath, <a contents="right here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyAEJoAMtz8&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=The+wrong+time+to+try+mindfulness+%F0%9F%98%B3&utm_campaign=8%2F2++Newsletter+-+Main+List" target="_blank">right here</a>.</p>
<p>My youngest used to do <a contents="Bear Breath" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyAEJoAMtz8&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=The+wrong+time+to+try+mindfulness+%F0%9F%98%B3&utm_campaign=8%2F2++Newsletter+-+Main+List" target="_blank">Bear Breath</a> every night at bedtime, and it worked to calm him down like a charm! 🙌💫 </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/70238542022-07-26T10:00:15-04:002022-07-27T08:14:19-04:00More Singing Please!<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/4dedd28d16e6a45bc181fe6cd04ec78c0aa4ad18/original/img-7286.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small">Sign at Newport Folk Festival entrance</span><br> </p>
<p>I was reminded this weekend of the incredible, magical power of music. 🎶</p>
<p>At the Newport Folk Festival it was UNBELIEVABLY hot–some would say miserable–but it didn’t matter. Brilliantly talented artists brought people to their feet, beautiful performances moved audience members to tears, the crowd sang as one. </p>
<p>(AND I was so lucky to be there when one of my songwriting idols made a surprise appearance: Paul Simon–he finished with a solo Sound of Silence–I’m still recovering!) </p>
<p>You know that feeling: you’re at a concert, the band plays the hit song that everyone knows the words to, the whole place starts singing along, and all of a sudden you feel like you’re best friends with the people around you? </p>
<p>That’s oxytocin, the “love” hormone, being produced by our brains, which are wired to connect with other humans. It’s a powerful physiological effect which creates a feeling of bonding and trust with those around us. 💕</p>
<p>I’ve used group singing throughout my career to bring people together, and you can too. With children, it can be as simple as a singalong (don’t overthink it–they don’t care how perfectly you sing). My <a contents="Kindness Mantra " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe16MupkgYQ" style="" target="_blank">Kindness Mantra</a> is an easy one to try, with simple lyrics, and you can even do it as a call and response. </p>
<p>Plus, we can’t exactly have too much kindness these days. 😀 </p>
<p>I used <a contents="Kindness Mantra" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe16MupkgYQ" target="_blank">Kindness Mantra</a> song during a training I led at the National Kids Yoga Conference, and ended up recording the group–you’ll hear the trainees’ beautiful voices in this song! 🎶</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/70172322022-07-19T07:00:00-04:002023-12-10T13:09:45-05:00A song to teach five finger breath <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/c4430d6676a929b900f0ff36f1efc18c770b9a92/original/starfish-color.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small">Art by Anni Betts from Peaceful Like a Panda </span><br> </p>
<p>One of my favorite mindfulness exercises to teach young children is tracing each finger up and down, taking a long deep breath in and out each time. Some educators call it Five-Finger Breath, I call it Starfish (it’s in my book, <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime/dp/0593179269/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=peaceful+like+a+panda&qid=1648576283&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>).</p>
<p>Starfish is more engaging than just sitting still and breathing, as it incorporates several of your senses at the same time. You’re doing a fine motor activity while paying attention to the breath, which requires awareness of multiple senses (seeing and feeling), in addition to an awareness of multiple locations in your body (your fingers, your hands, and your breath flowing in and out). </p>
<p>This focus brings us completely into the present moment–the very definition of mindfulness–and the five long, deep breaths (ten if you do both hands!) have a significant calming effect on the nervous system. </p>
<p>I’ve wanted to write a song to teach this exercise for a long time, and it’s finally here: “<a contents="Peaceful and Calm" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLZ5jXR0uHk" target="_blank">Peaceful and Calm</a>,” from my new album, <a contents="Songs for Peaceful Pandas Volume 1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://orcd.co/d1qa2r5" target="_blank">Songs for Peaceful Pandas Volume 1</a>. </p>
<p>Introduce this simple exercise to your child <a contents="right here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLZ5jXR0uHk" target="_blank">right here</a>! (And make sure you do it too.) 😉</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/70124312022-07-12T07:00:00-04:002022-07-12T07:00:02-04:00Do you make this assumption too?<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/43d7c88825a8d47504b5cfaf53247fd25268d15d/original/mrut3utg.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small">Photo by Hilary Murphy</span><br> </p>
<p>I often encounter people who seem to think that mindfulness is a “grownup” thing. That it’s too “serious,” or too abstract a concept to teach to children. </p>
<p>I’m sure you can guess what my response is. 😊 And it always includes one of the most relevant reasons to teach simple mindfulness to children when they’re young: </p>
<p>Children learn faster than adults. Like, WAY faster. </p>
<p>Our brains develop and change throughout our lives, but as author and mindfulness expert David Gelles says: “Connections in the prefrontal circuits are created at their fastest rate during childhood. </p>
<p>Mindfulness, which promotes skills that are controlled in the prefrontal cortex, like focus and cognitive control, can therefore have a particular impact on the development of skills including self-regulation, judgment and patience during childhood.” </p>
<p>So basically, mindfulness helps children manage their own behavior and emotions, and cultivate the ability to pause and make considered choices. Anyone else think that’s a pretty good idea to teach kids when they’re young? </p>
<p>Given the crazy world they’re going to inherit, I think you’d agree with me that we should give young children every advantage, every skill that will serve them, every healthy coping mechanism we possibly can. ✨</p>
<p>Here’s a super-simple mindfulness exercise that helps self-regulation: “<a contents="Count to Five" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9G30Kt7joc" target="_blank">Count to Five</a>.”<br>Try it with your children, or on your own! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/70086822022-07-06T12:45:32-04:002022-07-06T12:45:32-04:00It doesn’t have to be deep breaths all the time 😀<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/bd3681664a6a40d66e5fa4aa768cfa7031767015/original/imagej0.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small">Artwork by Anni Betts from Breathe Like a Bear</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>“Take a deep breath in, and let the air all the way out.” </p>
<p>I say this an awful lot. 😂 </p>
<p>And for good reason, of course–taking long, deep breaths is one of the quickest and simplest ways, proven by study after study, to calm our children (and ourselves) down. </p>
<p>But what if we could mix it up a bit? With the same positive results? </p>
<p>The vagus nerve, which essentially connects the brainstem to the body, has the ability to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to relax and calm us, basically telling our brains that all is well. And what activates that vagus nerve? Well, long, deep breaths of course, but also: vocalizing–i.e., making sound, because your larynx (your “voice box”) is connected to the vagus nerve as well. </p>
<p>Any kind of vocalization works, humming, singing, or chanting, for example. For young children here’s a super fun and engaging way: <a contents="imagining you’re a buzzy, fuzzy bumblebee" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8909QiMoF_0" target="_blank">imagining you’re a buzzy, fuzzy bumblebee</a>! 🐝✨</p>
<p>Try the simple exercise “<a contents="Be A Bumblebee" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8909QiMoF_0" target="_blank">Be A Bumblebee</a>,” from <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a> with your little ones–it combines long, deep inhalations with fun and energetic buzzing on the exhales.</p>
<p>Bonus: we sneak some healthy movement in here too, as we flap our wings up and down and all around! Listen and follow along <a contents="right here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8909QiMoF_0" target="_blank">right here</a>. 🧘🏽🐝</p>
<p>I’d love to hear how you like this one–comment below and let me know! ✨</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/69888162022-06-07T15:59:29-04:002022-06-07T15:59:29-04:00Don’t forget this in your summer plans! ☀️<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/2eee7d99df8e4bb49568bb698dafa49c419502f2/original/285942734-10227452996620576-8040275132009027175-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>I just led a “Uke 101” training inside my membership, and we had a blast. I taught the basics of playing the ukulele to a group of wonderful educators, many of whom had never picked up an instrument before, but who have the strong desire to bring music to the children they work with. </p>
<p>Not only did these members have a ton of fun learning how to play a few chords and some simple songs (including a few tunes of mine), but you know what else they did? </p>
<p>Rewired their brains. </p>
<p>Literally–they formed new neural connections, helping their brains stay agile and healthy. </p>
<p>Learning, practicing or even listening to live music have incredibly beneficial effects. And for children, whose brains are rapidly developing, it’s even more so. Music enhances brain function in children, from speech development to pattern recognition to spatial intelligence, and the list goes on.</p>
<p>That’s why it’s a part of everything I do with children (also: it’s FUN). </p>
<p>What’s more, making music in a group (like, say, in your kids’ yoga class, summer camp, or with your family in the kitchen) improves children’s social and emotional skills, helps them learn to work together as a team, and develops their sense of empathy. Studies have also shown that when children play music together, it helps them better tune into other people’s emotions. </p>
<p>So as you’re making your summer plans (and maybe you’re not quite there yet–we’re limping across the finish line here in my house, with three more school days to go 🙄), include music where you can. Whether you’re teaching or at home with your own children, seek out concerts, put music on at dinnertime, and create it on your own wherever you can (banging on pots and pans totally counts)! 🎶</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/69888362022-05-31T08:00:00-04:002022-06-07T16:01:27-04:00Are you ready for a break? ☀️<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/b428fdab68db7829340c3ddfa7ebe2be8565e9b7/original/screen-shot-2022-05-31-at-8-50-38-am.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>I hope you were able to take good care of yourself this past weekend. It finally feels like summer’s around the corner, and for those of us working in schools, or with school-age children, we’re ALMOST there! 😀 </p>
<p>I don’t know about you, but it feels to me like everyone’s ready for a rest. To lie in the grass and just stare at the clouds, or maybe float up toward them in a bright, beautiful hot air balloon… </p>
<p>Here’s a dreamy new song for you and your children –”Up in the Air,” from my newest album, Peaceful Like a Panda Volume 1. I wrote it to go with my quick and fun mindfulness exercise, Hot Air Balloon: </p>
<p><em>Let’s go on a hot-air balloon ride! </em></p>
<p><em>You can take your balloon anywhere you want. </em></p>
<p><em>Take quick, short breaths in through your nose: sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff. </em></p>
<p><em>As you breathe in, lift your arms out to the sides and up toward the sky. </em></p>
<p><em>You’re filling up your balloon with air so it can fly. </em></p>
<p><em>Breathe out slowly. Bring your arms back down. </em></p>
<p><em>Do it again! </em></p>
<p><em>Take short, quick breaths in through your nose: sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff. </em></p>
<p><em>Lift your arms out and up. </em></p>
<p><em>Breathe out. Bring your arms back down. </em></p>
<p><em>Do it again, as many times as you want. </em></p>
<p><em>It’s time for an adventure! </em></p>
<p>I hope you enjoy, and feel free to share! ☀️</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/69784392022-05-24T09:37:08-04:002022-05-24T09:37:08-04:00The FIRST thing to do when a child is melting down<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/f844642651cd508403149ac4fe4f3d7ceccaf3e7/original/screen-shot-2022-05-23-at-12-25-26-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small">Photo by Hilary Murphy</span></p>
<p><br>We’ve all been there: a young student (or your own child!) starts to melt down. Their Big Feelings come up, the volume goes up, our heart rates go up…it’s upsetting and disruptive, and we want it to stop. Like, now. </p>
<p>What’s the first thing we need to do? </p>
<p>Calm ourselves. ✨</p>
<p>I recently had the opportunity to hear author, psychotherapist and trauma expert Lisa Danylchuk speak (she was a guest presenter inside my <a contents="Rockin’ Yoga membership" data-link-label="Membership" data-link-type="page" href="/membership" target="_blank">Rockin’ Yoga membership</a>).</p>
<p>During her powerful presentation, focused on teaching children from a trauma-informed perspective, she emphasized that our highest priority when a child is dysregulated (i.e. melting down) is to make sure that WE are addressing it from a grounded, centered place. </p>
<p>Our impulse is often to immediately “help,” to fix, to make it better–or to just plain make it stop. Totally normal and understandable. But we can’t really help when we’re struggling to keep it together ourselves. </p>
<p>(And if we fly off the handle? That’s just going to make it worse. This sends a signal to children that we’re having a hard time handling their big feelings, and makes them feel even more unsteady.) </p>
<p><a contents="Here’s a very quick (one minute!) exercise" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVHHi0vTCS4" style="" target="_blank">Here’s a very quick (one minute!) exercise</a> that you–without or without children–can do to calm and ground yourself in the present moment. “<a contents="Where is Your Breath" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVHHi0vTCS4" target="_blank">Where is Your Breath</a>,” from <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a> can be done anytime, anywhere–it’ll help you be ready for whatever comes. </p>
<p>Cheers, </p>
<p>Kira</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/69730342022-05-17T09:25:38-04:002022-05-17T09:25:38-04:00This makes my head want to explode<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/9c4dc25455168b4375e0361ed98ffa1a52c64c82/original/pexels-bulat-khamitov-5704232.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>On top of the Things That Make Me Crazy list: withholding recess and movement from children as a form of “discipline.” </p>
<p>HOW is this still happening? </p>
<p>“On any given day, an untold number of children in elementary schools nationwide have all or part of their recess revoked for infractions such as failing to finish their work, talking out of turn or not following directions. </p>
<p>The long-standing and common punishment in schools occurs even though the practice flies in the face of considerable research supporting the importance of free play for young children.” - Jackie Mader, “<a contents="Is Recess a Right or a Privilege?" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://hechingerreport.org/is-recess-a-right-or-a-privilege/?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=MindShift%20Newsletter&mc_key=00Q1Y00001xHRpWUAW">Is Recess a Right or a Privilege?</a>”</p>
<p>Can you hear me yelling from my office as I write this? </p>
<p>Don’t educators who are putting this into practice–who supposedly have at least some expertise in child development–know that a child who’s acting out, with frequent outbursts or the wiggles or similar behavior, is most likely dysregulated? And what might dysregulated children need more than anything, to get their bodies back under control? THEY NEED TO MOVE. </p>
<p>What can you and I do about it? Well, make sure it’s not happening in your school, for one. Share articles like <a contents="this one" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/131/1/183/30893/The-Crucial-Role-of-Recess-in-School">this one</a> or <a contents="this one" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/05/why-young-kids-learn-through-movement/483408/">this one</a> with your teachers and administrators. Push back strongly if and when it happens to your child (it’s happened plenty to mine). </p>
<p>Here’s one more quote from the article: </p>
<p>“Extensive research shows why recess is beneficial: Children are more attentive and productive and perform better cognitively after recess. </p>
<p>Time for free play helps kids develop social skills, communication skills and coping skills like perseverance, stress management and self-control.”</p>
<p>So naturally, let’s take that recess away, and expect children’s behavior to…improve…? (Sorry for the sarcasm–but this is one topic that gets me seriously fired up.) </p>
<p>Has this happened at your school, or to your child? Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear what you think! </p>
<p>Cheers, </p>
<p>Kira </p>
<p>PS - Music is a great way to encourage movement–and my new song, “<a contents="Wake Up!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuS89haBhSc" style="">Wake Up!</a>” will get little ones clapping, bouncing, and wiggling! It’s based on the exercise “Wake-Up Wiggle” from my children’s mindfulness book, <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime/dp/0593179269/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=peaceful+like+a+panda&qid=1648576283&sr=8-1">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>–listen <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuS89haBhSc">here</a>.</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/69676952022-05-10T10:14:06-04:002022-05-10T10:14:06-04:00The most important social-emotional skill for children ⭐<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/2f4c80bcd4e0bee6c5124d8b16221c7a8f06b464/original/screen-shot-2022-05-09-at-10-42-47-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>How are your children? </p>
<p>Whether we’re talking about your own little ones or students you work with, I’m going to guess you’ve observed at least one not-so-great effect of the past two (crazy) years. </p>
<p>In a 2020 survey of 1,000 parents around the country facilitated by Children’s Hospital of Chicago, 71% of parents said the pandemic had taken a toll on their child’s mental health, and 69% said the pandemic was the worst thing to happen to their child. </p>
<p>Wow. </p>
<p>Add to this the fact that mental health resources can be extremely hard to find for young people: only 4,000 out of more than 100,000 U.S. clinical psychologists are child and adolescent clinicians.</p>
<p>It’s mental health awareness month, and it’s got me thinking about prevention–about equipping our young children with the tools to take care of themselves and to cope with stress and anxiety before it becomes a serious problem. </p>
<p>Helping children take care of themselves begins with self-awareness–teaching children to check in, to “look inside,” so they can understand what they need. It’s the first step, or the “foundation of the house,” as I call it, when it comes to social-emotional skills–which is why I weave lessons in self-awareness into all of my songs, classes, and mindfulness books. </p>
<p>On my new album, <a contents="Songs for Peaceful Pandas Volume 1" data-link-label="PeacefulPandas" data-link-type="page" href="/peacefulpandas">Songs for Peaceful Pandas Volume 1</a>, I have a number of songs that help teach self-awareness, including <a contents="How’s the Weather" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/YmCnI0P0d98" style="" target="_blank">How’s the Weather</a>, <a contents="I Can Rest" data-link-label="PeacefulPandas" data-link-type="page" href="/peacefulpandas" style="">I Can Rest</a>, and <a contents="Wise Like an Owl" data-link-label="PeacefulPandas" data-link-type="page" href="/peacefulpandas">Wise Like an Owl</a>. You can listen and share with your children <a contents="right here" data-link-label="PeacefulPandas" data-link-type="page" href="/peacefulpandas">right here</a>.</p>
<p>Stress is inevitable in life, but giving children tools and practices to help cope with it is very much up to us. 💕 </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/69625282022-05-03T10:47:07-04:002022-05-03T10:47:07-04:00The most important job in the world ⭐<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/bd11598fd9eb7b1bf2602898ed45f97dac4aabd0/original/92hutos0.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small">Photo by Hilary Murphy</span></p>
<p><br>The most important job in the world? </p>
<p>Teaching. No question in my mind. 💫 </p>
<p>Teachers are literally spending all the hours with all the children who will (soon) grow up to inherit all the craziness going on in the world. In most, if not all cases, teachers are undervalued, underpaid, and under-resourced. </p>
<p>Are you hoping, like I am, that today’s children will grow to be kind, considerate, caring citizens of the world? Then you know what we need to do? </p>
<p>SUPPORT THE TEACHERS. </p>
<p>Many, many teachers dig into their own pockets to pay for extra supplies, give their students all kinds of support beyond academic, and don’t know what “off the clock” even means. They also pivoted in unbelievable ways these past two years, many while parenting the whole dang time. </p>
<p>Let’s do them a favor this Teacher Appreciation Week and NOT buy them a candle or a knickknack or a doodad for their desk. </p>
<p>Let’s ask them what they need. </p>
<p>Many teachers have wish lists online for classroom supplies that their schools won’t or can’t provide. Lots of them would prefer we “pass the hat” among families and just give them cash. Let’s not guess or assume–we might be surprised at what they actually, really want. </p>
<p>Ask. It’s the best way we can show our support! </p>
<p>Teachers: I’m grateful for YOU. 💕 </p>
<p>(Want to make a teacher’s job easier? Share some of my <a contents="free children’s mindfulness resources" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRME-0DMhy9yHx6Gmg1Xs-uQEYQlRQ5kK&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=The+most+important+job+in+the+world+%E2%AD%90&utm_campaign=5%2F3+Newsletter+-+Main+List" target="_blank">free children’s mindfulness resources</a>, designed to help their young students release anxiety, focus their attention, and calm themselves down. These are simple, fun audio exercises, they just need to press play!)</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/69598542022-04-29T11:14:38-04:002022-04-29T11:14:38-04:00NEW ALBUM RELEASE DAY! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/73e65247cfdf521c2fae15564598cfbf33232b97/original/rlbv-nzw.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>The only thing I like better than making music is sending it out into the world for you and the children in your lives. It makes me HAPPY. 💫 </p>
<p>It’s release day for my sixth children’s album: <a contents="Songs for Peaceful Pandas, Volume 1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://orcd.co/d1qa2r5" target="_blank">Songs for Peaceful Pandas, Volume 1</a>!</p>
<p>This is the first of two albums that complement my children’s mindfulness book <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime/dp/0593179269/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=peaceful+like+a+panda&qid=1648576283&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>.</p>
<p>EVERY song in this new collection has a corresponding mindfulness exercise in the book! ✨</p>
<p>These sweet and sunny tunes have themes of self-awareness and empowerment, and will encourage young children to tune in to themselves, engage their senses, and move their bodies. The whole collection is energetic and uplifting, with tons of rich harmonies and a catchy, indie-pop vibe, thanks to amazing producer Dave Padrutt. </p>
<p>My faves from this fun bunch of songs: </p>
<p>🎶 Strong, Smart, Kind - all about kid power, perfect with the “I Am Smart” affirmation exercise from the book </p>
<p>🎶 Up In the Air - dreamy and magical, to go with “Hot Air Balloon” breath </p>
<p>🎶 Shake It - with “Puppy Shake,” this combo is guaranteed to get the ya-yas out! </p>
<p>🎶 Peaceful and Calm - a sweet and musical way to teach “Starfish,” or five-finger breath </p>
<p>🎶 I Am Here, It Is Now - a sing-along reminder to make today your favorite day </p>
<p>This songs-and-book combo is your new best friend…it’s the perfect pairing to help focus and calm children in a super fun and mindful way! ✨</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/69573022022-04-26T13:22:13-04:002022-04-26T13:22:13-04:00The most important habit we can teach children<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/c235bbee4fb784a2538ed67825a10034c1e3b567/original/dx-ls1mq.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>“Self-care” has become quite the buzzword in recent years, and I confess that I used to be one of those who scoffed a bit at it…”I’m too busy. I don’t have time to REST!” etc…😂 </p>
<p>Well, I’m fully on board the self-care train now. I finally learned that the best way (in fact, the only way) to be productive, creative, and helpful to others is to take care of ourselves well first. </p>
<p>Imagine if children were to learn the importance of this at an early age! </p>
<p>Teaching children about self-care helps them cultivate positive habits, encourages them to prioritize their mental and physical health, and allows their minds and bodies to operate at their best. </p>
<p>And establishing healthy habits when kids feel calm and regulated–BEFORE they get stressed and upset–will help them learn how to cope with stressful situations in the future, not to mention minimize their risk of developing anxiety and depression. </p>
<p>There are tons of ways we can encourage our children and students to develop this critical skill, including helping them develop self-awareness, planning ahead for stressful circumstances, and helping them find what lights them up with joy. </p>
<p>But self-care can also be as simple as a quick pause to stretch and release tension we’re holding in our bodies. </p>
<p>Try “<a contents="Shoulder Squeeze" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv-szizO3MM" target="_blank">Shoulder Squeeze</a>,” from my Mindful Moments for Kids collection, with your children. It’s a simple and fun way to release tension in the shoulders and neck, where many of us carry it around. </p>
<p>Take care of yourself! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/69515872022-04-19T10:04:30-04:002022-04-19T10:04:30-04:00Listening to the Earth<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/f1c65f1ed21f821eba4c9bcb9995d3ca440b2b23/original/screen-shot-2022-04-18-at-6-13-34-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small">Art by Anni Betts from Breathe Like a Bear</span></p>
<p><br>It’s Earth Day this week! And as it’s really starting to warm up where I live, I’m all about spending as much time as I can outside, and trying to make sense of my overgrown jungle garden. 😂 </p>
<p>I love the sounds of the birds and the buzzing of bees, but it’s impossible not to notice that it’s a real challenge at times to hear the sounds of nature. We humans are NOISY! </p>
<p>It’s a great exercise in mindfulness for children (and for us) to head out the door, hold still, and listen. What’s the farthest-away sound you can hear? What do you hear close by? What sounds are from the natural world, and which ones are man-made? </p>
<p>Getting outside and feeling connected to the earth is incredibly important for children’s health, with the added benefit of encouraging them to be better stewards of our planet. This is what inspired my new tune, <a contents="Song of the Earth" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/_v3YWUSZ850" target="_blank">Song of the Earth</a>.</p>
<p><em>“The whoosh of the wind, the song of the crickets </em></p>
<p><em>the patter of rain in the trees… </em></p>
<p><em>the crunch of new snow, the bubbly river </em></p>
<p><em>the crash of the waves in the ocean.. </em></p>
<p><em>Just head outside to hear what you’re missing </em></p>
<p><em>there’s a symphony playing, if only we listen </em></p>
<p><em>when we get quiet, then we can hear it </em></p>
<p><em>the song of the earth” </em></p>
<p>Song of the Earth is from my upcoming album, <a contents="Songs for Peaceful Pandas Volume 1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://orcd.co/d1qa2r5" target="_blank">Songs for Peaceful Pandas Volume 1</a> (release date April 29; you can <a contents="pre-order it" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://orcd.co/d1qa2r5" target="_blank">pre-order it</a> right this minute!).</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/69481902022-04-14T11:04:19-04:002023-12-10T13:09:35-05:00Shine Like the Sun (new single out now!) <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/e44e913b02ab9c3be5975cc6921ef9b72ec49141/original/screen-shot-2022-04-11-at-2-49-21-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small">Art by Anni Betts</span></p>
<p>My new song, <a contents="Shine Like the Sun" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://orcd.co/8omaajk" target="_blank">Shine Like the Sun</a>, is out now! It’s from my upcoming album, <a contents="Songs for Peaceful Pandas, Volume 1." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/us/album/songs-for-peaceful-pandas-vol-1/1612368477">Songs for </a><a contents="Peaceful Pandas, Volume 1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/us/album/songs-for-peaceful-pandas-vol-1/1612368477" style="" target="_blank">Peaceful Pandas, Volume 1</a><a contents="Songs for Peaceful Pandas, Volume 1." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/us/album/songs-for-peaceful-pandas-vol-1/1612368477">.</a> ☀️🎶</p>
<p>This <a contents="new album " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/us/album/songs-for-peaceful-pandas-vol-1/1612368477" target="_blank">new album</a> is the first of two musical collections that complement my children’s mindfulness book <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime/dp/0593179269/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=peaceful+like+a+panda&qid=1648576283&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>, which has 30 simple, fun activities to help young ones let go of stress and focus their energy. </p>
<p>Shine Like The Sun beams with rich harmonies, a sweet children’s chorus, and a catchy, uptempo, indie-pop production. I wrote it to go with Sun Breath, a joyful mindfulness exercise from the book. ☀️☀️☀️ </p>
<p>It’s a sweet and sunny combo to help children shine their beautiful light out to the world! <br> <br><a contents="Get the new tune here, right this minute! " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://orcd.co/8omaajk" style="" target="_blank">Get the new tune here, right this minute!</a> ☀️💫</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/69515652022-04-05T10:00:00-04:002022-04-19T09:50:48-04:00MUSIC & MOVEMENT FOR THE WIN <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/11097bbde63a3a36781686bc6f9fa48c53943c03/original/img-2315.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>Last week, for the first time in more than TWO YEARS, my band and I got to go back into a big ol’ elementary school gym and rock out with hundreds of children. (Good news - we remembered how to do it! 😂) </p>
<p>And we came back with a bang: in the space of three and a half hours, we did four <a contents="Rockin’ Yoga shows" data-link-label="Schools" data-link-type="page" href="/schools" target="_blank">Rockin’ Yoga shows</a> for 725 children. It was a blast! </p>
<p>The mix of kindergarteners, first and second graders were so incredibly happy to move their bodies, sing and dance, and clap along with our rhythm games. We went on jet planes and roller coaster rides, and took long, deep breaths like hibernating bears. 🐻🐻🐻 </p>
<p>Many teachers commented to us that they were amazed at how engaged the children were–and that’s music & movement for ya! It's an incredibly powerful and beneficial combination for young children. </p>
<p>I hope you’re finding some time to sing, move, and dance where you are too! ☀️💕</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/69344592022-03-29T08:00:00-04:002022-04-14T10:47:10-04:00HOW TO HANDLE THAT SASS <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/d8a127acbc5cfa3bdff5ad40069535ada7a02184/original/screen-shot-2022-03-28-at-6-22-55-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>Nothing pushes my buttons more than my kids behaving disrespectfully. Luckily they’re older now, and they generally have their act together (at least most of the time). 😀 But with young children, backtalk and similar behavior can be a real challenge. It’s helpful for us as parents and teachers to take a deep breath, and consider what’s underneath that sass. </p>
<p>The most common reason is that children are dysregulated–meaning they’re in a state, as with a tantrum, where they’re not able to manage their behavior and emotions. Or, they might not be getting their needs met, and they don’t know how to ask. They also could be testing limits. </p>
<p>And finally: they could be COPYING ADULTS. Ahem. </p>
<p>So what to do? Here are a few ideas:</p>
<p>🍃 Consider what’s age-appropriate. The younger the child, the less likely it’s intentional–being respectful requires focus, which is a work in progress for young ones. </p>
<p>🍃 Give them the right words to use to get their needs met. Practice situations with them before things go south. </p>
<p>🍃 Do your darndest to not take it personally (a tough one I know). An unfortunate dynamic that can happen is that a “disrespectful” child can bring out not-so-great behavior in a grownup. </p>
<p>🍃 Praise respectful behavior. Recognize children when they demonstrate kindness, good manners, and empathy for others. </p>
<p>🍃 Teach children, and remind them often, that disagreement can occur without disrespect. </p>
<p>My <a contents="Namaste Song" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E70pNrQt0k" target="_blank">Namaste Song</a> can help teach the idea of respect with its soothing melody and simple, straightforward lyrics: “I honor you, as you honor me.” 🎶 Listen to it <a contents="right here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E70pNrQt0k" target="_blank">right here</a>!</p>
<p>How do you help children learn to be respectful? Let me know in the comments! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/68938392022-02-10T09:08:50-05:002022-02-10T09:08:50-05:00Listen to my interview on The Kids Yoga Podcast!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/8e2e43a56fe516d7fef770c91a20fa14ff355002/original/image0-1.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Host Jessica Mougis of The Kids Yoga Podcast posted this shot as a promo for our episode which is live today…how serious I was! (and just look at that nice, relaxed bow hold - musician/nerds you get me.) </p>
<p>Jessica and I had a wonderful conversation about how neither of us fell in love with yoga right away, what should be essential learning in schools, and why teachers shouldn’t talk so much. 😊</p>
<p>Listen to the interview <a contents="right here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thekidsyogapodcast.com/podcast/episode/2723226b/101-the-power-of-music-with-kira-willey" target="_blank">right here</a>. </p>
<p><a contents="The Kids Yoga Podcast" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thekidsyogapodcast.com/" target="_blank">The Kids Yoga Podcast</a> has tons of amazing guests and value-packed episodes, be sure to check it out!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/68914062022-02-08T08:30:00-05:002022-03-16T05:17:31-04:00How “special occasions” can affect children<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/79802d3e09e072bb759836a07c993c8d6c61df35/original/screen-shot-2022-02-07-at-12-48-59-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>This beautiful hand-lettering by Anni Betts has me thinking about how love is woven throughout all of our lives, all the time, even if we don’t always feel it. Do we really need a holiday for it? </p>
<p>I don’t know the answer, it’s just on my mind. To me, it sometimes feels like Valentine’s Day is more about buying the right card or flowers than anything else. </p>
<p>If it feels this way to me, what might it feel like to children? 💕</p>
<p>As we navigate Valentine’s Day and beyond, let’s keep in mind that holidays–and other ”special” occasions–can be fraught for many young children: the child who’s feeling social anxiety around the Valentine exchanges at school, or is terribly overstimulated by the classroom party with all the sugary treats. Or, the child who simply isn’t feeling the love at home that everybody’s talking about at this time of year. </p>
<p>Simplifying spaces, quieting rooms, taking slow, deep breaths–all can be helpful and comforting here, both for little ones and for you. Let’s lead with love for all our children, today and every day–and the rest will fall into place. 💕</p>
<p> </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/68853932022-02-01T10:18:41-05:002022-03-22T03:06:46-04:00Why you need to stop <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/ae075875f97d6d1a439d05e4fb43f8639ca38cb7/original/yn5a3863.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small">Photo by Hilary Murphy</span></p>
<p>Well that went fast. Where did January go exactly? If you’re feeling like time is going a mile a minute, you're not alone. And while the temptation is to move faster, to do more to get it all in, the best thing to do is actually the opposite. </p>
<p>Stop. </p>
<p>For real. Lift your head up, look around, notice where you are. Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out. What do you see? Take another breath in, and let it out. What can you hear? Try a few more deep breaths in and out. How do you feel? </p>
<p>This is mindfulness. As simple as that. </p>
<p>Practicing simple mindfulness on a consistent basis (and yes, it can be very quick) can help us feel present, like we’re a part of the moment we’re actually in, instead of dwelling on the past or planning/worrying about the future (which we all do). </p>
<p>One of the most effective ways to bring yourself into the present moment is deliberately engaging your senses. Listening exercises in particular are short and fun, and work beautifully with children. </p>
<p>Here’s a short, simple <a contents="mindful listening activity" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ej0SoqyEeU" target="_blank">mindful listening activity</a> to try with your students or your own kids. Focusing our attention on sound brings our awareness to what’s happening right now–which helps soften that feeling of time rushing by!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/68725152022-01-18T08:35:21-05:002022-01-18T08:35:21-05:00Turns out I was right about this 😊<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/9c7cc787d816e1b602f94abc35bd46860107ab3a/original/img-3601.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small"><em>Photo by Hilary Murphy</em></span></p>
<p>One of my favorite calming breath exercises to teach children is Starfish: with our fingers spread out wide, we trace each finger up and down, breathing as we go. I tell kids that it only takes a few long, deep breaths to send our bodies and brains the message that everything’s ok, that it’s safe to calm ourselves down. </p>
<p>All of my mindfulness exercises, including Starfish, are based on a large body of research on the physiology of deep breathing (in addition to the fact that I’ve seen it work time and time again). But that body of research overwhelmingly looked at adults. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/86b4439b5e4ec180aa86c2bcd097ec7ba464fcf9/original/5mdjkuoq.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><em><span class="font_small">Artwork by Anni Betts from Peaceful Like a Panda</span></em></p>
<p>A just-published <a contents="study" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_four_deep_breaths_can_help_kids_calm_down?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Turns+out+I+was+right+about+this+%E2%98%BA%EF%B8%8F&utm_campaign=1%2F17%2F22+-+starfish" target="_blank">study</a>, the first of its kind involving young children, now provides concrete evidence for what I’ve taught all along. Researchers used a visual guide to encourage children to take about four long, deep breaths in the span of just under a minute. </p>
<p>The findings were remarkable–notably, a significant decrease in the children’s heart rates. The main takeaway, from the lead researcher: "The fact that children of this age can downregulate their stress physiology–even when they’re relatively calm–offers promise that the technique will be even more effective when they’re frustrated or upset." </p>
<p>Yes! Isn’t this exactly what we’re working toward - helping children practice this skill consistently, so it’s there for them when they really need it? </p>
<p>And it took about one minute. (Guess how long each of my Mindful Moments for Kids audio exercises is? And how long the mindfulness activities in my books are designed to take? You guessed it.) 😊</p>
<p>So now that you know how quick an effective mindfulness practice can be, how can you get started with your kids or students today? </p>
<p>(A few ideas: listen to <a contents="Mindful Moments for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilley.com/mindful-moments-for-kids" target="_blank">Mindful Moments for Kids</a>, watch my free <a contents="Zen Sessions for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcIoqDshVxY" target="_blank">Zen Sessions for Kids</a> series, or try any of my <a contents="children’s mindfulness books" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime/dp/0593179269/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" target="_blank">children’s mindfulness books</a>!)</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/68646802022-01-11T07:00:00-05:002023-12-10T11:59:36-05:00NEW ALBUM COMING SOON!<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/73e65247cfdf521c2fae15564598cfbf33232b97/original/rlbv-nzw.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small">Artwork by Anni Betts</span></p>
<p>Young children learn with their bodies. Yes, for some, being told information as they sit at a desk is effective, but for most? They learn in many different ways; they need to use all of their senses, and really “feel” the lesson for it to stick. </p>
<p>Music and movement are some of the most powerful ways kids can learn. Feeling rhythm in their bodies, and moving to a tune, is incredibly impactful for them. And attaching information to a melody makes it easily memorable for kids (not to mention FUN). </p>
<p>My children’s mindfulness book <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime-ebook/dp/B08B5F5X9V" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a> has 30 simple, fun exercises that include gentle lessons of self-awareness and incorporate social-emotional learning concepts such as kindness, gratitude, and compassion. The book has gotten amazing reviews and feedback (and is published in four languages), which is fabulous. </p>
<p>But knowing that children learn in lots of different ways, I’ve long thought about how to make these lessons more effective for all types of learners, not to mention easier for teachers and parents to implement. </p>
<p>So, I’ve written songs to go with every single exercise in the book. </p>
<p>The first half of these songs, Songs for Peaceful Pandas Vol. One, will be out very soon! I’m SO EXCITED to put out new music for you. ☺️ 🎶✨</p>
<p>You can listen to the first single, Shine Like the Sun, right here!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="3SUCRcG755A" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/3SUCRcG755A/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3SUCRcG755A?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Let me know what you think of the song in the comments! ☀️</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/68589452022-01-04T12:24:47-05:002022-01-04T13:20:50-05:00Instead of resolutions, try this<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/decc4c93a0b1a20827fe9575cdd6cd4e38555edd/original/rbzcb8oa.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpeg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /><em><span class="font_small">Photo by Hilary Murphy</span></em></p>
<p><br>Happy 2022! </p>
<p>I don’t know about you, but I find the whole new-year-resolutions thing kind of exhausting. </p>
<p>But picking a word? Just one, that I can focus on as we step into this new year? That I can handle. And in fact, stating a simple, clear intention is an effective way to train the mind in a positive direction. </p>
<p>And, it’s simple, fun, and powerful to do with children. </p>
<p>This simple mindfulness exercise from my book <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Instead+of+resolutions%2C+try+this&utm_campaign=1%2F4%2F22" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a> helps us pause for a moment, breathe deeply, and choose just one positive word to focus on. </p>
<p>And if thinking about the year is too much (I get it!) - just focus on today (or this meal, or this ride in the car). One gentle step at a time! 😊 </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/2f3e1e40d47889cb0e2ef61dd48f6de10d6fd20d/original/screen-shot-2022-01-04-at-11-59-50-am.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small">Artwork by Anni Betts</span></p>
<p><em>Today I’m going to be… </em></p>
<p><em>Take a long breath in, let it all the way out, and hold your body still. </em></p>
<p><em>Think about how you want the rest of your day to go. </em></p>
<p><em>Pick a good word to finish this sentence in your mind: “Today, I’m going to be…” </em></p>
<p><em>Maybe you finish it with “friendly,” or “kind,” or “helpful.” </em></p>
<p><em>Choose a good word that you like to finish the sentence. </em></p>
<p><em>When you pick your word, if you want to, tell a grownup about it. </em></p>
<p><em>Remember your word, and do your best to make it happen!</em><br> </p>
<p>What’s my word? Well, having felt so apart from so many friends and family members these past nearly two years, it’s CONNECTION. </p>
<p>You can also listen to this mindful moment right <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0sDTqebzH4&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Instead+of+resolutions%2C+try+this&utm_campaign=1%2F4%2F22" target="_blank">here</a> with your children, and pick your own powerful, positive word. </p>
<p>I’d love to know what yours is, let me know in the comments!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/68536552021-12-28T16:02:05-05:002021-12-28T16:02:05-05:00My hope for you this season<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/c877a7be72add45d8b5a58f4937478c934864a3b/original/upfwgmkg.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small"><em>Photo by Hilary Murphy</em></span><br> </p>
<p>It’s starting to snow outside here, and I’ve actually been sitting just looking out the window. Not doing anything else. </p>
<p>And feeling very proud of myself. </p>
<p>It might sound a little silly, I know–but since I did a bunch of research on rest and the brain for a recent teacher training, I learned how incredibly important rest is for our overall health, and I’m trying to find more bits of time to do just that. </p>
<p>(I’m not talking about sleep, although that’s obviously critical, and most of us–and nearly half of children–don’t get enough.) </p>
<p>I mean resting, as in doing nothing, or something mindless enough that your brain doesn’t need to work. When our brains get a break from constant processing (and yes this means scrolling), the parts in charge of super-important stuff like creativity and imprinting memories are able to replenish. Plus, research has shown that resting our minds can increase our ability to focus, and improve our mood. Yes please! </p>
<p>This is NOT being “lazy.” Nope! It’s really important for our overall wellness. Don’t worry, the to-do list will still be there in a few minutes…😊 </p>
<p>And for our young children, it’s important that they see us prioritizing rest, so they can make it part of their daily lives as they grow. What a great reason to snuggle your little ones on the couch! </p>
<p>In these last few days of 2021, my hope is that you find some peaceful time to just rest. ❄️💤✨</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/68478972021-12-21T12:35:29-05:002023-12-10T13:09:26-05:00A song for the Winter Solstice <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/eabc7a18e2f978fc85846fba0a81a6fde6bd4645/original/v8ui2c6q.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>Happy Winter Solstice! It’s the shortest darn day of the year! ❄️✨</p>
<p>The term solstice comes from the Latin word solstitium, meaning “the sun stands still,” because the Sun reaches its southernmost position as seen from the Earth. The Sun seems to stand still at the Tropic of Capricorn, and then reverses its direction. 🌞</p>
<p>Happily, what it also means is that we start gaining more daylight bit by bit from here on out. </p>
<p>My song, “<a contents="Winter’s Coming" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/2a205yd549kou7l/Winter%27s%20Coming%20-%20Kira%20Willey.wav?dl=0" target="_blank">Winter’s Coming</a>,” suits the day perfectly - it’s a sweet round accompanied simply by pizzicato violin (that’s me), and I’d like to give it to you right <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/2a205yd549kou7l/Winter%27s%20Coming%20-%20Kira%20Willey.wav?dl=0" target="_blank">here</a>. Best enjoyed while snuggling with little ones, maybe with some hot cocoa… ☕</p>
<p>However you celebrate this day and this season, I hope you’re safe and warm, and with people you love. I’m so grateful for your support of me and my work bringing music, movement and mindfulness to children! ❄️✨</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/68405142021-12-14T10:05:57-05:002021-12-14T10:05:57-05:00MORE MEMORIES, LESS STUFF<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/6dd62259ada6f9195e96b3f6e9daa472e506a93a/original/yn5a5305.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font_small">Photo by Hilary Murphy</span></em></p>
<p><br>It’s all about gift buying this time of year, at least judging from all the hurry-before-it’s-too-late emails in my inbox. And even though I can be as guilty of overdoing the “stuff” as anyone else–and of course there’s nothing wrong with thoughtful gifts–I'm trying to lean more into experiences for my family this year. </p>
<p>Especially with young children, giving experiences can be lots more meaningful than simply buying them the current toy of the moment. Planning, sharing, and then reliving experiences create memories that last, and family stories that are told over and over. </p>
<p>And I’m not talking about a trip abroad (although hey, if you can swing it!). Experiences don’t need to cost much money, if any. Plan a day of fun in your town or city, explore a new neighborhood, cook a dish you’ve never tried, or take a nature walk on a new path. You get the idea. </p>
<p>Doing something new with your child is so good for both of you. Horizons are broadened all the way around! Even just the planning part can be a bonding experience for you and your little ones–anticipation is a huge part of the fun. </p>
<p>(And if that’s not enough to convince you, how about this: fewer things mean less clutter in your space, as well as less contributing to landfills when the things eventually break.) </p>
<p>Speaking of experiences, practicing yoga and mindfulness with your child is an incredible way to spend time together, while also getting the bonus of benefits for both mind and body. Try one of my <a contents="Zen Sessions for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eyNoTViBrU&t=17s" target="_blank">Zen Sessions for Kids</a> videos!</p>
<p><a contents="This episode" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eyNoTViBrU&t=17s" target="_blank">This episode</a> features the fun body percussion game Rainstorm, from my book <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>. Try it together! Rainstorm will get you to focus and breathe, then you can cuddle up together to my song “Underneath the Rainbow.” </p>
<p>Our most valuable commodity is time…let’s spend it on those we love! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/68317372021-12-07T08:00:00-05:002021-12-07T08:00:03-05:00Release day for Hot Cocoa Calm! <p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Moments-Kids-Cocoa-Calm/dp/0593119878/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=hot+cocoa+calm+kira+willey&qid=1637621026&qsid=144-0566780-2311143&sr=8-2&sres=B097QBBWH4%2C0593119878%2CB08Y1HN4KT%2CB092HSYHSD%2CB08MT4MTBR%2CB0085SN7J0%2CB08N631SPL%2CB07YSPGWG1%2CB002HQX97G%2CB08HBSLYMB%2CB01N66W4JM%2CB0019SE6M0%2CB092HJ7141%2CB0187JTHW2%2CB001G0MG46%2CB011A66CJA%2CB081FDD412%2CB00N5I46BI%2CB01M7M8ZXP%2CB08M98CRL7&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=A+mindful+moment+for+holiday+mealtime&utm_campaign=holiday+mindful+moment+for+mealtime" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/c6ca1dc21ee8930753d9427632e0f13caf8615e0/original/hot-cocoa-cvr-final.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a><span class="font_small">Artwork by Anni Betts</span></p>
<p>Mmmm...hot cocoa. </p>
<p>I grew up with Ovaltine, and would love to say that I now make hot chocolate from organic cacao powder lightly sweetened with agave nectar, but we’re all Swiss Miss around here. Mine with almond milk. Kids say yes to all the marshmallows, I say no.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/4ab4f6c600cc18fce5127ee2feaaa8b11f1e666a/original/img-9051.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" />However you take it, just holding that warm mug in your hand is such a cozy, calm feeling--a feeling that’s captured perfectly in this sweet new board book. </p>
<p>It’s release day for my sixth children’s mindfulness book, and the fourth one in the <a contents="Mindfulness Moments for Kids series" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Moments-Kids-Listen-Elephant/dp/1984894102/ref=pd_bxgy_img_1/140-8217103-8220102?pd_rd_w=Mgn7y&pf_rd_p=c64372fa-c41c-422e-990d-9e034f73989b&pf_rd_r=X0PMC6J0BDEJBBZ29NGV&pd_rd_r=c6490496-2c2f-4a77-ba1e-0b8ac33f1848&pd_rd_wg=Y7666&pd_rd_i=1984894102&psc=1" target="_blank">Mindfulness Moments for Kids series</a>!</p>
<p><a contents="Hot Cocoa Calm" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Moments-Kids-Cocoa-Calm/dp/0593119878/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=hot+cocoa+calm+kira+willey&qid=1637621026&qsid=144-0566780-2311143&sr=8-2&sres=B097QBBWH4%2C0593119878%2CB08Y1HN4KT%2CB092HSYHSD%2CB08MT4MTBR%2CB0085SN7J0%2CB08N631SPL%2CB07YSPGWG1%2CB002HQX97G%2CB08HBSLYMB%2CB01N66W4JM%2CB0019SE6M0%2CB092HJ7141%2CB0187JTHW2%2CB001G0MG46%2CB011A66CJA%2CB081FDD412%2CB00N5I46BI%2CB01M7M8ZXP%2CB08M98CRL7&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=A+mindful+moment+for+holiday+mealtime&utm_campaign=holiday+mindful+moment+for+mealtime" target="_blank">Hot Cocoa Calm</a> makes the perfect holiday gift for your little ones, your child’s teacher, and your friends who are new parents. </p>
<p>It’s a sweet, soothing story that gently introduces simple mindfulness to young children, encouraging them to take deep, calming breaths as they follow along with Fox and her forest pals. </p>
<p>With vibrant, gorgeous illustrations by Anni Betts, it’s a joy to look through for children, and makes the perfect bedtime read for wintry nights! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/0d496a2d620f25797d7cbb4d6067215e21a0af08/original/screen-shot-2021-12-06-at-11-03-00-am.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><a contents="Pick up a few" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Moments-Kids-Cocoa-Calm/dp/0593119878/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=hot+cocoa+calm+kira+willey&qid=1637621026&qsid=144-0566780-2311143&sr=8-2&sres=B097QBBWH4%2C0593119878%2CB08Y1HN4KT%2CB092HSYHSD%2CB08MT4MTBR%2CB0085SN7J0%2CB08N631SPL%2CB07YSPGWG1%2CB002HQX97G%2CB08HBSLYMB%2CB01N66W4JM%2CB0019SE6M0%2CB092HJ7141%2CB0187JTHW2%2CB001G0MG46%2CB011A66CJA%2CB081FDD412%2CB00N5I46BI%2CB01M7M8ZXP%2CB08M98CRL7&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=A+mindful+moment+for+holiday+mealtime&utm_campaign=holiday+mindful+moment+for+mealtime" style="" target="_blank">Pick up a few</a> right this minute for holiday gifts. Here’s to all things cozy and calm this season! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/68254282021-11-30T11:05:41-05:002023-12-10T13:09:20-05:00Mindfulness storytime for kids<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvmA2g3HliE" target="_blank"><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/9554d422af0824d8281f332c657f3bd92a996df1/original/screen-shot-2021-11-30-at-10-21-59-am.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></span></a>This time of year, with so much holiday bustle, can feel kind of nuts for young children. Unpredictable weather and early darkness keep them inside too much, and when you add in craziness in the news—that they usually hear about whether you want them to or not—it’s a recipe for anxiety and stress. </p>
<p>Simple, quick mindfulness practices can be a huge help. </p>
<p>I haven’t seen a lot of tools that explain directly to children what mindfulness is, and why we do it. So I decided to make that my focus when I was asked to be a guest author at Brightly Storytime, in partnership with Penguin Random House. </p>
<p>In the <a contents="fun, short video" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvmA2g3HliE" target="_blank">fun, short video</a> we made JUST for kids, I talk in simple terms about three of the biggest benefits of mindfulness, and demonstrate the most popular activities from my book <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a> for each one:</p>
<p>✰ FOCUS - We make it rain (inside!) using body percussion in Rainstorm, and generate positive energy with Bunny Breaths. </p>
<p>✰ STRESS RELEASE - We gather up all that stress and anxiety in our bodies and breathe it allll out in Scrunch & Let Go. </p>
<p>✰ CALM - I read and demonstrate two beloved favorites: Hot Chocolate (which will be out next week as a <a contents="board book for littles" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Moments-Kids-Cocoa-Calm/dp/0593119878/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=hot+cocoa+calm&qid=1638288240&qsid=140-8217103-8220102&s=books&sr=1-1&sres=0593119878%2CB09M8NF9MV%2CB09M8MBKS3%2C1510739963%2C1984894102%2CB084DFYL3T%2C1613161670%2C1718153368%2CB01MSPGWV9%2CB08N5LDYFN%2C1691110647%2CB08N3X4S3T%2CB097X7LTGL%2CB097SQQSS2%2CB0977JKBXP%2CB097SDQNR2" target="_blank">board book for littles</a>!) and the classic cozy-hibernating-for-the-winter exercise, Bear Breath.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvmA2g3HliE" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/4acd0b7cfa03515315e8435130e919b58a2ea19d/original/screen-shot-2021-11-30-at-10-34-25-am.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a><br>The video’s editors did an awesome job showing the beautiful art from the book (props to my remarkable illustrator Anni Betts) and highlighting the text as I read, so children can use it as a read-along video as well. </p>
<p>Please feel free to <a contents="share this video" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvmA2g3HliE" target="_blank">share this video</a> with any parents and teachers you know. Little ones will love it, and you’ll all feel the benefits!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/68190422021-11-23T10:28:49-05:002021-11-23T10:28:49-05:00A mindful moment for holiday mealtime <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/964d6d59e2c144508b333697de55a8405ee8d022/original/screen-shot-2021-11-22-at-4-12-38-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small"><em>Artwork by Anni Betts from Peaceful Like a Panda</em></span><br> </p>
<p>A whole lot is written about gratitude at this time of year, mostly directed squarely at us grownups. </p>
<p>But what about instilling gratitude in our young children? And why is it important, anyway? </p>
<p>Research specifically on thankfulness in children shows that experiences of gratitude lead to more optimism, happiness and life satisfaction. A separate study linked experiences of gratitude to greater social support, and protection from stress and depression over time. </p>
<p>So yes, it’s important! </p>
<p>(And to be clear, I don’t just mean requiring a “thank you” out of kids when they receive something—it’s valuable to teach good manners, but a lot more than that goes into instilling the actual experience of gratitude.) </p>
<p>Holiday mealtimes, when we’re gathered with family and friends, are a wonderful opportunity to mindfully practice this skill. </p>
<p>Try this simple mindful moment from my book <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime-ebook/dp/B08B5F5X9V">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>:</p>
<p><em>Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out.</em></p>
<p><em>Someone grew the food you’re eating today.</em></p>
<p><em>Say thank you to the person who grew it.</em></p>
<p><em>Someone put your food in a package.</em></p>
<p><em>Say thank you to the person who put it in a package.</em></p>
<p><em>Someone served you that food.</em></p>
<p><em>Say thank you to the person who served it to you.</em></p>
<p><em>Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out.</em></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/68024012021-11-08T19:41:31-05:002022-04-27T06:11:33-04:00Energy for chilly, dark days <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/d2175ee1cb0e7d5ec8cf2573166c59ef55673dc5/original/screen-shot-2021-11-08-at-7-35-31-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><em><span class="font_small">Artwork by Anni Betts from Breathe Like a Bear</span></em></p>
<p>On these hard-to-get-going fall days, when we just want to stay under the covers, it can be a challenge for kids (and for us) to find the focused energy we need. </p>
<p>Simple breathing exercises that generate heat and engage the belly muscles can help create that focused energy. </p>
<p>We tend to think of breathing as a soothing, calming activity—and often it is—but the breath is a wonderfully versatile tool, and can be utilized in different ways. </p>
<p>Hot Soup, from my book <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>, is a great example. This fun, mindful breath exercise will help you and your little ones get perked up in no time. </p>
<p>And you can have any kind of soup you want! 😊</p>
<p><em>Imagine you’re holding a hot cup of soup.<br><br>It’s much too hot to eat right now!<br><br>Breathe in and say, “It’s ha-ha-ha-ha-hot!”<br><br>Breathe in and say, “It’s ha-ha-ha-ha-hot!”<br><br>Put one hand on your belly,<br>and see if you can feel your belly muscles working as you say it.<br><br>Breathe in and say, “It’s ha-ha-ha-ha-hot!”<br><br>Put your soup down.<br><br>Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out!</em></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/67794712021-10-18T12:38:53-04:002021-10-18T12:38:53-04:00Please stop talking to your kids<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/28ededf208010467d7c025396212bb9e0d4be0ba/original/screen-shot-2021-10-18-at-12-37-06-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><span class="font_small"><em>Photo by Hilary Murphy</em></span><span style="display: none;"> </span></p>
<p>Excuse me? </p>
<p>Let me explain. </p>
<p>Children are talked to ALL. DAY. LONG. From teachers who give all the instructions in all the classes, to parents hustling kids out the door in the morning or into bed at night, to the incessant chatter from various sources of media, it’s most of what they hear. </p>
<p>So when you start your kids’ yoga class by talking? It’s not going to make much of an impression. (And your number one job as a teacher of anything is to get kids’ attention.) </p>
<p>Fun fact: Music and rhythm light up more of children’s brains than simply processing speech does. Which means: more oxygen is flowing to the brain, putting it in an engaged, highly focused state. </p>
<p>This is why, any time I work with a group of children, I begin with a rhythm activity, game or song. It works like a charm. </p>
<p>So: start with a beat. A clapping game. A song, or even singing your instructions. (And resist the temptation to introduce it by talking! Just do it.) </p>
<p>I have lots of ideas of how to put this in practice; I’ve been doing it for 16 years—and I’d love to share them with you. </p>
<p>Are you teaching children’s yoga, or incorporating yoga & mindfulness into your classroom? Are you new to it and needing ideas and inspiration, or more seasoned, and needing ideas and inspiration 😊</p>
<p>Join me for my <a contents="free webinar" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilley.com/webinar-signup?" target="_blank">free webinar</a> on Thursday, October 21 at 7 PM Eastern. </p>
<p><strong><a contents="3 SECRETS FOR SUCCESS IN TEACHING KIDS’ YOGA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilley.com/webinar-signup?" target="_blank">3 SECRETS FOR SUCCESS IN TEACHING KIDS’ YOGA</a>:<br>Your proven path to easy prep, packed classes, and happy kids </strong></p>
<p><strong>You’ll learn how to: </strong><br>—Fully engage (and keep!) kids’ attention <br>—Give children tools to release stress and anxiety <br>—Create a predictable, calming environment in your classes <br>—Use music & rhythm as a teaching tool, without losing control of the group <br>—Help children focus their energy </p>
<p><a contents="Save your spot" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilley.com/webinar-signup?" target="_blank">Save your spot</a> right this minute, and feel free to bring a friend. See you there!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/67523472021-09-20T20:42:47-04:002021-09-20T20:42:47-04:00Trouble letting go? Try this<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/6867d8416e43d39d4a11585d36e1b864bffef31d/original/pictapgo-output.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font_small">Artwork by Anni Betts from Breathe Like A Bear</span></em><br> </p>
<p>Even though tomorrow is the official start to fall, it’s been beautiful and sunny this week where I live. I’m not quite ready for shorter, cooler days—I suppose I’m having a hard time letting go of summer. </p>
<p>It can be hard to let go of things in our lives—toys that have been outgrown, clothes we no longer wear—and hard to let go of feelings, too. Sometimes we hang on to them longer than we need to. </p>
<p>Kids can often use a hand moving on from feelings that don’t serve them anymore. I’m not talking about disregarding Big Feelings—kids feel what they feel, sometimes it’s a lot, and those need to move through in due course—I mean grumpiness that lingers, or negativity that’s unnecessary and unhelpful and needs to move along, thank you very much. </p>
<p>One of our family favorite picture books, <a contents="Zen Shorts" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Shorts-Caldecott-Honor-Book/dp/0439339111" target="_blank">Zen Shorts</a>, has this parable: Two monks come across a rude, impatient woman demanding to be carried across a large puddle. The older monk transports her across without a word, and receives no thanks. Hours later, the younger monk still can’t get over that his companion carried her over the puddle. The older monk replies: “I put the woman down hours ago. Why are YOU still carrying her?” </p>
<p>So good, right? </p>
<p>This little story inspired the mindfulness exercise “Get Your Grumpies Out” from <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>. It’s silly and fun to do with your littles, and it works—for all ages. 😊 </p>
<p>You start by exaggerating that yukky mood—if you’re feeling like a grump, then make a SUPER grumpy face, really FEEL the feeling. Then start taking big breaths in and out, to BLOW it all away! <br> </p>
<p><strong><a contents="GET YOUR GRUMPIES OUT" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">GET YOUR GRUMPIES OUT</a></strong> </p>
<p><em>Can you make a grumpy face? I bet you can.<br><br>Make a really grumpy face!<br><br>Maybe you feel a little sad or angry today.<br><br>If you do, make a sad face, or an angry face.<br><br>Now take a really big breath in, and blow all those feelings away!<br><br>Do it again, just in case they didn’t all go...<br><br>Take a really big breath in, and blow all those feelings away!<br><br>Sit up really tall. Maybe smile a little smile..<br><br>Take another long breath in, and let the air all the way out.</em></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/67450532021-09-13T20:08:11-04:002022-01-10T00:41:28-05:00HOW TO GET OUT THE DOOR WITH KIDS IN THE MORNING <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/f64e9105878f9b7b0c708809c57817633cd9f163/original/img-7190.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small"><em>Artwork by Anni Betts from Breathe Like A Bear</em></span><br> </p>
<p>September days mean back to routines, including getting up early and out the door in short order. It can be challenging, to say the least, to ask young children to get “up and at ‘em,” as they say, at what feels like the crack of dawn compared to summer schedules. </p>
<p>A simple focus exercise first thing in the morning can help children generate and channel positive energy. </p>
<p>Lion Breath, from my book <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839/ref=asc_df_1623368839/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312095946443&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11039515622631742696&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9006931&hvtargid=pla-436368582943&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=60223809097&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312095946443&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11039515622631742696&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9006931&hvtargid=pla-436368582943" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>, is quick and fun and kids LOVE it. In addition to creating I-can-do-it energy, it has other great benefits: </p>
<p>—It can help kids let go of what they don’t need—anxiety or a specific worry. Help your child name it first, then let them roar it out! </p>
<p>—It stretches the mouth, tongue and jaw, beneficial for those who tend to clench or hold stress in that area of the body (ahem, grownups too). </p>
<p>In a recent <a contents="Zen Sessions for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33Cb0oYvdVE" target="_blank">Zen Sessions for Kids</a> episode, I show Lion Breath, then sing my song “The Sound I Found,” which gives little ones plenty of opportunities to practice their ROAR. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="33Cb0oYvdVE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/33Cb0oYvdVE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/33Cb0oYvdVE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Teachers, this works great with a class, with one note: I suggest a Lion YAWN instead….less ear-splitting! 😀</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Watch Lion Breath here!&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33Cb0oYvdVE" target="_blank">Watch Lion Breath here! </a></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/67187942021-08-17T07:00:00-04:002021-09-13T20:08:27-04:00WHY KIDS SHOULD EXPERIENCE LIVE MUSIC<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/d2353a1decda2965e7e13d958998aa9b0b8ab789/original/screen-shot-2021-08-16-at-7-14-27-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>For several years now, I’ve been the producer for the PBS <a contents="Summer Jam" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.wlvt.org/education/summerseries/summerjam/" target="_blank">Summer Jam</a>, a ten-day series of live music for children and families.</p>
<p>We just wrapped up this year's lineup of incredible performances. The children’s music genre is exploding—there are so many incredible artists that we had a hard time choosing—and the array of shows we ended up with was amazing: songs from South Asia, folk tunes from Latin America, hip hop & soul music, raps and rhymes from East Asia, and more. </p>
<p>(Of course my band and I played too, adding our unique blend of music, movement & mindfulness!) </p>
<p>The shows were also aired on live TV, to 2.4 million households in the PA/NJ/NY area. It rocked! </p>
<p>Live music is amazing for kids. It’s a shared social experience that’s beneficial for their development in tons of ways: it helps them develop their listening skills, as they focus on processing song lyrics floating on a melody; as well as their motor skills, as they engage with the rhythms and beats they hear. </p>
<p>Many young children, when listening to music on devices, don’t really have an understanding that actual people are creating the magical sounds they’re hearing! Seeing the performances on real instruments with their own eyes can be a very powerful experience for them, one that many kids will recreate in their play. </p>
<p>And, it’s been shown by numerous studies that kids who are actively involved in music are better able to focus and do better in school than those who aren’t. </p>
<p>So, can you get the kids to a concert before summer’s end? (Safely, of course.) I hope so! </p>
<p>If not, here’s the next best thing: you can watch the replays of all ten fabulous Summer Jam shows right <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.wlvt.org/education/summerseries/summerjam/" target="_blank">here</a>! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/66925812021-07-20T08:00:00-04:002023-12-10T13:09:45-05:00The upside to doing absolutely nothing <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/d61b5c66cfe49950becf6bd5342d141b5f73908d/original/screen-shot-2021-07-19-at-8-25-03-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small"><em>Artwork by Anni Betts from Breathe Like A Bear </em></span></p>
<p><br>Midsummer. Here in the northeastern US, it’s sticky and HOT. Kids are bored. I keep hearing "I have nothing to do!" (To which I say, oh great! I have plenty of chores for you—and then they head for the hills ) </p>
<p>Turns out doing nothing is really good for both kids and adults, and it’s truly important for our brain health. </p>
<p>"When you don’t give your mind a chance to pause and refresh, it doesn’t work as efficiently...taking breaks can improve your mood, boost your performance and increase your ability to concentrate."(Cleveland Clinic Blog, "<a contents="Why Downtime Is Essential for Brain Health" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-downtime-is-essential-for-brain-health/" target="_blank">Why Downtime Is Essential for Brain Health</a>") </p>
<p>It’s critical to find downtime. As in, actually doing nothing. And I’m sorry to say that parking it in front of Netflix, or scrolling Instagram, don’t count—your brain is still processing in both of those cases. The idea is to let it completely, totally rest. (I know, I get that "aaahhh I’m not getting anything done" feeling too. Let it go!) </p>
<p>And although for many of us, schedules don’t necessarily don’t let up in the summer, it’s critical to have some time on the calendar that’s totally blank—for ourselves and for our kids. </p>
<p>Inspired by downtime, I created the simple "Do Nothing" mindfulness exercise in my book <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>. And I wrote a song, "Just Be," to go with it, which has clearly struck a chord with fellow do-nothing-ers, as it’s been streamed nearly a million times. </p>
<p>(You can find the song on <a contents="Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/4V7mzEF4UR4cN0UNt8XYGF" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, and watch a <a contents="Zen Sessions for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TIekimjAsw&t=11s" target="_blank">Zen Sessions for Kids</a> episode where I read the Do Nothing Moment and sing Just Be.) </p>
<p>So if you can today, find a comfy spot, and maybe close your eyes, even if it’s only for a few moments. Let your body feel heavy, and just breathe. </p>
<p>Here’s to doing nothing, <br>Kira</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/66880812021-07-14T19:23:33-04:002021-07-14T19:23:33-04:00Focus kids’ energy in one minute <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/1fe7ac6ac58cd04f12e270d90181d3a7fcca1322/original/screen-shot-2021-07-14-at-7-11-54-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>I don’t mean to brag, but I can take 300 early childhood students in a school gym from wiggly and fidgety to engaged and focused in one minute. </p>
<p>How? By creating a Rainstorm. </p>
<p>The Rainstorm is a mindful rhythm game that uses body percussion to make the sounds of a summer storm—from the wind picking up and the first drops falling, all the way to lightning, thunder, and a vigorous downpour. </p>
<p>It uses the whole body and lights up the brain. It also improves hand-eye coordination, helps develop both fine motor and listening skills, and it’s FUN. </p>
<p>(Especially if you teach kids’ yoga, this is one you need in your toolbox!) </p>
<p>Kids LOVE rhythm games, and they’re incredible ways to fully engage their senses and help them focus. </p>
<p>In a recent episode of my music & mindfulness video series <a contents="Zen Sessions for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eyNoTViBrU&t=4s" target="_blank">Zen Sessions for Kids</a>,I teach Rainstorm. (There’s a written version of the exercise in my book <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>.) And it’s followed by a sweet after-the-rain tune, Underneath the Rainbow. </p>
<p>Try the Rainstorm! (Even if you’re by yourself—I won’t tell.) ☺ You’ll feel focused and alert in no time. </p>
<p>Cheers, <br>Kira</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/66827832021-07-09T08:00:00-04:002021-07-09T08:00:07-04:00PRESERVE CHILDREN’S SENSE OF WONDER <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/4c74954c034d22d3213ff318b58a766f94516653/original/img-5045.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />It’s tempting to explain natural phenomena to young children. After all, it’s our job to teach them, right? </p>
<p>But some things are best left, at least for now, to their imaginations. </p>
<p>My children went to a Waldorf school, which emphasizes the belief that children should live in their own magical worlds for as long as possible. It was suggested to parents that we respond to questions like, “why is the sky blue?” with “hmmm...I wonder…?” </p>
<p>Children aren’t little for long. If we let them marvel at a spectacular sunset, be curious about the ant’s path, and be amazed at the width of a huge tree trunk, they’ll preserve that valuable sense of wonder. </p>
<p>What’s more, their awe at the beauty of nature will lead them to be better stewards of our earth. </p>
<p>Try not to explain too much. Let them wonder! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/66739462021-06-30T08:00:00-04:002021-10-17T15:06:12-04:00HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, DANCE FOR THE SUN<p><a contents="" data-link-label="Dance For the Sun" data-link-type="page" href="/dance-for-the-sun" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/aa904757b277444a0ddb8842cf9688f7658c4348/original/c5jyt2iw.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>When I first started teaching kids’ yoga, I felt nervous, unprepared (even though I had written out an entire script) and intimidated by the idea of handling a room full of extremely energetic five-year-olds. </p>
<p>I brought along my guitar—honestly as kind of a crutch, since as a lifelong musician it was kind of like holding a teddy bear. </p>
<p>When it was time to teach the sun salutation, I didn’t really know what to say (again, even though I had written out a lengthy and kind of ridiculous script). </p>
<p>So I just started singing. “Stretch up high, wave to the sun…” </p>
<p>Now, with nearly a million streams, children the world over have learned the sun salutation with my song “<a contents="Dance for the Sun" data-link-label="Dance For the Sun" data-link-type="page" href="/dance-for-the-sun" target="_blank">Dance for the Sun</a>.” </p>
<p>(The sun salutation improves strength, flexibility and circulation, releases tension in the body, and is calming, grounding, and FUN for kids.) </p>
<p>Turns out that the combination of music and movement is so incredibly engaging that it became immediately clear: this was the way I was going to teach children’s yoga, and my first album was born. </p>
<p>Besides the original version of the title track, it has <a contents="Colors" data-link-label="Dance For the Sun" data-link-type="page" href="/dance-for-the-sun" target="_blank">Colors</a> (which ended up in a <a contents="Dell commercial" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCwKndz41P4" target="_blank">Dell commercial</a>) and other now-classic tunes like <a contents="Caterpillar Caterpillar" data-link-label="Dance For the Sun" data-link-type="page" href="/dance-for-the-sun" target="_blank">Caterpillar Caterpillar</a>, <a contents="The Shimmy" data-link-label="Dance For the Sun" data-link-type="page" href="/dance-for-the-sun" target="_blank">The Shimmy</a>, and <a contents="Namaste Song" data-link-label="Dance For the Sun" data-link-type="page" href="/dance-for-the-sun" target="_blank">Namaste Song</a>. </p>
<p>This summer marks the fifteenth anniversary of that debut album, “<a contents="Dance for the Sun" data-link-label="Dance For the Sun" data-link-type="page" href="/dance-for-the-sun" target="_blank">Dance for the Sun</a>.” Listen to it in its entirety <a contents="here" data-link-label="Dance For the Sun" data-link-type="page" href="/dance-for-the-sun" target="_blank">here</a>! </p>
<p>Cover illustration by Edna Cabcabin Moran. </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/66723332021-06-28T08:00:00-04:002021-06-29T12:47:55-04:00HOW TO TEACH CHILDREN OPTIMISM<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/293d62db3fc9983055c83d865946aeaaa5097101/original/c0f1b965fb4ce410f1c55b2d2d4af245.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We all get negative, pessimistic, and complain-y sometimes, and when we do, our kids do too--and that’s no fun for anybody. </p>
<p>Usually it’s a habit we’ve gotten into, and the good news is that habits can be changed. Here are a few tips to help: </p>
<p><strong>1. Point out good things as they happen</strong>. Actively look for positive events, big or small. Point them out and talk about them with your child. </p>
<p><strong>2.</strong> <strong>Help them succeed at small tasks.</strong> Whether it’s spreading their own peanut butter or loading the dishwasher, helping them “win” at little things they do will go a long way toward developing an optimistic, “yes I can” mindset. </p>
<p><strong>3. Model it yourself.</strong> This is the most important, since kids do what we do, and not what we say. And it’s where mindfulness comes in. Staying self-aware--noticing our own mood, behavior, and the comments we’re making is key to setting a positive example for our children!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/66460582021-06-01T07:50:32-04:002021-06-01T09:58:05-04:00TAKE THE HEADACHE OUT OF CLASSROOM TRANSITIONS <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/51db840c47993c7f22f41405beefeffebc403d2a/original/yn5a3955.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><span class="font_small"><em>Photo by Hilary Murphy</em></span></p>
<p>Even the most seasoned teachers can get thrown by transition times. It’s those “in-between” moments that can make the wheels come off the wagon—when kids are moving from the circle on the rug to their seats at desks, from lunch to sitting down for math, from putting away things in cubbies to lining up. </p>
<p>Here’s the answer: MUSIC. It could be a song you create, a fun rhyming poem you speak to a beat, or putting your own lyrics to a traditional tune. </p>
<p>Listening to music actually <strong>engages more parts of the brain</strong> than listening to someone speak. </p>
<p>Which means: kids are way more likely to pay attention if you're singing a song than if you’re talking to them (and, of course, they hear talking all day long). </p>
<p>Another powerful reason to use music to ease your transitions is that children, especially young ones, thrive on consistency and routine. Knowing what to expect is very comforting for them, and a music-based structure can greatly lower the overall stress level in the room, making your job a LOT easier. </p>
<p>So, think about your classes for a moment: what transition points are tricky? Where do you lose the kids' attention and focus? Where would it be helpful to use a song or rhythm game that's the same every time? Write them down.</p>
<p>Now, pick one transition point you've identified, and choose an idea to try from the list below. </p>
<p>(And yes, I can hear you saying "I can't sing!" and guess what? I don't believe you. Also kids DON’T CARE.)</p>
<p>Here are some ideas: </p>
<p>—Settle-in song: at the beginning of your class or lesson, use this to get kids where you need them to be (seated in a circle, say, or quiet at their desks) for the start of class. This is important; it sets the expectation for how class begins. Kids will quickly learn to count on this song as a marker to help them transition from wherever they’re coming from to your lesson. </p>
<p>—Hello song: to greet each other and unify the group—maybe it's calm and quiet, or perhaps you need to bring the energy up. You could start a beat on your lap or on a drum, and go around the circle taking turns: "I have a name! My name is Mariah!" (And none of these have to be "songs," they can be spoken in rhythm, to a beat. Check out my song “<a contents="The Shimmy" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilley.com/dance-for-the-sun" target="_blank">The Shimmy</a>” as an example.)</p>
<p>—Leading into rest time/quiet time/savasana song: use this to get children to their resting spot. Using a calming piece of music consistently will trigger deeper relaxation each time, as the kids’ brains connect the song to resting their bodies. </p>
<p>—Goodbye/clean up/line up song: Pick one brief message, whatever is most important to get across, and stick to it. A short and sweet song will stick in kids’ heads. </p>
<p>A few tips: </p>
<p>—Keep songs or rhythm games short, simple, and repetitive, so everyone learns them quickly and knows what they are supposed to do. </p>
<p>—Attaching information to a melody makes it memorable—find a simple way to SING what you would normally say. </p>
<p>—Bonus: can you add movements to your song? Now you’re engaging more of the children’s senses! </p>
<p>I'd love to hear how it goes. Let me know in the comments! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/66205972021-05-04T07:00:00-04:002021-05-04T07:00:09-04:00THANK YOU, TEACHERS! <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/156111cfdad3120990563126e61632505af97e71/original/img-3338.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small"><em>Photo by Hilary Murphy</em></span><br> </p>
<p>Every school assembly, before my band and I sing my song “Gotta Lotta Happy,” I talk about gratitude. I tell them who I’m grateful for every day: TEACHERS. </p>
<p>I ask the hundreds of students crowded in the gym/cafeteria/all-purpose room (yes, this is pre-covid) to find their teachers, who are usually standing at the edges of the room, and give them a smile. </p>
<p>(I say, “Keep your feet where they are, and with your eyes, find your teacher’s eyes.” I learned the hard way to be very careful with my language, otherwise you have hundreds of kids running around the gym looking for their teachers—bedlam.) </p>
<p>Then I slowly count to three, and we say all together, at the top of our lungs, “THANK YOU, TEACHERS!!” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/a069461acc664506a667d77fa09858df84e22323/original/img-3435.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><span class="font_small"><em>Photo by Hilary Murphy</em></span><br> </p>
<p>It’s my favorite moment in our school show. The teachers’ faces just light up at being thanked in this unexpected and enthusiastic way. </p>
<p>This is Teacher Appreciation Week. In this Year Like No Other, teachers—many of whom have been parenting at the same time—have risen to the occasion in an incredible way. They’ve held us together. Pivoting to online teaching, driving to students’ houses to drop off supplies or simply wave, figuring out cameras and mics and video chats and Google Classroom when none of these things were ever in their job descriptions. Holy moly. </p>
<p>THANK YOU. </p>
<p>Teachers, please head <a contents="here" data-link-label="FREE MM" data-link-type="page" href="/free-mm" target="_blank">here</a> to download 30 audio <a contents="Mindful Moments for Kids" data-link-label="FREE MM" data-link-type="page" href="/free-mm" target="_blank">Mindful Moments for Kids</a> for free. Each one is just a minute long. They’re simple, fun mindfulness exercises designed to be done at a desk, and they’ll help your students AND you find calm and focus, and let go of some of that stress that no one needs. </p>
<p>Go grab them <a contents="here" data-link-label="FREE MM" data-link-type="page" href="/free-mm" target="_blank">here</a> this week, and share with a fellow teacher if you’d like! </p>
<p>Thank you for all you do. </p>
<p>Cheers, Kira</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/66139392021-04-26T09:31:35-04:002021-04-26T09:31:35-04:00PRACTICAL MINDFULNESS FOR TEENS <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/ed26dfb6df25e2e9afcef040a834787202308edf/original/she-persisted-2-17.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Sixteen-year-old Sadie Sutton created the <a contents="She Persisted podcast" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.shepersistedpodcast.com/" style="" target="_blank">She Persisted podcast</a> after a year and a half of intensive treatment for severe depression and anxiety. </p>
<p>Sadie’s transparency around her experience as she relates her journey, interviews experts, and provides practical advice gives her a unique and powerful connection to her teen listeners. And given current adolescent mental health statistics, clearly many of them can relate. </p>
<p>Parents are offered an honest look into a teen’s mental health, and guidance on how they can support their child. (The series includes authentic, vulnerable interviews with Sadie’s parents post-treatment.) </p>
<p>About teens, BY A TEEN. It’s so good. </p>
<p>I was honored to be a guest this week, offering practical, doable tips and techniques for adolescents to develop self-awareness and cope with stress and anxiety, including a mindful full-body scan toward the end of the episode. </p>
<p><a contents="Listen here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.shepersistedpodcast.com/podcast-episodes/ep61" target="_blank">Listen here</a>.</p>
<p><a contents="YouTube" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn3ZmwLmDuE" style="" target="_blank">Listen on YouTube</a>.</p>
<p><a contents="Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3lJRr5TYXQV0HBVGSG5ChA?si=SVN3aEHuSbS8aojKR-AZfQ&nd=1" style="" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a>.</p>
<p>If you’re parenting or working with teenagers--please give this wonderful <a contents="podcast" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.shepersistedpodcast.com/" target="_blank">podcast</a> a listen! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/66086322021-04-20T06:45:00-04:002021-04-20T07:00:02-04:00 WHY KIDS NEED TIME IN NATURE<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/c9dd676fa88035a80bc29596933951a20d465652/original/img-1465.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#9b59b6;"><em>“The health of children and the health of the Earth are inseparable.” <br>- Richard Louv, “The Last Child in the Woods” </em></span></p>
<p>Earth Day is this Thursday, and it’s got me thinking about children and nature. Unfortunately, many children are spending way too little time in the great outdoors. In Richard Louv’s wonderful book <a contents="The Last Child in the Woods" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://richardlouv.com/" target="_blank">The Last Child in the Woods</a>, he even coins a term for it: “nature deficit disorder.” </p>
<p>(Louv tells the story of interviewing a child who said that he liked playing indoors more than outdoors “cause that’s where all the electrical outlets are.”) </p>
<p>It’s not always easy to get kids outside, I know, especially in urban environments, or if you’re not lucky enough to have the woods in your backyard. (And as they get older it gets harder—my own kids are “anti-hike,” which I keep telling them is NOT a thing.) </p>
<p>But kids are missing out on tons of incredible benefits when they’re hanging out inside or playing in highly structured environments. </p>
<p>Nature is simple, powerful medicine. </p>
<p>Here are some of the great things time in nature can do for our children:</p>
<p>🍃 It builds confidence. As they navigate the limitless ways to interact with outdoor environments, unstructured play in nature helps children feel more sure of themselves. </p>
<p>🌸 It helps children pay attention. Spending time in nature improves children’s ability to focus and concentrate, and enables them to do better on cognitive tests. So - better in school. </p>
<p>🌳 It enhances creativity. As there aren’t swing sets, or playground rules to follow, children use their imaginations to create their own worlds and make up games. </p>
<p>🌻 It encourages children to use all of their senses. The endless smells, sights, and sounds of nature, plus the variety of things to touch, give children a unique sensory experience, and provide a completely different kind of stimulation than they're used to indoors. </p>
<p>🌿 It can reduce stress. Just like with adults, spending time in nature can be a stress-reducer for children. Research has shown that holding class outdoors just once a week can significantly lower kids’ cortisol levels. </p>
<p>🌷 It gets kids physically active. More time outdoors = more movement! Always a good thing, as most kids don’t get nearly enough. As Forest Kindergarten pioneer Erin Kenny says, “Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls.” </p>
<p>🌱 It provides a sense of wonder. Watching the busy activity of an anthill or following an inchworm on its path help kids develop a sense of awe. </p>
<p>🌼 It helps children learn responsibility. Taking care of--or even just observing--plants or animals gives kids a sense of accountability that’s an important life skill for them to learn. </p>
<p>🌲 It teaches them environmental stewardship. Our kids will inherit the many issues involved in caring for our planet, and for them to rise to this challenge, they need a strong connection to it!<br> </p>
<p>(Sources: <a contents="Child Mind Institute" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://childmind.org/article/why-kids-need-to-spend-time-in-nature/" target="_blank">Child Mind Institute</a> and <a contents="Greater Good" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="link:%20https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_ways_nature_helps_children_learn)" target="_blank">Greater Good</a>)</p>
<p>How can you give your kids more time in nature? </p>
<p>Let me know in the comments below!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65992582021-04-14T06:45:00-04:002021-04-14T07:00:05-04:00NEW BOOK COMING THIS FALL! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/ede029babcdb780f34b2cb2106f2f7b75bbb689b/original/9780593119877.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>I’m so excited to announce that Hot Cocoa Calm will be released this fall! </p>
<p>Maybe It doesn't feel very hot-cocoa-ish right now, as the days get longer and sunnier--but in October when this baby launches, it will be the perfect tool to help little ones practice deep, calming breathing in a sweet and fun way. </p>
<p>The fourth book in the Mindfulness Moments for Kids series, Hot Cocoa Calm follows Fox and her woodland friends as they warm themselves up with yummy hot chocolate in the chilly woods. The long, slow breaths they take to cool off their cocoa leave them feeling warm, cozy and calm. </p>
<p>Art by the incomparable Anni Betts. Published by Random House Kids! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65976112021-04-08T06:45:00-04:002021-04-08T07:00:14-04:00FAVORITE BOOKS: ZEN SHORTS<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bookshop.org/books/zen-shorts-stillwater-book/9780439339117" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/53a4ba4722b3e74248508e530500bfa715391735/original/screen-shot-2021-04-07-at-10-12-03-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a><br>One of our forever favorites: “<a contents="Zen Shorts" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bookshop.org/books/zen-shorts-stillwater-book/9780439339117" style="" target="_blank">Zen Shorts</a>,” written and illustrated by Jon J Muth. </p>
<p>A huge, gentle panda bear, Stillwater, makes friends with three children, and tells them stories which open them up to new ways of looking at the world. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/222064626cbdc3fa5927b99ab5e42e51e83d1b83/original/img-1308.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" />My favorite of the parables Stillwater tells, paraphrased: two monks come across a rude, impatient woman demanding to be carried across a large puddle. The older one transports her across without a word, and receives no thanks. </p>
<p>Hours later, the younger monk still can’t get over that his companion carried her over the puddle. The older monk turns to him and says: “I put the woman down hours ago. Why are YOU still carrying her?” </p>
<p>Ahem. Anyone else feeling this? </p>
<p>So good. </p>
<p>The watercolor illustrations are sweet and soothing; the whole book has a gentle, lyrical feel. </p>
<p>(Also, I’m partial to pandas in books.)</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65767912021-03-18T06:45:00-04:002022-01-22T08:09:20-05:00Why Teach Mindfulness to Children?<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbsqgGfKe9w" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/4e7acc837196d110e7805609dc4260f3ac5b34a5/original/screen-shot-2021-03-17-at-12-21-07-pm.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a><br>I’m honored to be featured in Random House Children’s Books’ <a contents="video of the month" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.rhteacherslibrarians.com/" target="_blank">video of the month</a> for teachers and librarians. </p>
<p>It’s a back-to-basics talk about why mindfulness is essential learning for young children, not “extra” or “enrichment.” It’s about the powerful benefits of simple mindfulness with students, in practical terms for educators: helping children pay attention, improving their ability to focus, and helping them relieve stress--all of these things equal kids who are ready and able to learn. </p>
<p>In the second part of the video, I demonstrate a few simple, quick, effective exercises to try with students, or your own kids at home! </p>
<p>Find the full video on my <a contents="YouTube channel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbsqgGfKe9w" style="" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> or at <a contents="rhteachersibrarians.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.rhteacherslibrarians.com/" target="_blank">rhteachersibrarians.com</a>. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="pglbHLlIwsI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/pglbHLlIwsI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pglbHLlIwsI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65739192021-03-15T07:00:00-04:002021-03-17T14:50:04-04:00ROCKIN’ YOGA COMES TO YOUR SCHOOL-VIRTUALLY!<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="-8fNftCcayw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/-8fNftCcayw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-8fNftCcayw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="280" width="420" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>We’re so excited--our Rockin’ Yoga Virtual Assembly program is ready to come to your school! </p>
<p>“100% engaging, mindful, and SO fun! The students LOVED breathing, singing and dancing. You've given us so many tips and strategies that I'm sure we'll be using in our virtual classrooms from now on!” <br>- <em>School Counselor, Colegio Maya, Guatemala</em> </p>
<p>This virtual assembly is an absolute blast. It’s a totally unique, high-energy school program packed with singing, dancing, call & response and rhythm games; SEL-based, age-appropriate mindfulness, and tons of yoga-based movement. </p>
<p>(Definitely not a sit-and-stare-at-the-presenter type of assembly.) </p>
<p>It can be customized with a personalized greeting from me to your students, as well as a mini-mindfulness session that I can tailor to any theme you choose. </p>
<p>A few of the songs: Roller Coaster, The Sound I Found, Gotta Lotta Happy, All I Wanna Do is Dance, Go Plane Go, and of course Colors...there’s also a Rainstorm in there, and a Yoga Dance too! </p>
<p>It’s ideal for Pre-K through third grade. <a contents="Get in touch" data-link-label="Event Details" data-link-type="page" href="/event-details" target="_blank">Get in touch</a> for more info! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65684102021-03-09T08:00:00-05:002021-03-09T08:00:06-05:00WHAT'S THAT SOUND?<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/7236c23446b325a2c133070ed91bec24e9534117/original/13-25-433-version-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small"><em>Photo by Laura Billingham</em></span></p>
<p><br>A common misconception about mindfulness is that it needs to be practiced sitting still (maybe even on a cushion, with a candle burning nearby… 😊 <br> </p>
<p>But this isn’t true—there are tons of different ways to practice mindfulness. <br> </p>
<p>(Great news for fidgety, don’t-love-to-sit-still-and-just-breathe kids. Which is basically all kids.) <br> </p>
<p>As long as we’re paying attention to what’s going on in the present moment, we’re being mindful. And one of the simplest ways to do this is by listening to what’s happening around us. <br> </p>
<p>“<a contents="Mindful listening" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://leftbrainbuddha.com/teaching-mindfulness-kids-mindful-listening/" target="_blank">Mindful listening</a> strengthens our ability to pay attention, and it brings us completely into the present moment, for we can only listen NOW.” <br>- Sarah Rudell Beach, Executive Director at Brilliant Mindfulness <br> </p>
<p>Here’s one of my favorite listening exercises to do with kids. It’s from Peaceful Like a Panda, and you can do it anywhere, anytime!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/12c5ffc0cafa1502c13a359ea3cf5d6fe5f4b134/original/screen-shot-2021-03-08-at-6-51-14-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="Art by Anni Betts" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Art by Anni Betts</span></p>
<p><br><br><strong>Outside Inside</strong></p>
<p><em>Hold your body still. </em></p>
<p><em>Take a breath in, and let it out. </em></p>
<p><em>Close your eyes if you want to. </em></p>
<p><em>Listen to the sounds outside. </em></p>
<p><em>What do you hear? </em></p>
<p><em>Do you hear people around you? </em></p>
<p><em>Do you hear music playing, an engine humming, <br>or the wind whistling by? </em></p>
<p><em>Listen. </em></p>
<p><em>Take a breath in, and let it out. </em></p>
<p><em>Now listen to the sounds inside. </em></p>
<p><em>What do you hear? </em></p>
<p><em>Is your belly making any noises? </em></p>
<p><em>Can you hear the sound of your breathing, <br>or your heart softly beating? </em></p>
<p><em>Listen. </em></p>
<p><em>Take a breath in, and let it all the way out.</em></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65625952021-03-02T08:21:25-05:002021-03-02T08:25:49-05:00TO LEARN, BOYS NEED TO MOVE! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/6091c703b0a085564f14696c7ec3aa422e813055/original/99a8598d-8cc0-4f41-98b4-ba54ef784683.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>BOYS. How we love them. </p>
<p>And. </p>
<p>“It's much more difficult for boys to pay attention since so much of their brain is devoted to movement.…because the motor centers in boys’ brains are larger, those areas are active even when other more cognitive processes are taking place. Male brains struggle to remain active when they are sitting still. </p>
<p>While girls’ brain activity remains at 90% when sitting and listening, boys’ can drop by 70%. </p>
<p>However, IF LESSONS INCLUDE A MOVEMENT ELEMENT, boys’ attention and recall ability greatly increase.” - Gryphon House Educational Resources, ”Opportunities to Move: Help Boys Do Better in School” </p>
<p>(Caps are mine, for emphasis.) </p>
<p>Teachers and parents, who can relate? I’ve observed this in countless schools and classrooms. (Also, I have two boys, of the bull-in-a-china-shop variety.) </p>
<p>GET THEM MOVING. Not just once. Frequently, constantly, throughout the day. Provide lots of opportunities. Squishy balls to hold while reading or listening. A bunch of jumping jacks before moving on to the next homeschool topic. A challenging balance exercise during a transition. A run around the house, four times up and down the stairs…there are a million ways to do it, but GET THEM TO MOVE! It’s how they learn. </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65582902021-02-25T08:51:14-05:002021-12-30T02:04:56-05:00FREE KIDS’ MINDFULNESS KIT!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/f41d1b265791a5027df031bdc21d4898a6ed335c/original/0c853a29-5557-4cb9-bf0a-e7c41842de4d.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>I’m offering a FREE <a contents="kids’ mindfulness kit" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://rebrand.ly/mindfulnesskit" target="_blank">kids’ mindfulness kit</a> to all! It’s the perfect way to get started with bringing mindfulness to the children in your life. Here’s what’s included: </p>
<p>☆ 11 pages of printable, beautifully designed, mindfulness activity sheets based on <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a> and <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime-ebook/dp/B08B5F5X9V" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>.</p>
<p>☆ A Zen Kids Playlist of my most loved relaxation songs, including Kindness Mantra, Just Be, Hello Hope, Namaste Song, and more </p>
<p>☆ 30 audio Mindful Moments for Kids, for calm & focus anytime and anywhere. </p>
<p>Now grab all the goods <a contents="right here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://rebrand.ly/mindfulnesskit" target="_blank">right here</a>, and I hope you find it useful!<br>Please <a contents="get in touch" data-link-label="contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">get in touch</a> if I can support you in any way. </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65558132021-02-23T08:00:00-05:002021-02-23T15:56:51-05:00HELPING KIDS “ROLL WITH IT” <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/4b6e68759aa2c323eb2693b1efc5428a9010eadc/original/screen-shot-2021-02-22-at-4-30-18-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_small"><em>Art by Anni Betts</em></span></p>
<p>The ability to “roll with” things—to adapt quickly to changing circumstances—is a very important social skill for children to learn. </p>
<p>It’s what the experts call “cognitive flexibility,” and it helps children get along with others, solve unexpected problems, and consider new ways of doing things when faced with changes to the status quo. </p>
<p>Many children struggle with this. (Many grownups do too.) They have a hard time switching gears quickly, and can get stuck, unable to find new solutions to problems when things change without warning. </p>
<p>How can we help children develop this skill? Here are some ideas: </p>
<p>❀ Model flexible thinking, by being mindful of our own behavior. How do we react when the thing we were looking forward to gets canceled, the plan changes last minute, or the recipe calls for more diced tomatoes than we have? (This seems to happen to me on a weekly basis.) </p>
<p>❀ Empathize. Flexible thinking is harder for some children than for others, and can take time to develop. If your six-year-old says having the peanut butter spread on both sides of the cracker is the ONLY WAY SHE CAN EAT IT, well that’s how it truly feels to her right now. Be there with her, and take baby steps forward. </p>
<p>❀ Make up new rules for old games, or create new games altogether, demonstrating there’s more than one way to play. </p>
<p>❀ Practice simple mindfulness: lots of long, slow deep breaths, and positive self-talk. </p>
<p>❀ Bend the routine: do everyday things in a new way, showing kids that you can mix it up and the essentials still get done. </p>
<p>Read more in this great article, “<a contents="Cognitive Flexibility: Learn to Roll with the Punches" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.drmanipavuluri.com/helping-parents/cognitive-flexibility-learn-to-roll-with-the-punches/" target="_blank">Cognitive Flexibility: Learn to Roll with the Punches</a>,” by Dr. Mani Pavuluri.<br>Good luck!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65498672021-02-15T14:00:00-05:002021-02-16T15:30:36-05:00ENCOURAGE HEALTHY BODY IMAGE IN KIDS<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/975fba71b2bd4f0ba0f1aed71d2f215b0751fb68/original/zen-sessions-white.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>It’s so important to help children develop a healthy body image from a young age. When they’re really little, we can encourage body awareness with songs and games about parts of the body, in addition to modeling gratitude for our own bodies and well-being. Ideally, this awareness blossoms into healthy love and respect for their bodies as children grow. </p>
<p>We grownups play a huge role here. Two biggies we need to remember: </p>
<p>--Be sure to compliment children’s efforts, their kindness, the way they take care of themselves, etc., NOT “attractiveness” </p>
<p>--Absolutely zero complaining about your own body or looks, or talking about anyone else’s, in front of them. </p>
<p>(When kids are older, it’s appropriate to talk to them about body image as it’s portrayed in various forms of media, discuss why there’s often a pervasive idea of the “ideal” body, and brainstorm ways to resist pressures to fit that mold.)<br><br>Try the simple, fun body awareness and mindfulness exercise “Good Morning, Body!” from my new book <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime-ebook/dp/B08B5F5X9V" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>, with young children:<br><br><em>Let’s say good morning to our bodies.</em></p>
<p><em>Reach all the way down, and tickle your toes.</em></p>
<p><em>Good morning, toes!</em></p>
<p><em>Now find your knees.</em></p>
<p><em>Oh, hi, knees!</em></p>
<p><em>Put your hands on your belly, and give it a little rub.</em></p>
<p><em>Take a breath in, and let it out.</em></p>
<p><em>Hey, belly!</em></p>
<p><em>Put your hands over your heart.<br><br>Take a breath in, and let it out. </em></p>
<p><em>Hello, heart! </em></p>
<p><em>Put your hands on your head, where your smart brain is.</em></p>
<p><em>Take a breath in, and let it out.</em></p>
<p><em>Good morning, brain!</em></p>
<p><em>Bring your hands down.</em></p>
<p><em>Give your whole body a little shake, and hold still.</em></p>
<p><em>Take a long breath in, and let the air all the way out.</em></p>
<p><em>Good morning, body!</em><br> </p>
<p>In this week’s episode of my free YouTube series <a contents="Zen Sessions for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfxeD-75bos&t=2s" target="_blank">Zen Sessions for Kids</a>, I lead Good Morning, Body! from <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime-ebook/dp/B08B5F5X9V" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>, then sing my new song “Thank You, Body!” from my upcoming album. </p>
<p><br>Watch the whole episode on <a contents="YouTube" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfxeD-75bos&t=2s" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, and subscribe so you don’t miss any; we’re putting out new episodes each week!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65427572021-02-09T03:00:00-05:002023-12-10T13:10:11-05:00THE POWER OF POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS FOR KIDS <p><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/bab07425b7a3e76f2d0201e9c6f9585cc8b7e064/original/photo-jan-09-3-45-32-pm.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></span></p>
<p>“I am smart!” “I am kind.” “I am loved.” </p>
<p>Imagine if your students truly, deeply believed these statements about themselves? How would it change their behaviors? Relieve their anxiety? Improve their self-image? </p>
<p>I’ll be honest, affirmations always sounded like kind of a woo-woo thing to me. Turns out, though, they can actually be very effective, and there’s real science behind it. </p>
<p>And given that they’re easy and fun to do with kids, it seems like there’s no reason not to give them a try. </p>
<p>“Science has shown us that we have an extremely powerful strategy at our fingertips to help not only decrease negative thinking, but to promote better mental health, higher confidence, resilience, and healthy self-esteem: positive affirmations. </p>
<p>Negative thinking patterns are common for many children, especially the ones who come into the world more prone to anxiety or sensitivity.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="Freebie" data-link-type="page" href="/freebie" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/f729c627a5e5777557187da6df4f30dbc685464b/original/lmxddtf1.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>Get your FREE printable affirmation page!</p>
<p><br>When your child uses affirmations, they’re literally disengaging their ‘emotional brain’ and reactivating the part of the brain responsible for problem-solving, impulse control and emotional regulation.” </p>
<p>- Angela Pruess, “<a contents="Positive Affirmations for Kids to Skyrocket Strength, Confidence and Self-Love" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://parentswithconfidence.com/125-positive-affirmations-for-kids-to-skyrocket-strength-confidence-and-self-love/" target="_blank">Positive Affirmations for Kids to Skyrocket Strength, Confidence and Self-Love</a>”</p>
<p>Essentially, new neural pathways in the brain are created—and reinforced, like a trail in the woods—every time kids practice this type of intentional, positive thought. </p>
<p>(Two incredible side benefits: affirmations have been linked positively to academic achievement {Layous et al., 2017}; and have been demonstrated to lower stress and rumination {Koole et al., 1999; Weisenfeld et al., 2001}.) </p>
<p>Some ideas for you: </p>
<p>✰ Keep affirmations short and simple, so they’re super easy to remember </p>
<p>✰ Say them in the present-tense and in first-person (“I AM...”) </p>
<p>✰ Display them somewhere where they’ll be seen often to remind you. At home, use post-its on the wall, fridge, or bathroom mirror, or have kids make a fun poster for their bedroom door. </p>
<p>✰ n the classroom, students can write and decorate their affirmations on colorful paper and tape them to their desks. If the class has a whole has an affirmation, display it boldly on the wall or chalkboard. Encourage remote learners to put a post-it on their laptops. Set aside time each day for students to say them. </p>
<p>✰ Repeat as often as possible, at least once a day. Yes it’s awkward and weird, at least at first, to say them out loud, but just get over it. Model it for the kids! Positivity! New neural pathways! Yahoo! </p>
<p>The affirmation “I Am Smart” from my new book <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime-ebook/dp/B08B5F5X9V" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a> is the perfect “brain booster” to fire up that positive energy before homeschooling starts, prior to a test, or at the start of online lessons. Give it a try! </p>
<p><em>Take a long breath in, and let the air all the way out. </em></p>
<p><em>Say “I am smart. </em></p>
<p><em>”Breathe in, and breathe out. </em></p>
<p><em>Touch one hand to your head, where your smart brain is. </em></p>
<p><em>Say it again: “I am smart!” </em></p>
<p><em>Breathe in, and breathe out. </em></p>
<p><em>Touch the other hand to your head, where your smart brain is. </em></p>
<p><em>Give your head a little pat. </em></p>
<p><em>Say it again: “I AM SMART!” </em></p>
<p><em>Bring your hands down. </em></p>
<p><em>Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out.</em></p>
<p><br>Don’t forget to grab your <a contents="free printable" data-link-label="Freebie" data-link-type="page" href="/freebie" target="_blank">free printable</a>! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65359952021-02-01T07:30:00-05:002021-02-01T10:34:06-05:00HELP CHILDREN EXPRESS THEMSELVES WITH MUSIC<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/f9144a53d7de632eba91aa66c94c1f5063040744/original/c3135941-5346-4dc6-b24d-f22a7b4afff1.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br> </p>
<p>ONE in SIX—it’s a staggering number of children and young people with a diagnosable mental health issue. </p>
<p>It’s Children’s Mental Health Week, and the theme this year is Express Yourself. It’s all about using creativity as a healing tool, and finding creative outlets for children to share feelings, thoughts, or ideas. </p>
<p>Helping children express themselves is not about making “great art.” It’s about encouraging kids to feel comfortable expressing their true selves, which helps them develop self-awareness. The act of creating freely helps kids reflect on what’s important to them and their true feelings, thoughts and beliefs. </p>
<p>Learning to express themselves also helps kids communicate and connect with others (art has always been, and will always be, a natural way of connecting with other people). And creating art has also been shown to help relieve stress and anxiety. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/66235909f48d789af65a162fa33df4860a34c327/original/63932f91-6744-4462-83d3-a451b54f7467.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpeg" class="size_s justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>A few ideas from this musician: </p>
<p>🥁 Rhythm games: have kids create their own rhythm (by clapping, drumming on the counter, or tapping on their laps) then you imitate it back to them. Ask them to imagine the rhythm is a language, and to play as if they’re talking about how they feel today. </p>
<p>🎤 Sing! Ask children what song THEY want to sing, you might be surprised at what they choose…and singing has so many health benefits for both of you. </p>
<p>🎶 Body percussion. Ask how many different ways kids can make sounds with their bodies. There’s no question this will eventually lead to fart noises, so be prepared. </p>
<p>🎼 Make up a song with your child. (It DOES NOT matter if you’re a musician or ”singer.” Nobody cares.) Let them drive the bus here: ask - what do you want to sing about? Should it be happy or sad? fast or slow? </p>
<p>🪘Make your own shakers or drummers at home (a paper cup with dry rice in it and plastic wrap over the top, dried beans in a plastic water bottle; have your child figure out more ideas or ask the internet). Put on your child’s choice of music and play along! </p>
<p>There are lots of resources and ideas <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/" style="" target="_blank">here</a>. </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65302712021-01-26T08:00:00-05:002021-01-26T17:07:55-05:00WHY KIDS NEED DOWNTIME<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/953466b0d33b569373581dfefbf7da6645beee06/original/screen-shot-2021-01-25-at-4-40-19-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Young children’s brains work incredibly hard every day to absorb information, adapt to social situations, and observe the world around them. We adults (typically) know when we need a break from the constant input of stimulation, but children are still learning to listen to the cues from their bodies, and count on their adults to help. </p>
<p>Unstructured downtime is critical for kids to be able to process all the information their brains receive on a given day. It’s also absolutely essential for promoting creative and cognitive development. </p>
<p>From <a contents="Psychology Today" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rethinking-your-teenager/202009/the-benefits-unstructured-time" target="_blank">Psychology Today</a>:</p>
<p>“It’s crucial for children to have the ability to downregulate. Downregulation occurs when the brain can go on ‘automatic’ and doesn’t have to actively process new information. </p>
<p>The more complex cognitive functions can then disengage, and the brain shifts into a state in which it can relax and regain energy.” </p>
<p>Make sure children have some completely unstructured downtime every day. This can be quiet time with a book, an aimless walk outside, or building a fort with pillows. </p>
<p>If you’re a classroom teacher, it can be time for students to look at books of their choice instead of screens, lie on the rug, play freely, or rest with heads on their desks. Children will recharge as their minds get a break from keeping track of things. </p>
<p>(To be clear: unstructured playtime means no designated activity, and no directions from grownups...take a deep breath and resist the urge to make a bunch of suggestions. 😊) </p>
<p>And I’m sorry to say that hanging on the couch with the iPad doesn’t count. Over-exposure to screens can overstimulate and agitate kids’ brains, exactly the opposite of a break. Most kids have had enough—many way too much—screen time in the past year. They may not know they need a rest from it, but we do. </p>
<p>Here’s a simple mindful exercise from <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a> that will help you and your child try what can be difficult for all of us sometimes: doing nothing! (You can also watch me read it, and sing “<a contents="Just Be" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilley.com/mindful-moments-for-kids" target="_blank">Just Be</a>,” in the newest <a contents="Zen Sessions for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TIekimjAsw" target="_blank">Zen Sessions for Kids</a> episode.) <br> </p>
<p><em><strong>Do Nothing Moment</strong><br><br>Does it feel like there’s always something you’re supposed to be doing? </em></p>
<p><em>There are places you have to go, and lots of jobs to do. </em></p>
<p><em>And everyone seems to be in a hurry! </em></p>
<p><em>Well, for this moment, there’s nothing you have to do. <br>Except, of course, breathe. </em></p>
<p><em>Breathe in, breathe out. If you want, close your eyes. </em></p>
<p><em>Breathe in, breathe out. </em></p>
<p><em>Breathe in, breathe out.</em><br> </p>
<p>How do you give your kids downtime? I’d love to <a contents="hear from you" data-link-label="contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">hear from you</a>! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65256722021-01-20T08:08:58-05:002021-01-20T08:08:58-05:00ARE YOU REALLY LISTENING?<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/dc50a8d52c4c5f028bb369518fb2c3290de18545/original/9f94b5b4-4e03-44e4-a597-2b62c52b5fe0.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font_small">Photo by Hilary Murphy</span></em></p>
<p><br>Anyone else ever finish a child’s sentence for them? </p>
<p>Or otherwise have a hard time waiting patiently to let them get all their words out? </p>
<p>Or ask “leading questions,” like “How was school today, good?” </p>
<p>(Kids know the answer you want here.) </p>
<p>Guilty, guilty, and yup. </p>
<p>Every time we do this, we lessen the chances of connection. </p>
<p>Maybe we can try questions like: “Tell me something weird that happened at school today.” Or “If you had to describe what you did today to an alien, what would you say?” Or “What made you laugh today? What made you mad?” </p>
<p>It’s more effort. And it’s so important. </p>
<p>———————————————— </p>
<p>Missing scenes like these, as we all are. </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65182272021-01-11T14:23:10-05:002021-01-11T14:23:10-05:00Why teach kids mindfulness? <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/aaf04d7a74441064b3b1a19b76c6fbc70c017d5e/original/08f59c2f-2438-473d-8c5a-926380453409.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>We frequently ask children to calm down. But are we teaching them how? </p>
<p>We ask children to pay attention. But are we having them practice paying attention, so they can improve? </p>
<p>We ask them to focus. Are we helping them develop this critical skill? </p>
<p>And we want them to be able to control themselves. But are we teaching them the self-awareness that’s the foundation for self-regulation? </p>
<p>This is why teaching mindfulness to children is so important. Research shows that mindfulness has huge benefits in each of these areas. </p>
<p>Anyone can do it—you don’t need to be “specially trained.” Just remember the three ESSENTIAL elements: keep it short, kid-friendly, and consistent! </p>
<p>Watch my <a contents="TEDx talk" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/uOlIdmMK_zM" target="_blank">TEDx talk</a> for more on the incredible benefits of teaching mindfulness to kids, plus ideas and inspiration! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65131302021-01-04T08:30:47-05:002023-12-10T13:08:29-05:00TEACHING CHILDREN EMPATHY<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/ac40278b6598f0ecb0679f5016ec18b86395e659/original/b599b0f9-02ea-440d-9cba-9a72390c12e5.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>We all want to “fix it” when someone close to us is upset or suffering in some way. It’s hard to just be with someone in their discomfort without doing something. But empathy, simply defined as "the ability to understand and share the feelings of another,” is just that—it’s not providing a solution. It’s making someone feel heard and understood. </p>
<p>"Building an understanding of what others are feeling, how their own actions can impact others, and why someone might be experiencing feelings at a particular time is a valuable life skill for children to possess. It helps them to build a sense of security and stronger relationships with other children and with educators, positioning them well for learning. It also encourages tolerance and acceptance of others, and promotes good mental health.” - Goodstart Early Learning, “Why Teaching Children Empathy is More Important Than Ever” </p>
<p>There are lots of ways to work on this with kids: talk to them about how others may be feeling. Have them participate in taking care of someone or something else (a pet, a plant, an elderly relative) so they begin to understand that they can play an important role in someone else’s well-being. Help your child name her feelings, especially the big ones! </p>
<p>Another simple tool is books, as children learn to associate feelings with their favorite characters and stories. </p>
<p>Do you have go-to books or other methods for helping children understand and practice this social-emotional skill? I’d love to hear. Please comment and let me know! </p>
<p>PS: Children who are better at regulating their negative emotions tend to show greater empathic concern for others (Song et al 2017). Here’s where mindfulness comes in. The ability to self-regulate is a benefit of simple, consistent mindfulness practice! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/65090882020-12-29T07:00:00-05:002020-12-29T07:00:08-05:00PEACEFUL LIKE A PANDA IS HERE! <p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime-ebook/dp/B08B5F5X9V" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/efdd8b662f196c9ea663e2fae6225a5fa7c392d9/original/photo-jun-24-9-33-30-pm.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a><br>A fresh start, a clean slate—the quickly approaching new year holds possibility. </p>
<p>What if this is the year you established a CONSISTENT mindfulness practice—even the tiniest regular mindful activity, a minute of deep breathing at the same time each day, a gratitude practice in the morning—in an intentional way with your students and your own children? </p>
<p>What if you started every class, virtual or otherwise, with a simple, one-minute mindfulness exercise—fun and kid-friendly, of course—to calm and focus the children before starting your lesson? </p>
<p>What if before each family meal, you all took a 60-second pause to breathe, considering the trip your food took to get to your plate, and all the people who helped along the way? </p>
<p>What if at bedtime, you had a simple, effective, and fun way for your child to let go of anxiety, clearing the way for a peaceful rest? </p>
<p>You can make it happen. It would be a total game changer—and <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime-ebook/dp/B08B5F5X9V" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a> is the tool that can help. I’m so excited that it’s available, wherever books are sold, TODAY! </p>
<p>Here’s one of my favorite quick mindfulness exercises from the book: Give Yourself a Hug. It incorporates soothing deep breaths, gratitude practice, and the grounding, tactile experience of giving yourself a big squeeze! </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/35b828a6290d53e8a64ff8363668fff929389d0c/original/screen-shot-2020-12-28-at-1-58-22-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><em>Sit up tall, and stretch your arms out wide to the sides.</em></p>
<p><em>Take a big breath in.</em></p>
<p><em>As you let it out, wrap both arms around your body.</em></p>
<p><em>Squeeze your arms tight, and give yourself a big hug!</em></p>
<p><em>Wiggle side to side.</em></p>
<p><em>Thank you, body! You’ve done a lot today.</em></p>
<p><em>Let go.</em></p>
<p><em>Sit up tall again, and stretch your arms out even wider to the sides.</em></p>
<p><em>Take a big breath in.</em></p>
<p><em>As you let it out, wrap both arms around your body.</em></p>
<p><em>Squeeze them really tight!</em></p>
<p><em>Give yourself a big hug!</em></p>
<p><em>Wiggle side to side.</em></p>
<p><em>Thank you, body! You’ve worked hard today.</em></p>
<p><em>Let go.</em></p>
<p><em>Take a big breath in, and let it all the way out.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Grab your copy of <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime-ebook/dp/B08B5F5X9V" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a> right this minute! And I’d love to hear what you think—please <a contents="get in touch" data-link-label="contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">get in touch</a>!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/64994142020-12-15T08:00:00-05:002020-12-20T19:04:49-05:00SLEEPY MOUSE <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/c6fba59ec0ff659f4ca32a7b48079287e19c2df3/original/screen-shot-2020-12-14-at-12-22-25-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_regular">The holidays are upon us! With all the excitement in the air, it can be hard to settle little ones down at bedtime. Here’s a sweet and simple exercise to try, which combines mindfulness and movement for a calming, grounding effect. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Yogis will recognize this as a version of child’s pose, which releases tension in the back, shoulders and chest; lengthens and stretches the spine, and helps alleviate stress and anxiety. (Little ones don’t care about the “benefits.” ☺️ They’ll just have fun—and get nice and relaxed—pretending to be tiny, sleepy mice!) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Perfect to settle your children (and you!) down before storytime, naptime, or bed. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">(Sleepy Mouse is from <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime/dp/0593179269/ref=sr_1_1?crid=E2Q2DAKWY0M8&dchild=1&keywords=peaceful+like+a+panda&qid=1606756497&sprefix=PEACEFUL+LIKE+A+%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>—pre-order it now (it ships 12/29) and get this beautifully designed <a contents="holiday card " data-link-label="Panda Pre-order" data-link-type="page" href="/panda-pre-order" style="" target="_blank">holiday card</a> FREE!) </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><a contents="" data-link-label="Panda Pre-order" data-link-type="page" href="/panda-pre-order" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/274dfbc3cbc7484fbb22205f52e32e4363b22b2e/original/screen-shot-2020-12-14-at-7-12-22-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><strong>SLEEPY MOUSE</strong> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>Sit on your heels, and put your head down on the floor. </em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>Curl your body up in a little ball. </em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>Just like a tiny mouse. </em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>Breathe in, and breathe out. </em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>Slowly...breathe in, and breathe out. </em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>Even more slowly...breathe in, and breathe out. </em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>Relax your whole body. </em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>Such a sleepy little mouse you are! </em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>Stay here as long as you want.</em></span><br> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Please <a contents="get in touch" data-link-label="contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">get in touch</a>—I’d love to hear from you!</span></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/64885052020-12-03T06:30:00-05:002020-12-03T06:40:04-05:00BRAIN BOOSTERS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/8a6768aeb1e943894750befd79a6cb91542c5938/original/screen-shot-2020-11-30-at-12-46-33-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>I’m writing this sitting next to my sixth grader who’s in Zoom physics (hooray and hallelujah for their teacher). It’s pouring buckets outside, the students are bleary, glassy-eyed, and mostly silent, and she’s bringing it with SO MUCH enthusiasm. </p>
<p>In my student I see the fidgeting, notice the many distractions of being at home, the screen fatigue, and the slump-y posture—not the most awesome way to to learn physics, or anything. </p>
<p>The good news is there are lots of quick, easy ways to wake up the body, and reset and focus the brain. </p>
<p>Here’s a 60-second Brain Booster from my upcoming book, <a contents=" Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime-ebook/dp/B08B5F5X9V" style="" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>. Give it a try with your child or in your classroom (Zoom or otherwise!). </p>
<p>Practicing balance develops dexterity, coordination, and sensory perception, and intentional breathing improves self-awareness and calms the nervous system. <br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/46027bec3d3f64d79638b3dd1e9d2d747d51389e/original/image0.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpeg" class="size_s justify_center border_" /><strong>FLAMINGO! </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Stand up tall, with your feet flat on the floor. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Lift one knee up toward your belly. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Keep your belly strong! </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>If you feel wobbly, hold onto something or someone. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Spread your wings out wide to the side. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>You’re a flamingo! </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Breathe in, and breathe out. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Hold your body as still as you can. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Breathe in, and breathe out. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Slowly put your knee down. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Let’s try it again! </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Lift your other knee up toward your belly. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Keep your belly strong! </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>If you feel wobbly, hold onto something or someone. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Spread your wings out wide. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Hello, flamingo! </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Breathe in, and breathe out. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Hold your body as still as you can. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Breathe in, and breathe out. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Slowly put your knee down.</em></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/64859562020-11-26T07:00:00-05:002023-12-10T13:09:45-05:00ASK YOUR BELLY<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/4c67f3338fed758b4bc96ea75430bbd16bda0888/original/f0d26fa2-fc56-4330-a6b0-52f20d4d6c3f.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>Should you eat a few more bites? </p>
<p>Or are you full? </p>
<p>Well, ask your belly! </p>
<p>Take a breath in, and let it out. </p>
<p>Close your eyes if it helps. </p>
<p>Put one hand on your belly. </p>
<p>Say “Belly, how do you feel?” </p>
<p>Pay attention. </p>
<p>You might need to ask again. </p>
<p>Say “Hey, belly, how do you feel?” </p>
<p>Pay attention. </p>
<p>Do you feel full? </p>
<p>Or do you need to eat a little bit more? </p>
<p>Breathe in, and breathe out. </p>
<p>You know what to do!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/64805022020-11-19T06:00:00-05:002020-11-19T06:00:19-05:00The Whole-Brain Child<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/e15f8ca6bc97acc7cfbbd031d4220b07d944397c/original/screen-shot-2020-11-18-at-12-34-19-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>"Help your children learn to be still and calm…they’ll be better able to survive the storms brewing within them from moment to moment, and they’ll have a better chance of thriving—emotionally, psychologically, socially—as they grow toward adulthood.” - Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, “The Whole-Brain Child” </p>
<p>This book has been around for a while; I’m re-reading it now to help reinforce my “why,” and refresh the neuroscience behind teaching mindfulness practices to children. It simply and clearly explains the importance of integrating the left and right sides of a child’s brain in order to help them develop the ability to self-regulate. </p>
<p>I particularly like the book’s “connect and re-direct” method; a way of helping kids “feel felt” before trying to solve problems or address a situation logically. </p>
<p>A must-read if you work with young children!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/64785692020-11-16T05:00:00-05:002022-09-12T14:27:11-04:00SUN BREATH<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/1a9f0aef456a59500d7a55cb87ac8561199fc111/original/46ebcac4-36a5-4495-ba4d-5123c7c98a13.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>Imagine you’re the sun. </p>
<p>Take a big breath in, and as you let it out, send out your rays of sunshine. </p>
<p>Do it again. Take a big breath in, and as you let it out, send out your rays of sunshine. </p>
<p>Send them out in front of you...and out behind you. </p>
<p>Send them out to the left...and out to the right. </p>
<p>Send sunshine out in a big circle all around you. </p>
<p>You’re spreading sunshine everywhere! </p>
<p>Feel it getting brighter and warmer all around you, every time you breathe in and out. </p>
<p>Time for a sunny day!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/64760792020-11-13T08:00:00-05:002023-12-10T13:09:55-05:00BUDDY BREATHING<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/07b4e590396a79192e20fd736ab8250ff9a7fa9a/original/screen-shot-2020-11-12-at-3-03-17-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Find a cozy spot to lie down with a buddy—a stuffed animal, your special blanket, or a beanbag—on your belly. <br>Take a long, slow breath in through your nose. You might see your buddy rise as your belly fills with air. </p>
<p>Let the air all the way out. Your buddy will float back down. </p>
<p>Try it again. Take a long, slow breath in through your nose, and let the air all the way out. Watch your buddy rise and fall. </p>
<p>Keep going, and stay here as long as you like.</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/64730062020-11-09T05:00:00-05:002020-11-09T05:00:01-05:00LET'S MOVE!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/33651921c2ef33d42a0f5c8a1be710615f93495e/original/a0e8454f-eb56-4936-9124-3859e02c491e.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Virtual school, activities canceled, the weather getting cold—it all adds up to kids not getting enough exercise. </p>
<p>Getting them moving is always important, but it’s critical now. In addition to increasing memory, perception, and the ability to pay attention, which will all greatly help with the Virtual School Blues, physical activity helps kids release stress and anxiety, and fires up those endorphins—it just plain gets them in a better mood.</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/64445482020-09-28T13:26:20-04:002020-09-28T15:01:32-04:00Imagine<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/552fd516868831dd8c5ec0b602d432c37fa13c61/original/9a15625b-c083-440c-9c55-3e085c473bf0.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>You don’t need any special training to begin practicing mindfulness with your students. </p>
<p>This is the message of my <a contents="TEDx" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/uOlIdmMK_zM" target="_blank">TEDx</a> talk in a nutshell. There are tons of resources, online, in your library, and in your imagination. All you need to do, literally, is pause, and breathe. The more often the better. </p>
<p>The magic formula for practicing mindfulness with kids: keep it short, kid-friendly, and consistent. My talk goes into each of these three elements, explains the why behind this formula, and will give you tons of ideas. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/2e1d9815ca94aafe171e862fd7da7cd35b629b8d/original/2017tedx-dianerichterphotog-5979-zf-4686-85688-1-004.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Imagine the self-regulation—the ability to manage one’s emotions and behavior—that comes with mindfulness being taught alongside academics in our schools. </p>
<p>Imagine schools moving away from the traditional paradigm of discipline and punishment toward one of empathy and compassion, as teachers practice being mindful alongside their students, and gain the ability to be non-reactive. </p>
<p>Imagine a shift in the culture of our schools toward paying attention with kindness—the definition of mindfulness.</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/64284822020-09-09T08:00:00-04:002020-09-09T08:00:05-04:00New book! Peaceful Like a Panda!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/efdd8b662f196c9ea663e2fae6225a5fa7c392d9/original/photo-jun-24-9-33-30-pm.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>illustration by Anni Betts</em><br> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">Coming your way this December—<a contents="PEACEFUL LIKE A PANDA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime-ebook/dp/B08B5F5X9V/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3RLRUQLA8Z89A&dchild=1&keywords=peaceful+like+a+panda&qid=1599615486&s=books&sprefix=peaceful+like+a+%2Cstripbooks%2C155&sr=1-3" target="_blank">PEACEFUL LIKE A PANDA</a>!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I’m so excited about this book! It’s chock full of NEW mindful exercises for kids—easy, fun techniques that will help children learn to manage their bodies, breath, and emotions. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Mindfulness is proven to help children calm themselves down, let go of stress, and focus their energy. But there are <a contents="three key elements" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOlIdmMK_zM&t=26s" target="_blank">three key elements</a> to success: keep mindfulness practice short, fun, and consistent. <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime-ebook/dp/B08B5F5X9V/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3RLRUQLA8Z89A&dchild=1&keywords=peaceful+like+a+panda&qid=1599615486&s=books&sprefix=peaceful+like+a+%2Cstripbooks%2C155&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a> was written with exactly this in mind. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As in my first book, <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839/ref=sr_1_2?crid=OQI89LN0X2YS&dchild=1&keywords=listen+like+an+elephant&qid=1599615391&s=books&sprefix=list%2Cstripbooks%2C170&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>, the exercises here are concise; each takes about a minute to do. And like that book, the concepts are playful, written to capture the imaginations of young children. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">For <a contents="Peaceful Like a Panda" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime-ebook/dp/B08B5F5X9V/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3RLRUQLA8Z89A&dchild=1&keywords=peaceful+like+a+panda&qid=1599615486&s=books&sprefix=peaceful+like+a+%2Cstripbooks%2C155&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Peaceful Like a Panda</a>, though, </span><span class="font_large">I made the consistency part a no-brainer—the book is organized by times of day, so it’s incredibly easy to fit an exercise (or two or three) into even the busiest of days. You can make mindfulness a part of your daily routine by attaching it to something you do regularly, like traveling to school, eating together, homework, or reading a story at bedtime. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">There are five fun choices in each of the six chapters—Rise and Shine, Are We There Yet?, Brain Boosters, Playtime, Let’s Eat, and Good Night. (Check out the Table of Contents here!)</span><br> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/b210270626a606d503c91e496484c59ce7980207/original/screen-shot-2020-09-08-at-9-03-17-pm.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><span class="font_large">Mindfulness is also an incredible vehicle for teaching social-emotional skills, and the exercises in this book are designed to help children develop self-awareness, practice optimism and gratitude, improve self-esteem, and make positive choices. </span></p>
<p><br><span class="font_large">Happily, the wonderfully talented illustrator <a contents="Anni Betts" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.annibetts.com/tag/book-illustrations/" target="_blank">Anni Betts</a> worked her magic on Peaceful Like a Panda (as on all my<a contents=" books" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Moments-Kids-Listen-Elephant/dp/1984894102/ref=sr_1_1?crid=OQI89LN0X2YS&dchild=1&keywords=listen+like+an+elephant&qid=1599614846&s=books&sprefix=list%2Cstripbooks%2C170&sr=1-1" target="_blank"> books</a>). Her whimsical, gorgeous drawings make the entire book an absolute delight to look through. </span><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/f4bc51f81df7566f8939d33b6d23f252861cb8db/original/screen-shot-2020-09-08-at-9-05-21-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">(Now you know what I’ve been doing, quarantine-wise.) <br><br>If you’re a fan of <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839/ref=sr_1_2?crid=OQI89LN0X2YS&dchild=1&keywords=listen+like+an+elephant&qid=1599615391&s=books&sprefix=list%2Cstripbooks%2C170&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>, you will be FIRED UP for this one. You can <a contents="pre-order" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Like-Panda-Playtime-Bedtime-ebook/dp/B08B5F5X9V/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3RLRUQLA8Z89A&dchild=1&keywords=peaceful+like+a+panda&qid=1599615486&s=books&sprefix=peaceful+like+a+%2Cstripbooks%2C155&sr=1-3" target="_blank">pre-order</a> it RIGHT THIS MINUTE!</span></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/64063802020-08-11T07:49:57-04:002020-08-13T10:52:41-04:00Mindfulness Moments for Kids AUDIOBOOKS! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/63d9d309076a3c82a10330d23adfb010be31e9d6/original/2d1c443c-7c02-4854-a337-a11c586cf8e9.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" />Every child learns differently, and these varied learning styles—visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic—become apparent at a very young age. Understanding how a child learns best can help them feel successful and thrive in their learning environment. (Read more about learning styles <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://gradepowerlearning.com/what-type-learner-is-my-child/" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br><br>For those auditory learners—and the parents and teachers who love them—I’m happy to announce my Mindfulness Moments for Kids books are now available as <a contents="audiobooks" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/664507/mindfulness-moments-for-kids-three-calming-activities/?ref=PRH1C1DDE1364" target="_blank">audiobooks</a>!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="blQpGkEgt5A" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/blQpGkEgt5A/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/blQpGkEgt5A?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="280" width="420" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I wrote the <a contents="Mindfulness Moments for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Moments-Kids-Breathe-Like/dp/1984894110/ref=pd_bxgy_img_3/133-3202818-3487145?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1984894110&pd_rd_r=950bef28-2c16-49a3-b5cd-73fe566762e0&pd_rd_w=MC9Rv&pd_rd_wg=MHnM3&pf_rd_p=ce6c479b-ef53-49a6-845b-bbbf35c28dd3&pf_rd_r=PQH5GX3STGCV7VGY5FRE&psc=1&refRID=PQH5GX3STGCV7VGY5FRE" target="_blank">Mindfulness Moments for Kids</a> series to introduce simple mindfulness concepts to the youngest of practitioners. There are three titles (you can download them individually, or as a bundle):</p>
<p><a contents="Listen Like an Elephant " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/664507/mindfulness-moments-for-kids-three-calming-activities/?ref=PRH1C1DDE1364" style="" target="_blank">Listen Like an Elephant</a> helps children learn to slow down, listen to the world around them, and focus their attention.<br><br>In <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/664507/mindfulness-moments-for-kids-three-calming-activities/?ref=PRH1C1DDE1364" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>, children will breathe deeply and calm themselves down, maybe even getting sleepy…just like a bear in hibernation.<br><br>With <a contents="Bunny Breaths" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/664507/mindfulness-moments-for-kids-three-calming-activities/?ref=PRH1C1DDE1364" target="_blank">Bunny Breaths</a>, kids learn how to find and focus their energy with a quick and fun breath exercise.<br><br>And—it’s my voice you’ll hear reading the books; my original music is in the background, too.<br><br>Grab them <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/664507/mindfulness-moments-for-kids-three-calming-activities/?ref=PRH1C1DDE1364" target="_blank">here</a>!<br><br><br> </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/63321862020-05-27T14:26:12-04:002021-03-09T14:17:57-05:00ZEN SESSIONS FOR KIDS: SEND GOOD THOUGHTS<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/a73a5ccf0a55477324f535e0b516ab53bb617129/original/screen-shot-2020-05-27-at-2-18-53-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Children are born with natural compassion, but it’s important that they're encouraged to practice it. This simple, sweet mindfulness exercise from <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" style="" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a> gently guides children to think of others—not only someone they love, but also someone they don’t know well, or someone who they know might be having a hard time—and to “say” something kind to them. It helps them consider the circumstances and feelings of others, an essential skill for kids (and all of us) to practice. </p>
<p>In this new episode of <a contents="Zen Sessions for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEBxehvE1MM" target="_blank">Zen Sessions for Kids</a>, we’ll send good thoughts to those around us, and sing my Namaste song, from my very first album, <a contents="Dance for the Sun" data-link-label="music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">Dance for the Sun</a>. </p>
<p><em><strong>NAMASTE SONG </strong><br>The light in me <br>sees the light in you <br>the light in me <br>sees the light in you <br>I honor you <br>as you honor me <br>namaste, namaste, namaste </em><br> <br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEBxehvE1MM" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/b03fa7ba8c726bdd8f971413fd1536ad5c69bb80/original/screen-shot-2020-05-27-at-8-15-56-am.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p><a contents="Zen Sessions for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEBxehvE1MM" target="_blank">Zen Sessions for Kids</a> is my new video series combining simple, fun mindfulness and my original music. (All the episodes are on <a contents="YouTube" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8o4H5CB8sQ" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, and don’t forget to subscribe.) </p>
<p>Find <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a> wherever you like to get your books! I’d love to hear what you think of this new series. Please <a contents="get in touch" data-link-label="contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">get in touch</a>!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/63234592020-05-20T08:20:08-04:002020-11-03T21:18:06-05:00ZEN SESSIONS FOR KIDS: COLORS<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/5e670fbdd80555e8e65f15d382cc4d607161c992/original/screen-shot-2020-05-19-at-2-58-03-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>The second episode of my new YouTube series <a contents="Zen Sessions for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8o4H5CB8sQ&t=11s" target="_blank">Zen Sessions for Kids</a>—short videos of mindfulness plus music for children—is live now, and the theme is <a contents="Colors" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8o4H5CB8sQ&t=11s" target="_blank">Colors</a>! </p>
<p>I read the calming, grounding mindfulness exercise “Your Favorite Color” from <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1974900142" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>, and sing one of my most <a contents="popular songs" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amPgFSJBzBw" target="_blank">popular songs</a>: yup, you guessed it. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8o4H5CB8sQ&t=11s" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/915eea327e2970136a4df165457867ba2735c51e/original/screen-shot-2020-05-20-at-8-14-13-am.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>(<a contents="Zen Sessions for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8o4H5CB8sQ&t=11s" target="_blank">Zen Sessions for Kids</a> is my new video series on YouTube. In each episode, I’ll read a mindful moment from my book <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear," data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1974900142" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear,</a> and perform a song that goes along with it from one of my <a contents="five albums" data-link-label="music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">five albums</a>.) </p>
<p>If you missed last week’s debut episode, the theme was Kindness—find it <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcIoqDshVxY" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>I’d love to hear what you think, please <a contents="get in touch" data-link-label="contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">get in touch</a>!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/63156572020-05-14T08:00:00-04:002020-05-14T10:50:27-04:00ZEN SESSIONS FOR KIDS: Kindness<p><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/975fba71b2bd4f0ba0f1aed71d2f215b0751fb68/original/zen-sessions-white.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></em></p>
<p><em>“Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give.” - Unknown </em></p>
<p>We all want to raise kind children. But it’s easy to forget that skills like compassion, empathy, and kindness—what educators call social-emotional learning—need to be taught, modeled, and practiced. </p>
<p>Author Catherine Newman writes, in her article <a contents="“6 Ways to Teach Kids to be Kind" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.parents.com/kids/development/social/teaching-kids-to-be-kind/" target="_blank">“6 Ways to Teach Kids to be Kind</a>:” <br><em>“The best thing you can do to make the world a better place is to create a culture of kindness in your own home.” </em></p>
<p>Boy, this can be really hard, especially when we’re under significant, chronic stress. </p>
<p>Newman writes: <em>“We should remind ourselves and our kids that kindness is hard sometimes…it can be challenging to be generous with a sibling who’s annoying you. It can be scary to stick up for a friend or a classmate who isn’t being treated right…but the more that children get in the habit of behaving kindly, the more natural it will become.” </em> </p>
<p>YES! </p>
<p>Kindness is the theme of the first episode in my new series, <a contents="Zen Sessions for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcIoqDshVxY" style="" target="_blank">Zen Sessions for Kids</a>.</p>
<p>It’s mindfulness and music, together, for children—yahoo! </p>
<p>In each episode, I’ll read a mindful moment from my bestselling children's book <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1974900142" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>, and perform a song that goes along with it from one of my <a contents="five albums" data-link-label="music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">five albums</a>.</p>
<p>In this first one, we practice the essential skills of compassion and thoughtfulness for others, and sing the simple, sweet Kindness Mantra (which you can download free <a contents="here" data-link-label="FREE MM" data-link-type="page" href="/free-mm" target="_blank">here</a>)!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcIoqDshVxY" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/27bc4b4fafa0c2d840bb78acbe6e05b19094a480/original/screen-shot-2020-05-13-at-8-48-08-pm.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p><a contents="Go watch it now!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcIoqDshVxY" style="">Go watch it now!</a> (And be sure to subscribe to my channel, so you don’t miss any new episodes!) </p>
<p>I’d love to hear what you think—<a contents="please get in touch! " data-link-label="contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">please get in touch! </a></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/62879692020-04-20T12:19:38-04:002022-03-14T07:36:15-04:00LIZARD ON A ROCK<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/7055e09dcee773190de0161d440dbf7d8e961242/original/screen-shot-2020-04-20-at-12-17-28-pm.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>A possible upside to our current state of affairs: maybe you have a little more time than usual right now to spend with your little ones? If so, family yoga is a fun, healthy way to bond. There are lots of wonderful providers offering online kids and family classes and events right now; check out the list we’ve compiled <a contents="here" data-link-label="Resources " data-link-type="page" href="/resources" target="_blank">here</a>. </p>
<p>Get started straight away with Lizard on a Rock, a sweet, simple partner pose. It’s grounding, calming, and heart-opening. <br><br>Grownup: you’re the rock. Down you go, sit on your heels, put your head down, and curl up in a little ball. <br><br>Child: you’re the lizard. Gently (gently!) turn around so your back is to your grownup, and carefully, gently, sit down on your rock. Slowly, lean all the way back so you’re stretched out. Arms can go all the way up over your head if that feels good.<br><br>Both of you: take long breaths in, and long breaths out. Aaahhhh.<br><br>Stay here as long as you like. (Check in with your rock about that.)<br><br>When you’re ready to come up, you can slooowly sit up, or slowly roll off to the side.</p>
<p>Give it a try, and please <a contents="get in touch" data-link-label="contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">get in touch</a> and let me know what you think!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/62827802020-04-15T06:45:00-04:002020-04-17T06:31:23-04:00Kittycat Stretch<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/24a7cd8cd32ba137627d2bd3bb997871d4d529d7/original/screen-shot-2020-04-14-at-11-30-54-pm.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Movement. It’s so important right now! For kids AND for grownups. Lots of us are on screens for hours and hours in a row, more than we ever have been before—trying to stay connected, to stay in school, to stay working. Movement breaks are key, and they can be as simple as setting an alarm to do a quick stretch every half hour. </p>
<p>Grab your little ones and try this simple and fun one. Extra points for a really authentic MEOW! <br> </p>
<p><em>Sit up tall, and clasp your fingers together. </em></p>
<p><em>Stretch your arms straight out in front of you, and turn your hands so your palms are pressing out away from your body. </em></p>
<p><em>Take a big breath in, let the air out, and round your back like a kittycat stretching. </em></p>
<p><em>Meow…. Pull your belly in, and press your hands as far away from you as you can! </em></p>
<p><em>Take another big breath in, let the air out, and really ROUND your back, like a kittycat stretching. </em></p>
<p><em>Meow…! Let your hands go. Give your arms a little shake! </em></p>
<p><em>Do it again if you like! </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>"Kittycat Stretch" is from my children’s mindfulness book <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1974900142" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>, illustrated by Anni Betts. <br> </p>
<p>Download my 30 kid-friendly <a contents="Mindful Moments" data-link-label="FREE MM" data-link-type="page" href="/free-mm" target="_blank">Mindful Moments</a> FREE.</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/62776302020-04-09T16:49:02-04:002020-11-10T12:35:20-05:00SCRUNCH & LET GO<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/595c65c6792d661e81eb7164d4d4e37891a52cb8/original/img-3197.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><em>Scrunch up your toes. Make all the muscles in your legs really strong. </em></p>
<p><em>Pull your belly in, and squeeze all the muscles in your arms. </em></p>
<p><em>Make your hands into fists, and scrunch up your face. </em></p>
<p><em>If you want to, close your eyes tight. </em></p>
<p><em>Now take a loooong breath in. As you slowly let the air out, let all those muscles go. </em></p>
<p><em>Take another loooong breath in, and as you let it out, feel ALL your muscles relax. </em></p>
<p><em>Do it again…as many times as you like. </em></p>
<p>“Scrunch & Let Go" is one of 30 short, kid-friendly audio exercises in my Mindful Moments collection. Get them all for free <a contents="here" data-link-label="Blog" data-link-type="page" href="/blog" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>Download all 30, and then all you have to do is listen to my voice! The simple exercises will help you and your kids get rid of stress, practice listening, improve focus, and calm yourselves down. </p>
<p>How are you doing? Please <a contents="get in touch" data-link-label="contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">get in touch</a> and let me know how I can support you!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/62535552020-03-18T10:07:09-04:002020-03-31T12:24:38-04:00STAY-CALM RESOURCES FOR THE KIDS (AND FOR YOU)<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/049a9988c0a1127c4eddac70c5e1e5d0f2c87c7b/original/me-carly-b-w.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The kids are listening. </p>
<p>Even when you think they aren’t. They hear what you’re saying, and they’re watching how you behave. </p>
<p>We have choices, all day long (and the days can feel LONG, I know, I have three): do we need to repeat that rumor? Do we really want to speculate about what might happen, within their earshot? How are we dealing with our own stress? </p>
<p>Simple practices of mindfulness can be incredibly helpful now. </p>
<p>I’m offering my <a contents="Mindful Moments for Kids" data-link-label="FREE MM" data-link-type="page" href="/free-mm" target="_blank">Mindful Moments for Kids</a> collection free to all here. </p>
<p>Go <a contents="download" data-link-label="FREE MM" data-link-type="page" href="/free-mm" style="" target="_blank">download</a><a contents="d all of them" data-link-label="FREE MM" data-link-type="page" href="/free-mm" target="_blank"> all of them</a>, right this minute. Put them on your phone, and work your way through them until you find a few that you and your kids love. </p>
<p>Maybe you pick <a contents="Bear Breath" data-link-label="FREE MM" data-link-type="page" href="/free-mm" target="_blank">Bear Breath</a> to settle down at bedtime. <a contents="Count to Five" data-link-label="FREE MM" data-link-type="page" href="/free-mm" target="_blank">Count to Five</a> to head off a meltdown. <a contents="Get Your Grumpies Out" data-link-label="FREE MM" data-link-type="page" href="/free-mm" target="_blank">Get Your Grumpies Out</a> to shake off a yucky mood. <a contents="Flower Breath" data-link-label="FREE MM" data-link-type="page" href="/free-mm" target="_blank">Flower Breath</a> when you’re out in the yard or on a walk. <a contents="Send Good Thoughts" data-link-label="FREE MM" data-link-type="page" href="/free-mm" target="_blank">Send Good Thoughts</a> when you’re feeling helpless about a faraway grandparent. There are so many, you’re sure to find something that’s helpful. And please <a contents="share this link" data-link-label="FREE MM" data-link-type="page" href="/free-mm" target="_blank">share this link</a> with any parent or teacher you know. </p>
<p>Lots of wonderful people, many of them friends of mine who are children’s musicians or teach kids’ yoga & mindfulness, are thinking of the children, too—here are some of their great free resources:</p>
<p>—<a contents="Yoga4Classrooms" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.yoga4classrooms.com/yoga-4-classrooms-blog/seven-ways-to-find-grace-and-alleviate-suffering-during-the-COVID-19-Pandemic?fbclid=IwAR1ceIs0ti15hLS03NQjanKeH5bur6XnmZGHO_JC2Y3ycUwu-9_m4m85B1w" style="" target="_blank">Yoga4Classrooms</a> is offering <a contents="free mindful activities" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.yoga4classrooms.com/yoga-4-classrooms-blog/seven-ways-to-find-grace-and-alleviate-suffering-during-the-COVID-19-Pandemic?fbclid=IwAR1ceIs0ti15hLS03NQjanKeH5bur6XnmZGHO_JC2Y3ycUwu-9_m4m85B1w" target="_blank">free mindful activities</a> each day<br>—<a contents="Yoga Ed" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://yogaed.com/toolkit-6-trauma-sensitive-tools" target="_blank">Yoga Ed</a> offers this <a contents=" toolkit" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://yogaed.com/toolkit-6-trauma-sensitive-tools" style="" target="_blank">toolkit</a><a contents=" toolkit " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://yogaed.com/toolkit-3-tools-to-manage-anxiety?utm_source=Yoga+Ed.&utm_campaign=522955d200-March142020_Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_85e9c865f1-522955d200-27661969&mc_cid=522955d200&mc_eid=90e98b3b35" target="_blank"> </a>for managing anxiety, and <a contents="Little Flower Yoga" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.littlefloweryoga.com/" target="_blank">Little Flower Yoga</a> has these<a contents=" 5 ways" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.littlefloweryoga.com/blog/5-ways-to-help-children-with-coronavirus-anxiety/?fbclid=IwAR3boE_OMj_mdT5sG4vXgYWKVt2KGeXV-DwWgGRvVg31wXqIzFTEyPWHllU" target="_blank"> 5 ways</a> to handle this stress with your kids </p>
<p>—Some of my kids’ music friends—<a contents="Suzi Shelton" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/suzisheltonmusic/" target="_blank">Suzi Shelton</a>, <a contents="Key Wilde" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/Key-Wilde-Mr-Clarke-112784651164/" target="_blank">Key Wilde</a>, and <a contents="Joanie Leeds" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/joanieleedsmusic/" target="_blank">Joanie Leeds</a>, among others—are offering live concerts on Facebook—what a great way to enjoy live music, which has such a power to lift us all up! </p>
<p>And for you: Kim John Payne, author of <a contents="Simplicity Parenting" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.simplicityparenting.com/" target="_blank">Simplicity Parenting</a> (a must-read) has recorded an incredible <a contents="series" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.simplicityparenting.com/" target="_blank">series</a> on how to handle the current situation with children AND teens.</p>
<p>As best you can, model positivity and optimism now. Choose your words carefully. Do your darndest to be creative—take advantage of these resources—and make the best of this crazy, disruptive time. </p>
<p>Breathe.</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/62258762020-02-25T07:30:00-05:002020-02-25T07:30:21-05:00Bunny Breaths Release Day!<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Moments-Kids-Bunny-Breaths/dp/0593119851/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bunny+breaths+kira&qid=1582569642&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/a8b9cfe5a012850f2f8f4e6748a1a27413e71dbb/original/file-jan-07-11-57-48-am.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpeg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>It’s <a contents="Bunny Breaths" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Moments-Kids-Bunny-Breaths/dp/0593119851/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bunny+breaths+kira&qid=1582569642&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Bunny Breaths</a> release day! </p>
<p>It’s the third book in my Mindfulness Moments for Kids series, and this one might just be the cutest. </p>
<p><a contents="Bunny Breaths" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Moments-Kids-Bunny-Breaths/dp/0593119851/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bunny+breaths+kira&qid=1582569642&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Bunny Breaths</a> teaches young ones a simple, fun breathing exercise to help them focus their energy in a positive way, and it can be done anywhere: in the backseat of a car, at home, or in line at the grocery store! </p>
<p>It’s stunningly illustrated by Anni Betts, super sturdy, and would look adorable in an Easter basket… </p>
<p>(Make sure you grab the first two in the series—<a contents="Listen Like an Elephant" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Moments-Kids-Listen-Elephant/dp/1984894102/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EA1BD8EE45GF&keywords=listen+like+an+elephant&qid=1582569696&sprefix=listen+like+an+ele%2Caps%2C274&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Listen Like an Elephant</a> and <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Moments-Kids-Breathe-Like/dp/1984894110/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=breathe+like+a+bear&qid=1582569719&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>—while you’re at it! All three board books are designed to gently introduce simple mindfulness concepts to the littlest ones.) </p>
<p>I’d love to hear what you think—please <a contents="get in touch" data-link-label="contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">get in touch</a>!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/62131652020-02-12T14:02:18-05:002020-02-13T04:27:22-05:00MINDFULNESS AT WORK IN ONE PRIMARY SCHOOL<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/27d58768bb18fe7c67d6c461ba84416fcda6f5dd/original/0c316239-ff40-468d-b7d3-9e84827351ca.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>This primary school has started each day for the past two years with one of my Mindful Moments. The students and staff all gather in the gym when they arrive, breathe together, and then start their day. You can feel the calm, positive energy when you walk in, and the wonderful teachers were enthusiastic participants in our shows along with the children. <br><br>In our session after school, the teachers and I talked about how not every Mindful Moment is appealing to all the students, and how some work better than others. How you don’t have to be still to be mindful, and in fact for some children mindful movement works a whole lot better. <br><br>I challenged the teachers to come up with mindful breaks of their own, as they know their audience much better than I do. They surprised themselves, I think, with the incredibly creative, fun mindfulness exercises they came up with, that they know will appeal to their classrooms. <br><br>You can do it too. You DON’T need any special training to practice simple mindfulness with children. Just remember to keep it short, kid-friendly, and consistent. <br><br>We were greeted before our three shows by this incredible work of art—the art teacher who created it incorporated themes from my songs as well as my book Breathe Like a Bear. It’s more stunning in person than in a photo. We were so grateful and touched.</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/62022632020-02-04T10:00:00-05:002020-02-04T10:06:01-05:00Mindfulness can help your kids (and you!) stay healthy this winter<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/d1c2ded54a2f166640c3cc6ca35f08cc07dd333b/original/a5228a9d-1e3b-43e8-83fa-d2a0aac98fbf.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We already know practicing mindfulness can help relieve stress, treat heart disease, lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, improve sleep, and even alleviate digestive issues (read the full article <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/benefits-of-mindfulness.htm" target="_blank">here</a>). </p>
<p>But the simplest, quickest way mindfulness can help us stay healthy? It’s by reminding us to take care of ourselves—it’s self-awareness. </p>
<p>Many of us go through our days distracted too much of the time. Increasingly, our kids do too. As a result, we can all lose touch with what our bodies need. </p>
<p>When we pause, just for the briefest of moments, to check in with ourselves, we’re much better able to make the adjustments in our day that make all the difference: is it time to drink a big glass of water? get up and move around? plan for extra sleep tonight, to head off that cold? eat something before getting hangry? </p>
<p>My friend, “<a contents="Breathe, Mama, Breathe" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Mama-5-Minute-Mindfulness-Busy/dp/1615193561/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=breathe+mama+breathe&qid=1580771538&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Breathe, Mama, Breathe</a>” author Shonda Moralis, taught me this simple, super-quick self-awareness break—try it with your kids, and remind each other to build it in a few times a day. Maybe set a timer on your phone! </p>
<p>S.T.O.P. Break: </p>
<p>S - Stop what you’re doing! (No, really stop. Just for a moment.) </p>
<p>T - Take a breath. A long one—all the way in, all the way out. </p>
<p>O - Observe. How do you feel right now? What’s going on in your body? What do you need? </p>
<p>P - Proceed. Move on with your day—making the adjustments you need to take care of yourself! </p>
<p><a contents="Let me know" data-link-label="contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">Let me know</a> how it goes! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/60993252020-01-15T08:21:16-05:002020-01-23T12:32:04-05:00are your kids moving enough?<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/0397977aedb6d154c4821f0d50604daa6eb993f2/original/42ae0d08-1e5d-4cb7-91c6-d085b0baeb03.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The US National Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that kids ages 6-17 get 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. </p>
<p>The bummer truth is—according to the<a contents=" US Physical Activity Report Card" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.physicalactivityplan.org/projects/PA/2018/2018%20US%20Report%20Card%20Full%20Version_WEB.PDF?pdf=page-link" target="_blank"> US Physical Activity Report Card</a>,—less than 25% of kids meet this standard. </p>
<p>It’s harder in the colder weather, I know. And when you add in the fact that all kids need to move, a lot, in order to be <a contents="ready to learn" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/03/health/children-movement-schools-classroom/index.html" target="_blank">ready to learn</a>, you've GOT to figure out some ways to get kids exercising, no matter what. </p>
<p>Here are a few ideas: </p>
<p>—Use tape to create indoor hopscotch on your floor. </p>
<p>—Create a mini obstacle course in your living room. </p>
<p>—Have a contest to see who can jump up and down the most times. </p>
<p>—Make them walk the dog. </p>
<p>—Go ice skating. </p>
<p>—And there’s always the classic Dance Party in the Kitchen—never goes out of style. </p>
<p>More ideas are <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://blog.cincinnatichildrens.org/healthy-living/fitness-and-nutrition/winter-exercise-ideas" target="_blank">here</a> and <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/fun-ways-keep-kids-active-through-winter" target="_blank">here</a>. And be creative, make up your own, and ask those smart kids for some ideas. Or try this quick, fun "Shake Break”—extra points if you put on a song with a great beat—which combines movement and mindful breathing: </p>
<p>Stand up tall. </p>
<p>Breathe in, and breathe out. </p>
<p>Breathe in, and breathe out. </p>
<p>Slowly, start to shake your arms. </p>
<p>Now start to shake your legs. </p>
<p>Shake your middle. </p>
<p>Shake your whole body! </p>
<p>Shake, shake, shake! </p>
<p>Faster, faster, faster! </p>
<p>Faster! ….aaaand STOP! </p>
<p>Freeze like a statue. </p>
<p>Breathe in, and breathe out. </p>
<p>Breathe in, and breathe out. </p>
<p>Do it again, as many times as you like! </p>
<p><a contents="Get in touch" data-link-label="contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">Get in touch</a>—let us know your ideas!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/60051972019-12-12T14:53:49-05:002019-12-12T14:53:49-05:00THE TROUBLE WITH COUNTDOWNS<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/e9d72f1365e5900a4b6485e47ca725aee0807fef/original/9b0367b9-3c35-4aa3-bde7-4f30c906887c.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Anyone else hearing some version of "Are we there yet?" Maybe it's “How many more days until Christmas/Hanukkah/school break/the party/Grandma comes?" </p>
<p>Tis the season. </p>
<p>When we’re constantly counting down toward something, we can forget to be where we are. </p>
<p>And then we can feel a bit frantic, overwhelmed, or just plain stressed out. Not what we want, especially at this time of year. </p>
<p>Try this simple mindfulness exercise with your children to bring you all back to where you are, and help you focus on what’s happening around you, right now. <br> </p>
<p>Sit up tall, and hold your body still. </p>
<p>Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out. </p>
<p>Listen. </p>
<p>What do you hear? </p>
<p>Are there sounds outside? </p>
<p>Do you hear cars or trucks? Airplanes or birds or construction noise or people talking? </p>
<p>Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out. </p>
<p>If you want to, close your eyes. </p>
<p>Listen. </p>
<p>Are there sounds inside? </p>
<p>What sounds do you hear close to you? </p>
<p>How about inside your body? Is your body making any sounds? </p>
<p>Listen. </p>
<p>Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out. </p>
<p>Open your eyes. </p>
<p> All the best to you and your family this holiday season!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/59680642019-11-21T09:19:31-05:002019-11-21T09:19:31-05:00KINDNESS MUST BE TAUGHT<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/beaeb3457d188400826ac75d4b21baa980e60aa6/original/bcdff809-9013-4d75-8777-697ec328a663.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I came across this article in The Atlantic last week, and the title immediately caught my eye: “Stop Trying to Raise Successful Kids.” </p>
<p>What? </p>
<p>Then I read the subtitle: “And start raising kind ones.” </p>
<p>The authors are certainly not opposed to children getting straight A’s or winning games, but they point out, very compellingly, how we grownups can easily get way too caught up in achievement and lose sight of the importance of teaching kindness, compassion and other social-emotional skills that are vital for children to learn and practice regularly. They cite research: </p>
<p>"If you survey American parents about what they want for their kids, more than 90 percent say one of their top priorities is that their children be caring. This makes sense: kindness and concern for others are held as moral virtues in nearly every society and every major religion. But when you ask children what their parents want for them, 81 percent say their parents value achievement and happiness over caring.” </p>
<p>Achievement and happiness are good, right? Of course. But not at the expense of encouraging children to practice kindness and helping others. These skills are CRITICALLY important, and can have major impact on children later in life: </p>
<p>“Quite a bit of evidence suggests that children who help others end up achieving more than those who don’t. </p>
<p>Boys who are rated as helpful by their kindergarten teacher earn more money 30 years later. </p>
<p>Middle-school students who help, cooperate, and share with their peers also excel—compared with unhelpful classmates, they get better grades and standardized-test scores. </p>
<p>The eighth graders with the greatest academic achievement, moreover, are not the ones who got the best marks five years earlier; they’re the ones who were rated most helpful by their third-grade classmates and teachers. </p>
<p>And middle schoolers who believe their parents value being helpful, respectful, and kind over excelling academically, attending a good college, and having a successful career perform better in school and are less likely to break rules.” </p>
<p>—Adam Grant & Allison Sweet Grant, “Stop Trying to Raise Successful Kids (and start raising kind ones),” in The Atlantic </p>
<p>Kindness, compassion, and helping others are skills, just like playing an instrument or throwing a ball. They need to taught, and they need to be practiced—and they're essential learning for our kids. </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/59622052019-11-15T17:46:30-05:002019-11-15T17:46:30-05:00TEACHERS OF THE FUTURE<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/1b2a0f078ac1ce931cf18a2c182e4e10d7d459f7/original/bc0d6358-73ce-4f82-8cfb-a8596283d4f9.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I spoke at DeSales University today, to Early Childhood Department students who are all aspiring teachers (except for the would-be accountant in the front row who needed an extra course credit). </p>
<p>We talked about mindfulness, movement, and music, and how to incorporate these three M’s into the classroom with young children. We tried some tools of mine (using rhythm to give instructions, chair yoga, simple and kid-friendly mindfulness exercises) and then I asked for ideas from them. They came up with fantastic, fun movement breaks, breathing exercises, and compassionate ways to handle a melting-down toddler. </p>
<p>They told me stories from their student teaching of children who are clearly experiencing toxic stress with little or no support, of very little time for movement even in kindergarten, and of 6-year-olds on Ritalin; they see that nearly all the children have a tablet or device or phone they can’t wait to get back to after school. </p>
<p>But these college students, these teachers of the future, are full of enthusiasm, creativity and optimism. They’re on it.</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/59513122019-11-06T10:05:12-05:002023-12-10T13:10:05-05:00HOW’S THE WEATHER?<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/3a6dcb3fccf2048cace2cfa8cde3486bb1bf129a/original/ba681337-952a-4a33-aa19-fb533f5024c2.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Whatever the weather is like outside, with young children we can also talk about the “weather” inside us as a kid-friendly way of helping teach self-awareness, which the World Health Organization defines as one of five core skills necessary for good mental health. </p>
<p>Like any skill, self-awareness needs to be taught, and then practiced—and it’s never too early to start. Simple mindfulness is an ideal way for young children to begin developing this essential skill. Try this easy exercise with your kids: </p>
<p>How’s the weather outside today? </p>
<p>Maybe it’s rainy, or maybe it’s sunny. </p>
<p>What’s the weather like inside you? </p>
<p>Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out. </p>
<p>Do you feel bright and sunny today? </p>
<p>Do you feel gray and cloudy? </p>
<p>Or do you feel like something else? </p>
<p>Maybe it feels like a thunderstorm inside you. </p>
<p>Or maybe it’s a clear day. </p>
<p>Think about what kind of weather it feels like inside your body. </p>
<p>Any kind of weather is ok. </p>
<p>Take another long breath in, and let it all the way out. </p>
<p><a contents="My Mindfulness Moments for Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fiIJcxax4uY" target="_blank">My Mindfulness Moments for Kids</a> board book series is designed to gently introduce simple mindfulness concepts to the youngest of practictioners. The first two books—<a contents="Listen Like and Elephant" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Moments-Kids-Listen-Elephant/dp/1984894102/ref=pd_sbs_14_2/131-4623675-7416961?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1984894102&pd_rd_r=af4d405b-7125-4a40-8cd2-8f11941db917&pd_rd_w=E4dtI&pd_rd_wg=s2eMY&pf_rd_p=52b7592c-2dc9-4ac6-84d4-4bda6360045e&pf_rd_r=1F9QQ3DBR19DD9XACDGJ&psc=1&refRID=1F9QQ3DBR19DD9XACDGJ" target="_blank">Listen Like and Elephant</a> and <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Moments-Kids-Breathe-Like/dp/1984894110/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=Breathe+like+a+bear&qid=1573052315&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=8-4" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear</a>—are out now! </p>
<p>(And if you’ve enjoyed either of these books with your littles, it would help me so much if you’d <a contents="leave a review" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review/?ie=UTF8&channel=glance-detail&asin=1984894110" target="_blank">leave a review</a>—thank you!) </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/59441942019-10-30T15:13:51-04:002020-02-23T08:50:27-05:00MORE MUSIC, PLEASE<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/2c00360f4c753de6a37af573aa751a3853f8552b/original/8560509a-3f80-4c43-a6cf-2d1105510e75.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>More and more research keeps coming out about how incredible the benefits of playing music are for kids. When a child learns a musical instrument, essentially all areas of his or her development are enhanced. Here’s an excerpt from a great article I came across: </p>
<p>"The benefits of learning and playing a musical instrument include: </p>
<p>Improved memory skills <br>Improved hand eye coordination & fine motor skills <br>Improved listening skills <br>Improved math skills <br>Improved reading and comprehension skills <br>Improved auditory skills <br>Encouraging responsibility, perseverance and discipline <br>Encouraging self-expression <br>Building self confidence <br>Building physical strength and improve stamina <br>Providing a constructive outlet for stress </p>
<p>In fact, studies have shown that playing a musical instrument utilises both sides of the brain and helps development new, stronger neural pathways. There is a strong correlation between learning a musical instrument and improved executive functioning.” - Renee Maier, “How Learning a Musical Instrument Can Help Your Child”</p>
<p>Put an instrument in your child’s hands if you can!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/59182772019-10-08T08:00:00-04:002019-10-08T08:00:58-04:00Board Book Release Day!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/4bc21830dc66bb413241b6abff481b1541e775e3/original/5b090cc3-1b80-4cf0-9e21-3158b7d87987.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>It’s release day for the first two books in my <a contents="Mindfulness Moments for Kids Series" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N5JZYK1/ref=dbs_a_def_awm_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i3" target="_blank">Mindfulness Moments for Kids Series</a>! </p>
<p><a contents="Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Breathe Like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N5KPDC5/ref=dbs_a_def_awm_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i1" target="_blank">Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Breathe Like a Bear</a> will help children learn to control their breath and soothe themselves slowly to sleep, just like a cozy, hibernating bear. <a contents="Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Listen Like an Elephant" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N5JZYK1/ref=dbs_a_def_awm_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i3" target="_blank">Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Listen Like an Elephant</a> helps young children practice focus and attention, both steps to healthy self-awareness. And these fun, easy-to-follow exercises can be performed anywhere: in the backseat of a car, at home, or in line at the store! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/de3f57df32220fa5974d368f068ce9faf1994d1b/original/c86d5ad6-f843-46f9-9a5c-b8bbe8e50cd2.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Beautifully illustrated by <a contents="Anni Betts" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.annibetts.com" target="_blank">Anni Betts</a>, and adapted from my original book <a contents="Breathe like a Bear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Breathe+like+a+bear&qid=1570471995&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Breathe like a Bear</a>—a collection of mindful moments and exercises for kids ages 3-8—this board book series is the first of its kind, and is the perfect tool to help young children and their grownups develop a fun and consistent mindfulness practice. </p>
<p>“Just like adults, kids are easily distracted and quite often, they’re unaware of their circumstances….that can lead to difficulties for children, like managing their emotions or trouble controlling their behavior. </p>
<p>Research shows mindfulness skills benefit kids’ brains and improve their behavior. Their attention spans improve, they enjoy better mental health, and they become more resilient to stress.” —Amy Morin, LCSW, “<a contents="11 Ways to Teach Mindfulness to Kids" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.verywellfamily.com/ways-to-teach-mindfulness-to-kids-4134344" target="_blank">11 Ways to Teach Mindfulness to Kids</a>” </p>
<p>Um, with these proven benefits, shouldn’t we be teaching these simple concepts as young as possible? And with these sweet books, it doesn’t feel like you’re “teaching” anything—you’re simply breathing, listening and bonding with your child. </p>
<p>(And—important for parents—these books are a bit larger than your typical board book, and very STURDY.) </p>
<p> <a contents="Order" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N5KPDC5/ref=dbs_a_def_awm_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i1" target="_blank">Order</a><a contents=" yours now" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N5KPDC5/ref=dbs_a_def_awm_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i1" target="_blank"> yours now</a>, wherever you like to get your books! </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiIJcxax4uY" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/f2c48506e21c10f2c91ad737f0105e8502ed82c2/original/29ee03b0-317b-4be3-8d9e-dfbce27b65ac.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/58867662019-09-10T09:48:03-04:002019-09-10T09:48:03-04:007 REASONS TO TEACH MINDFULNESS TO KIDS<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/a4d66cc2788c71a8017ae28bd49d13787632baa2/original/image1.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Back to school means activities ramp back up and schedules get crazy—it can be hard to find even a moment of quiet. Carving out quick mindfulness breaks becomes challenging, but even more important for children (and for you). </p>
<p>In case you need reminding, or perhaps convincing, of the incredible benefits of simple mindfulness with kids, I came across this great article in <a contents="Psychology Today" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/suffer-the-children/201809/7-ways-mindfulness-can-help-children-s-brains" target="_blank">Psychology Today</a>: </p>
<p>“Because mindfulness can promote skills that are controlled in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, like the ability to focus and concentrate, it is especially useful for children. </p>
<p>Here are seven evidence-based ways that practicing mindfulness can help children: </p>
<p>It gives kids the habit of focusing on the present moment and ignoring distractions. <br>It teaches them to stay calm in the face of life’s stressful times. <br>It creates good habits for the future. <br>It promotes happiness by lowering social anxiety and stress. <br>It promotes patience. <br>It can improve executive functions in their brains like cognitive control, working memory, cognitive flexibility and better grades. <br>It can improve attentiveness and impulse control." </p>
<p>-Marilyn Wedge, Ph.D., Psychology Today </p>
<p> I’ll be visiting lots of schools this fall. And whether I’m performing Rockin’ Yoga assemblies, doing teacher PD, or speaking to parents, simple, kid-friendly mindfulness techniques will always be on the agenda!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/58598262019-08-16T09:00:03-04:002019-08-16T09:00:03-04:00ROCK OUT WITH YOUR KIDS!<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/ab66a86fc9d7082a27f262595ffbcfcb297dde0a/original/summer-jam.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We just wrapped an amazing ten days of live music here in eastern PA. I produce the PBS39 Summer Jam, and this year we had an incredible lineup of national children’s acts: Grammy nominees <a contents="Falu" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.falumusic.com" target="_blank">Falu</a> and <a contents="Brady Rymer" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bradyrymer.com" target="_blank">Brady Rymer</a>, Mexican-American singer <a contents="Sonia De Los Santos" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.soniadelossantosmusic.com" target="_blank">Sonia De Los Santos</a>, plus artists from New York City, New Jersey and PA (my band and I played too, of course!). </p>
<p>The audiences—mainly families with young children—absolutely loved the shows, and a frequent comment heard from the grownups was how great it is to experience live music with your kids. </p>
<p>We know that listening to music is beneficial for everyone, especially kids (<a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/advocacy/15-benefits-of-music/" target="_blank">here</a> are 15 excellent reasons, in case you need convincing) but turns out that seeing live performances is even better for you: researchers have found that after experiencing a concert, people’s “sense of closeness to others increased by 25 percent, and mental stimulation jumped up by a whopping 75 percent….they found a clear, positive correlation between concert-going frequency and well-being.” (Read the full article <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.realsimple.com/health/preventative-health/live-music-happiness-study?amp=true" target="_blank">here</a>.) </p>
<p>So grab your kids and get out to see some live music—it doesn’t matter what kind, just do it all together and it will be good for everybody!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/58329842019-07-22T19:50:39-04:002019-07-22T19:50:39-04:00I GOT YOUR BACK<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/af436e05172f60ad3ed086e389808dcba5929de8/original/2324f0bf-a01e-4adc-974a-69c5d61cbb95.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Sit up as tall as you can, back-to-back with your partner. Breathe naturally at first, and then begin to lengthen your inhales and exhales. It’s likely that your breaths will start to sync up with your partner’s. Stay here as long as you like. <br><br>Back-to-back breathing is a supported way to introduce working with the breath. It avoids eye contact, which is sometimes uncomfortable for children, particularly if they’ve experienced trauma.<br><br>Try with your child, a child you work with, or help two children do this together. <br><br>Maybe sit like this on the beach…</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/58260402019-07-16T09:23:28-04:002020-08-30T20:46:22-04:00The Secret to Happier, Healthier Kids (It’s Right Outside Your Door)<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/c93b0ad113d18cd90b8d03f0cbf5587e4728dc30/original/img-5570.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>My band and I just got home from Wolf Trap National Park in Vienna, Virginia. We had the incredible privilege of playing one of the most beautiful venues we’ve ever performed in—the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods. </p>
<p>It’s exactly as it sounds: you walk into the forest to a summer-camp-style wooden stage; the simple bench seating is shaded by majestic, old-growth trees. Just being there was incredibly peaceful, and it felt to me like it had a positive effect on all the children and families at the shows. </p>
<p>In Danielle Cohen’s article “<a contents="Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://childmind.org/article/why-kids-need-to-spend-time-in-nature/" target="_blank">Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature</a>,” the author describes many of the incredible benefits of time in nature for kids: </p>
<ul> <li>
<strong>"It builds confidence.</strong> The way that kids play in nature has a lot less structure than most types of indoor play. There are infinite ways to interact with outdoor environments, from the backyard to the park to the local hiking trail or lake, and letting your child choose how he treats nature means he has the power to control his own actions. </li> <li>
<strong>It promotes creativity and imagination.</strong> This unstructured style of play also allows kids to interact meaningfully with their surroundings. They can think more freely, design their own activities, and approach the world in inventive ways. </li> <li>
<strong>It teaches responsibility.</strong> Living things die if mistreated or not taken care of properly, and entrusting a child to take care of the living parts of their environment means they’ll learn what happens when they forget to water a plant, or pull a flower out by its roots. </li> <li>
<strong>It provides different stimulation.</strong> Nature may seem less stimulating than your son’s violent video game, but in reality, it activates more senses—you can see, hear, smell, and touch outdoor environments. “As the young spend less and less of their lives in natural surroundings, their senses narrow,” Louv warns, “and this reduces the richness of human experience.” </li> <li>
<strong>It gets kids moving</strong>. Most ways of interacting with nature involve more exercise than sitting on the couch. Your kid doesn’t have to be joining the local soccer team or riding a bike through the park—even a walk will get her blood pumping. Not only is exercise good for kids’ bodies, but it seems to make them more focused, which is especially beneficial for kids with ADHD. </li> <li>
<strong>It makes them think. </strong>Louv says that nature creates a unique sense of wonder for kids that no other environment can provide. The phenomena that occur naturally in backyards and parks everyday make kids ask questions about the earth and the life that it supports. </li> <li>
<strong>It reduces stress and fatigue. </strong>According to the Attention Restoration Theory, urban environments require what’s called directed attention, which forces us to ignore distractions and exhausts our brains. In natural environments, we practice an effortless type of attention known as soft fascination that creates feelings of pleasure, not fatigue." </li>
</ul>
<p>“Nature may seem less stimulating than video games, but in reality, it activates more senses,” the author writes. "Most of the studies agree that kids who play outside are smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors.” </p>
<p>Read the full article <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://childmind.org/article/why-kids-need-to-spend-time-in-nature/" target="_blank">here</a>, and get outside with your kids!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/58123512019-07-03T08:28:52-04:002019-07-05T10:15:21-04:00KIDS NEED TO MOVE!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/6480c9c4cf2524bc501fdafc66a7c161cc9f9ebe/original/f07668d5-3967-45a6-a37d-53eb43690804.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>"Whether we’re talking about preschool, elementary through secondary school, college, or even adult learners, schools – and policymakers – have for too long accepted the belief that learning best occurs while students are seated (and quiet, of course). The theory may have been understandable back when they didn’t have the research to prove otherwise. But today we do and it’s important that you know about it.” </p>
<p>In this <a contents="excellent article" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bit.ly/2QhGQnx" target="_blank">excellent article</a> by educational consultant Rae Pica, she questions the most basic tenet of our public school system—that kids need to SIT DOWN for the great majority of their time in school. With all that we know now about how the brain works, this makes no sense at all: </p>
<p>“We have research showing that the brain is far more active during physical activity than while one is seated. We have research demonstrating that sitting in a chair increases fatigue and reduces concentration (our bodies are designed to move, not sit). Yet policymakers and schools implement policies (more testing; no recess; even fewer bathroom breaks) that require students to do more sitting. What sense can that possibly make?" </p>
<p><a contents="Give it a read" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bit.ly/2QhGQnx" target="_blank">Give it a read</a>—and consider how you can bring more movement into your own work with children! <br><br> </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/57483012019-05-09T10:23:42-04:002019-05-09T10:23:42-04:00Help your kids go to sleep! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/0c13f17669b8deb2beda61ac829d2c7a38a0c18b/original/81jqfqccsql-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>As school winds down toward summer, and it stays sunny and bright later into the evening, it can be hard to get little ones to sleep on time (or anywhere near). Young children often need help processing the ups and downs of their busy days before they can settle, and most parents are familiar with the ramp-up of emotion that can bubble up right around bedtime, signaling pent-up feelings from the day. </p>
<p>I recently discovered a wonderful book that can help. <a contents="Good Night Yoga" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://kidpoweryoga.com/pages/home.html" target="_blank">Good Night Yoga</a> by Mariam Gates is a beautiful, simple book which helps kids soothe themselves with a restful sequence of stretches, yoga poses and breathing. </p>
<p>Gates, the founder of Kid Power Yoga, says, “We have to teach our kids it’s okay to be sad, angry, happy, proud, excited—all of that is part of this human existence. But we need to be able, at the end of each day, with all those swirling experiences and emotions, to understand that we get to reset.” Her sweet bedtime story encourages children to listen, breathe and stretch along with the characters as it unfolds, helping kids process their day in a healthy way, and priming their bodies for rest. </p>
<p>Pair the book with a sweet lullaby, like “When You Sleep,” (listen <a contents="here" data-link-label="music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">here</a>!) and sweet dreams! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/57142162019-04-10T09:55:21-04:002019-07-05T10:18:32-04:00The word “mindfulness”<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/72b304ccfdd580a93db58c63ad54cce6c6209fdc/original/0325c579-54d7-448f-9a74-83afdf5960d5.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Arriving at a school recently for a Rockin’ Yoga assembly, I was told one family had kept their child home, objecting to the word “mindfulness” in the program description, apparently on religious grounds. </p>
<p>This has happened before, but not for quite a while, and I had hoped it wouldn’t again. I felt badly that this child missed the joyful moving, singing, and simple breathing exercises that the rest of the kids got to experience. </p>
<p>There is no religious aspect to mindfulness in schools. We are simply practicing paying attention to our breath, bodies and emotions, in order to better regulate ourselves.</p>
<p>We do it in fun and kid-friendly ways—we jump and dance and move, and then we practice holding still; sometimes we’re loud and silly and sometimes we’re quiet, eyes can be closed if kids want, or not. That’s it. </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/57054072019-04-03T11:27:15-04:002019-04-05T22:40:18-04:00TEACHING MINDFULNESS, TEACHING KINDNESS <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/b6561f2b7d87bdba5ab7937f9bb3152d53dde0c4/original/22d6674d-faf5-47f1-a203-95e74011aed8.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We know simple, consistent mindfulness exercises can help kids become self-aware, improve their ability to focus, and help them release stress and anxiety, but they’re also an amazing way to teach kids important lessons in kindness, compassion, and empathy. </p>
<p>Showing kindness, learning to be compassionate, and being empathetic are skills—just like playing an instrument, or kicking a soccer ball—and need to be practiced, like any other skill. And they’re critical for our children to learn, to grow up to be considerate, responsible citizens of the world. </p>
<p>In my mind, learning these things aren’t extras or “enrichment” activities. They’re essential learning for kids. </p>
<p>Here’s one way to try this: “Kindness,” from my Mindful Moments for Kids album. Try it with your students, or on your own. </p>
<p><em>Sit up tall, take a long breath in, and let it all the way out. </em></p>
<p><em>Imagine someone you love is standing in front of you. </em></p>
<p><em>Think of something kind you could say to that person. Don’t say anything out loud, but say that kind thing silently, in your mind. </em></p>
<p><em>Now imagine a different person, someone who you know is having a hard time today. Maybe that person doesn’t feel well, or is sad or upset about something. </em></p>
<p><em>Think of something kind you could say to that person. Don’t say anything out loud, but say that kind thing silently, in your mind. </em></p>
<p><em>Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out. </em></p>
<p>It takes only a minute or so, and it gets kids to practice the critical skill of showing kindness. I think you'll probably agree with me that we can't have too much of that. </p>
<p>Please <a contents="get in touch" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.kirawilley.com/contact" target="_blank">get in touch</a>, and let me know how it goes!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/56672182019-03-05T09:00:00-05:002019-03-05T14:35:23-05:00THE POWER OF “CHECKING IN” WITH KIDS<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/358e4ebedd357c79e9e3432f8907bbacc141d6db/original/43db3d70-555f-4792-9e4a-ad676cd835a7.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>It’s incredibly valuable to do a quick check-in with students on their emotional state at least once a day. This can take many forms: a series of faces depicting different emotions that young children point to, a chart in the classroom based on students’ “temperature,” holding up fingers from one to ten. </p>
<p>Getting even a quick sense of students' emotional state can help both educators and kids SO MUCH: </p>
<p>—It helps children develop self-awareness; reflecting even for a moment on how they’re feeling and labeling it in some simple way it is a big, healthy step toward self-regulation. Kids (um, grownups too) are often not really aware of how they’re feeling until they stop and think about it! </p>
<p>—If a normally happy-go-lucky student is all of a sudden saying she’s a 1 each morning instead of an 8 or 9, you know to take the time to have a private conversation to see what’s going on. </p>
<p>—If the check-ins are done openly (and this may or may not be the right thing for your group), the class can develop an understanding of the range of emotions some of their peers are dealing with, and begin to build valuable empathy and community. </p>
<p>—It also helps the students who fly under the radar—the ones who might typically hold their emotions inside—let you know something’s going on. </p>
<p>At the beginning of each Rockin’ Yoga assembly, I ask the kids to give me an idea of how their day is going with a simple thumbs up, thumbs down, or in the middle. It might seem like it won’t make much of a difference, with 300 kids in front of me, but it actually gives me a good sense of where they are and what they might need. </p>
<p>And I know they’re glad to have been asked.</p>
<p><br>There are lots of great ideas in the books <a contents="Cool Down Your Classroom" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LYEX6Y?pf_rd_p=c2945051-950f-485c-b4df-15aac5223b10&pf_rd_r=BR2VB6BEHBZKJWPCXMPP" target="_blank">Cooling Down Your Classroom</a> and the <a contents="Everyday SEL series" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-SEL-Elementary-School-Social-Emotional/dp/1138903159/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3JY0MRZ49N7NA&keywords=everyday+sel+in+elementary+school&qid=1551625476&s=books&sprefix=Everyday+sel+%2Cstripbooks%2C267&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1" target="_blank">Everyday SEL series</a>, both by Carla Tantillo Philibert, as well as many more books and resources online, and a useful article <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bit.ly/2SZUr94" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>If you’re using check-ins, or are inspired to start, please <a contents="get in touch" data-link-label="contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">get in touch</a> and let me know how it’s going! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/56290192019-02-05T16:32:09-05:002019-02-05T16:32:09-05:00MINDFULNESS TO HELP KIDS COPE<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/ebc0fc79c610555280cfb31fec4f5f9af4bffc33/original/afterschool-yoga.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Last spring, I led an after-school yoga and mindfulness program with children who were hurricane refugees from Puerto Rico. The elementary school where they landed was working hard to support these kids, and the principal called me and asked if I’d come work with them. </p>
<p>Many of the children had been living in poverty before the storm destroyed their homes. Some spoke little to no English, a few were completely shut down, all were traumatized to some extent. (I wrote a few earlier blog posts about it, find them <a contents="on this page" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilley.com/blog?p=3" target="_blank">on this page</a>.) During our six weeks together, we talked a lot about the choices we have even when things are rough, and how there’s a space between something that happens and our response to it. We practiced (and practiced) pausing to breathe, to help us choose our response instead of simply reacting. We also used breathing and other exercises to practice letting go of stress and anxiety that aren’t doing us any good. </p>
<p>There are so many struggles children have that we can’t fix, as much as we want to. Children dealing with trauma, anxiety and stress desperately need to be taught positive coping strategies like simple mindfulness. Not only will it help them self-regulate and release some of the stress and fear they’re carrying, but it will help them avoid a sea of negative ways of coping. </p>
<p>At the end of the program, I performed at their school, and I brought my “afterschool kids” up on stage with me—they were so proud to lead their classmates in simple yoga and mindfulness. I know three of the kids have moved back to Puerto Rico, and I hope they’ll remember at least some of what we learned together. </p>
<p>The school also asked Emmy-winning Maciek Albrecht of MaGiKWorld—(he’s the animator who created “<a contents="Community" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yD4qHNqg_sc" target="_blank">Community</a>") to create a short film, telling the story of one Puerto Rican family who found a temporary safe haven in the US after their home was destroyed by the hurricane. The project was intended to help children process the incredible trauma they’d been through. Maciek worked with elementary school students to create the characters and animate the film, based on my song “<a contents="How to be a Cloud" data-link-label="music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">How to be a Cloud</a>.” (The extra footage at the end is of the students who created the film’s characters, and it’s set to my <a contents="Kindness Mantra" data-link-label="music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">Kindness Mantra</a>.) </p>
<p>Watch it here: </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/s21JLR0GcVk" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/37f33137a4f734a21341c5464d413b04a1414d9c/original/fullsizerender.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/56000292019-01-17T12:11:56-05:002019-01-17T18:43:32-05:00HOW ABOUT SOME DATA?<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/e10d1ea3440d84a4aee37c0e1cb43a66d7b06157/original/img-2207.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Does your principal or school PTA or fellow teacher or mom (or do YOU) need some convincing that mindfulness works with children? I get it--some people just NEED to see the data before they can hop on board. Well, the research is growing, and it's seriously compelling. Here you go:</p>
<p>"So far, most of the research on mindfulness-meditation has focused on adults, while only recently the interest on children and adolescents has grown (Zoogman et al., 2014). Preliminary studies in this newborn field suggest that mindfulness-meditation trainings have positive effects on children’s and adolescents’ psychological well-being. </p>
<p>To date, the restricted body of research examining the effects of mindfulness-meditation trainings on adolescents has reported beneficial effects of this practice for pain management (Thompson and Gauntlett-Gilbert, 2008), depressive relapse prevention (Allen, 2006), reduction of anxiety and depressive symptoms (Beauchemin et al., 2008; Biegel et al., 2009; Broderick and Metz, 2009), and in reducing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms (Zylowska et al., 2008). Similarly, mindfulness-meditation trainings delivered to children were shown to be useful for reducing anxiety symptoms (Semple et al., 2005; Lee et al., 2008), increasing self-compassion and mindfulness skills (Saltzman and Goldin, 2008), improving social behavior, social skills and attention (Napoli et al., 2005; Saltzman and Goldin, 2008; Semple et al., 2010), reducing ADHD symptoms (Singh et al., 2010), and for improving behavioral regulation, metacognition, and executive functions (Flook et al., 2010)."</p>
<p>Sources are all <a contents="here!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4894866/">here!</a> </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/55848292019-01-08T09:00:00-05:002019-01-08T09:00:58-05:00Teaching Children About Community <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/b168f09376bd43d98414e21c72e6c9998619d0b7/original/fullsizerender.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>A few years ago, I did a benefit concert for a local elementary school, and wanted to write a new song for the finale. I asked the principal for an idea, and she immediately said, “We really need to teach children about the importance of community. Can you write a song about that?” </p>
<p>We all want to feel like we belong to something. Whether our community means our neighborhood, apartment building, school, or city, feeling like we belong somewhere—like we’re a valued member of a group—is vital for our sense of purpose. </p>
<p>Children need community too. And as the world seems to be moving at an ever-faster pace, it’s critical to teach our kids how important it is to invest time in being caring, compassionate members of their communities, whatever that means to them—it will serve them throughout their lives. </p>
<p>So what about the song? It became the basis for a collaborative community art project, and everyone in the neighborhood was invited to create a character. Emmy-winning filmmaker Maciek Albrecht of MaGiKWorld animated the creations, and produced this video, that premiered at the Southside Film Festival! </p>
<p>Here’s “Community!” </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD4qHNqg_sc" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/3003db42375ef2303f6121f893b426f75cb045a0/original/img-0860.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>“I’ll carry you, you carry me, cause that is how it’s supposed to be/ </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>You carry me, I’ll carry you, cause you need me and I need you too/ </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>I’ll carry you, you carry me, cause we are all one community” </em></p>
<p>Cheers, </p>
<p>Kira </p>
<p>PS - An incredible, and super fun, way to build community is to SING together. Way back in the day, chanting and singing were the foundation of community gatherings. I’m bringing it back, baby—local friends, please join us on Feb 9 for <a contents="Pop-Up Choir" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artyard-presents-pop-up-choir-tickets-54032065362?aff=erelexpmlt" target="_blank">Pop-Up Choir</a>!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/55405552018-12-05T09:38:44-05:002020-02-23T08:51:16-05:00Real Girl Wins ASCAP Foundation Children’s Music Award!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/aeca071bb7927e3badc39227f796adadf9cdcef5/original/0cb77b98-fe7d-41bd-bb82-7a9090525f3b.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Joe Raposo was one of the creators of Sesame Street and its first and longtime musical director. He wrote music for Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Dr. Seuss, Barbra Streisand, Kermit the Frog, and Cookie Monster. "Sing," "It's Not Easy Bein' Green" and the "Sesame Street Theme" are among the songs that earned Joe five Grammys and multiple Gold and Platinum albums. </p>
<p>To honor his legacy, his family established The ASCAP Foundation Joe Raposo Children's Music Award, which supports talent in the area of children's music. </p>
<p>I’m incredibly honored to have been named the 2018 recipient of this award for my song “Real Girl.” </p>
<p>And, I’m so excited to receive the award at a ceremony at Jazz at Lincoln Center in two weeks! I’m going to need a really good outfit.</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/55307932018-11-28T15:21:09-05:002018-12-04T05:13:30-05:00Understanding the Brain<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/37730edaa01f77216ecc5e802e51963535455cef/original/fullsizerender.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>"Understanding what’s happening in the brain is the first step to empowering students with tools to respond and function optimally. More often than not, our students can be overwhelmed by their big feelings – anger, fear, sadness – and don't know what to do with these feelings when they arise. </p>
<p>Having a basic knowledge of the brain gives us the ability to normalize and make sense of what is happening. It also empowers us to communicate our emotional experience to others more clearly and respond to our feelings more effectively. </p>
<p>This knowledge is equally powerful for our students as for ourselves as teachers: knowing how the brain works allows us to better understand and relate to our students, as well as support them when they need help." </p>
<p>With young students—pre-K through about third or fourth grade—using kid-friendly, fun concepts like blowing on a cup of hot chocolate, or breathing like sleepy, hibernating bears (<a contents="listen here" data-link-label="music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">listen here</a>) are the best way to effectively practice mindfulness without necessarily labeling it as such. But with older children, who want to know WHY, and who may be a bit more resistant—explaining some of the brain science behind what’s happening when we feel stressed or out of control, and how mindfulness actually works to help us self-regulate, is extremely empowering. </p>
<p>This wonderful article by Yoga Ed is clear and articulate, depicting the brain as a house with an emotional, reactive downstairs, and a thinking, problem-solving upstairs. </p>
<p>Read it here: <a contents=" https://bit.ly/2DuBD9b" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bit.ly/2DuBD9b" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2DuBD9b</a><br><br>As the author points out, all of us who work with (or have!) children, need to keep the following in mind: "We must be conscious of the expectations we place on our students because sometimes, calming down and getting it together right now is just not neurologically possible."</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/55110732018-11-13T09:44:49-05:002019-01-07T15:17:50-05:00The Peace Teacher<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/35aa174fb41fb281c4e7495265a7953212a5c536/original/img-1269.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>"I’m six weeks into my 20th year of teaching, and if there’s one thing I feel even more strongly about today than the day I began, it’s this: teaching our young students mindfulness, brain science and kindness is absolutely critical to helping them develop the skills to solve conflicts peacefully and to face challenges with skillful compassion.” - Linda Ryden, “I’m the Peace Teacher” </p>
<p>This is a photo of Linda, whose job is full-time Peace Teacher at Lafayette Elementary School in Washington DC. All students at Lafayette take a weekly peace class, learning the mindfulness-based social emotional learning curriculum that Linda has developed, and which has worked wonders in her school. She discovered that the intersection of mindfulness, social-emotional learning, and the actual neuroscience at work in our brains is where the real, positive, lasting change occurs. </p>
<p>This is truly a fabulous article--read what else she has to say here: https://bit.ly/2RMFxxT</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/54924602018-11-01T07:00:00-04:002018-11-04T14:25:09-05:00Classroom Yoga Breaks <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/e247772b34e5ac08d316e7420232afa2a7029648/original/26253c95-df78-4c54-9ea8-7bfbd78c7f16.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>"Yoga helps create a safe space for students and teachers. By empowering an individual to feel balanced and strong within his or her own body, yoga enhances resilience. Through these practices many young people develop the capacity to reflect before acting, limiting impulsivity. Yoga promotes cooperation and creative thinking, improving learning readiness. <br>Yoga is self-rewarding in many ways. Most postures get easier with practice; the poses and breathing help many students feel more relaxed after just a few moments. The lessons provide teachers with tools for modeling compassionate interaction among students. Doing yoga makes the teacher feel better, too, and this spills over into the classroom experience for all.” - Louise Goldberg, “Classroom Yoga Breaks: Brief Exercises to Create Calm” </p>
<p>This book is an essential resource for any classroom teacher, absolutely packed with simple, powerful exercises and activities. It’s written in plain, accessible language, and addresses multiple related topics such as how yoga complements mindfulness training, physical education, and social emotional learning. Louise talks about the neuroscience behind why it’s effective (in a way we non-scientists can easily understand), and even gets into yoga as an antidote to bullying. </p>
<p>And Louise is just about the kindest, sweetest person you could ever hope to meet. <a contents="Go get it" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Classroom-Yoga-Breaks-Exercises-Create-ebook/dp/B01CKZM38Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541359463&sr=8-1&keywords=louise+goldberg+yoga+breaks" target="_blank">Go get it</a>!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/54880192018-10-26T19:00:16-04:002018-10-26T19:00:16-04:00What really makes a teacher<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/d7e430ce117370597d7ca7e99179894935716c1f/original/img-0998.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>"What really makes a teacher is love for the human child; for it is love that transforms the social duty of the educator into the higher consciousness of a mission.” - Maria Montessori </p>
<p>I’ve done assemblies in all kinds of schools, in all kinds of neighborhoods, and for all kinds of populations. Most teachers respectfully pay attention, and many participate at least some of the time. But when they get in there and dance with the students? YOU’RE MY HERO. </p>
<p> </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/54542292018-10-04T08:30:00-04:002018-10-04T17:04:29-04:00Peace Corners <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/4edd9f3f19875f47cd14ab5035db4a1f26b45744/original/yn5a9558.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I was recently asked by an elementary school principal to help his teachers create Peace Corners in their classrooms. This entire district had recently undergone training in trauma-informed practices, and there was a new awareness that many children need extra help self-regulating. He came to me with a strong desire to support them, and to move away from the discipline-first paradigm. </p>
<p>When I spoke to the teaching staff, I explained the purpose of a Peace Corner: to give a child who’s in fight-or-flight mode a break, and allow them to take care of themselves—hopefully heading off a negative choice they might make in behavior or speech, or simply helping them re-focus on their work and on being a productive member of the group. It helps them develop self-awareness—the ability to recognize that they’re feeling triggered or upset—and take critical steps toward self-care. </p>
<p>A few key elements of a Peace Corner: </p>
<p>——It’s a small, defined space, ideally with some element of privacy (you can adjust bookcases or furniture to create a slightly separate space—just imagine you’re a kid making a fort! It doesn’t need to be big. Maybe it has its own small rug, or a little table and chair.) </p>
<p>—It’s uncluttered, soft, and as quiet as possible, to minimize stimulation </p>
<p>—It includes an element of choice (The first step to self-regulation is self-awareness. If we’re asking kids to become aware of and name their emotions so they can regulate them, we should also give them a choice on how to take care of themselves. Kids generally know what they need. Try not to dictate what they should do in the Peace Corner.) </p>
<p>From a wonderful article <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://littlefloweryoga.com/blog/the-peace-corner-an-essential-classroom-resource" target="_blank">here</a> by Kelli Love on Peace Corners, here’s a list of possible items to include: </p>
<p><strong>1.</strong> Squishy "stress" ball<br><strong>2.</strong> Glitter ball or make your own glitter jar <br><strong>3.</strong> Emotional feelings sheet to help identify and record emotions <br><strong>4</strong>. Mirror to help identify emotions <br><strong>5. </strong> Blank paper, pens, and crayons to draw emotions, write a letter, or to reflect on strategies used in the peace corner <br><strong>6. </strong> Hoberman, breathing sphere <br><strong>7.</strong> A soft, small blanket or even a weighted blanket for sensory reasons could be great </p>
<p>Some appropriate books would also work well, such as <a contents="I Am Peace " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Peace-Book-Mindfulness/dp/141972701X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538607800&sr=8-1&keywords=i+am+peace+book" target="_blank">I Am Peace </a>by Susan Verde, my book <a contents="Breathe Like a Bear," data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538607788&sr=8-1&keywords=breathe+like+a+bear" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear,</a> or <a contents="Yoga and Mindfulness Practices for Children Activity and Coloring Book" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Practices-Children-Activity-Coloring/dp/1683730453/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538607886&sr=8-1&keywords=yoga+and+mindfulness+practices+for+children+coloring+book" target="_blank">Yoga and Mindfulness Practices for Children Activity and Coloring Book</a>, by Jennifer Cohen Harper and illustrated by Karen Gilmour </p>
<p>Now to be clear: there is some ramp-up involved. You’ll need to practice the available activities in the Peace Corner, and set clear boundaries around the frequency and length of its use (a sand timer can be very helpful here). Some teachers also have a non-verbal signal with students who request a Peace Corner visit. Be patient—it will take a little time for its novelty to wear off, and for everyone to get used to using it for its intended purpose. But supporting a child’s ability to calm, soothe, and control themselves is giving them an incredibly valuable gift, and one that will serve them well throughout their lives.</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/54243022018-09-18T09:30:00-04:002023-12-10T11:45:07-05:00Hello Hope<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/6cd4c340ebea353e150959dd747930fa20b8e9eb/original/daac8966-1b50-4837-ab99-d75e4fd30899.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> </p>
<p>Even really young kids regularly hear about scary things in the world. Having worked with lots of kids who’ve been through very tough experiences, I know one thing for sure—we can’t not talk about it. We have to address it; we have to give kids strategies to deal with the things that are frightening. I was thinking about this when I wrote "Hello Hope” (it’s on my new album, "Every Voice”). I hope it can be a reminder that when we reach out and take care of each other, we can all stay hopeful, no matter what’s going on. </p>
<p><strong>HELLO HOPE </strong></p>
<p><i>When we hear/things that create fear </i></p>
<p><i>we wonder what it’s all about </i></p>
<p><i>so much fighting/what it might bring </i></p>
<p><i>we don’t know what to think of it all </i></p>
<p><i>but there are people </i></p>
<p><i>good people </i></p>
<p><i>who love us and won’t let us fall </i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>hello hope, goodbye scariness </i></p>
<p><i>we don’t need you around here any more </i></p>
<p><i>hello hope, goodbye loneliness </i></p>
<p><i>we are all one in this crazy big world </i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>we can reach out </i></p>
<p><i>cause there is no doubt </i></p>
<p><i>when we help someone else it helps us too </i></p>
<p><i>we can reach out/cause there is no doubt </i></p>
<p><i>when we help someone else it helps us too </i></p>
<p><i>we’ll fill ourselves up </i></p>
<p><i>we’ll fill the world up </i></p>
<p><i>with kindness and love and joy </i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>hello hope, goodbye scariness </i></p>
<p><i>we don’t need you around here any more </i></p>
<p><i>hello hope, goodbye loneliness </i></p>
<p><i>we are all one in this crazy big world </i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>if it never got dark </i></p>
<p><i>we’d never see the stars at all </i></p>
<p><i>if it never got dark </i></p>
<p><i>we’d never see the stars at all </i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It’s simple piano and vocals, perfect for rest time or savasana. For older kids, use it as a starting point for a conversation--see what comes up when you listen to the song. </p>
<p>Let me know what you think! I’d love to hear from you. </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/54242782018-09-11T13:56:58-04:002019-02-05T16:34:28-05:00You Can’t Afford NOT to Sing!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/b23851770c9a325299c2edf5402e0bdc4a5b4145/original/587af8f0-1ce5-4d14-b410-453a91930564.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Among the MANY benefits of singing: </p>
<p>--a strengthened immune system </p>
<p>--better sleep </p>
<p>--lower stress </p>
<p>--improved mental alertness </p>
<p>--lower risk of depression </p>
<p>Go ahead, tell me you don't want those things...?! </p>
<p>Read the full article here: https://takelessons.com/live/singing/health-benefits-of-singing</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/54148462018-09-05T08:30:00-04:002021-11-23T11:56:14-05:00A Mindful Start to the Year! (free album download!)<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/70c9ce0ffd5c83d1b84ea390ee3d72a855cc7759/original/kira-willey-mm-cover-art-sc.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I’m thinking of all my schoolteacher friends today, back at it. Maybe it’s your second week of school, maybe your second day—wherever you are, I'm guessing that simple, quick tools to help your children calm and focus themselves are important to you. (This goes for at home as well as in the classroom, of course!) </p>
<p>So I’d like to give you a gift today—my <a contents="Mindful Moments for Kids" data-link-label="Mindful Moments" data-link-type="page" href="/mindful-moments">Mindful Moments for Kids</a> album. It’s a collection of 30 one-minute mindfulness exercises for children that can be done seated or standing, any time of day. Perfect for classroom or home (and great in the car). These super-simple exercises are designed to help children harness their energy, release anxiety, and develop self-awareness. Each track consists of my simple voiceover instructions set to a musical backdrop of my songs. (It also includes two bonus songs at the end: a new recording of the ever-popular “Dance for the Sun,” and a mantra-like lullaby, “Just Be,” perfect for rest time or savasana.) </p>
<p>For me, the bittersweet end of summer means back to working in schools, and these simple, effective tools are my go-to when I train teachers and work with students. (I’ll also be getting the music, movement & mindfulness message to tons of kids with Rockin’ Yoga assemblies!) </p>
<p>Please let me know how you’re using the Mindful Moments (grab the whole bunch of ‘em <a contents="here" data-link-label="Mindful Moments" data-link-type="page" href="/mindful-moments">here</a>) and <a contents="get in touch" data-link-label="Event Details" data-link-type="page" href="/event-details">get in touch</a> if you’d like me to come visit your school! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/51737452018-04-10T08:37:20-04:002019-09-23T15:42:09-04:00AFTERSCHOOL YOGA: WEEK 3 <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/16bc09e5bc3336ba17996d5557fd44402f017c37/original/img-0455.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Week 3 of the after school program with the children who have moved to PA after the hurricane in Puerto Rico: once again my lesson plan went right out the window. </p>
<p>The boy with the huge brown eyes again refused to join our circle. When asked why, he says “I’m mad,” and “I don’t like this,” but not in an angry way, he says it with a half-smile on his face…I’m not really sure how to convince him to join us. </p>
<p>Maybe I can’t. </p>
<p>When I brought out the book “In This Heart” by Jo Witek (which I highly recommend), all the kids wanted to take turns reading. With the language barrier, the reading took a while, and then we talked about each feeling. (One of the challenges of this group is that it’s kindergarteners up through fifth graders all together, who are worlds apart developmentally, but all of them got really close to me and were absorbed in the book. Two of the little ones snuggled into my lap.) </p>
<p>When we got to a page about being scared, I asked each child what made them feel that way. A lot of them talked about having nightmares. Many said they miss their family members who are still in Puerto Rico, and that they wish so badly that they could see them. One said there are mean boys in his neighborhood who beat people up. </p>
<p>One girl said “police,” and when I asked why, she made the shape of a gun with her hand. </p>
<p>The news media and most of the rest of the world has moved on—but there are so many people—so many children—still suffering from the effects of that terrible storm.</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/51417262018-03-22T09:23:08-04:002018-09-11T14:00:32-04:00Afterschool Yoga: Part Two<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/250dd96a895bd4305e9df6fdaf0a97057122e329/original/img-0426.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Week two of the after school yoga program with the relocated kids from Puerto Rico was a bit more challenging than the first week, but I feel like I’m finding my footing with the group. Two very high-energy boys joined us; and asked repeatedly when we were going to play tag :) The boy with the huge brown eyes, who was tired and sad the first week but still sat in the circle, wouldn’t join the circle this time; he sat at the back of the room against the wall. He said “I don’t like this!” (I asked him what he likes, and he said “nothing.”) I sat with him for a few minutes, and asked him to join us when he was ready; he just shook his head and stayed where he was. </p>
<p>I found some great group activities like “pass the cool clap” from this wonderful book,<a contents=" “Everyday SEL in Elementary School,”" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-SEL-Elementary-School-Social-Emotional/dp/1138903159/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521724095&sr=8-1&keywords=Everyday+sel" target="_blank"> “Everyday SEL in Elementary School,”</a> by my friend Carla (I HIGHLY recommend it if you work with young kids in any capacity). We had to work together to beat the clock, and the kids loved it. </p>
<p>We also repeated a few things that worked well the first week: my songs <a contents="“The Shimmy,”" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilley.com/music" target="_blank">“The Shimmy,”</a> and <a contents="“Dance for the Sun,”" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilley.com/music" target="_blank">“Dance for the Sun,”</a> breathing with the Hoberman sphere, yoga freeze dance, and of course a rest, during which several kids fell sound asleep, even though we were in a cavernous, loud room with a play rehearsal happening within earshot. </p>
<p>I can feel the rawness in some of them. They’ve just been through too much. I’m glad we have four more weeks. Baby steps. </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/51158292018-03-07T11:48:04-05:002019-12-31T13:48:57-05:00YOGA WITH KIDS WHO'VE SEEN TOO MUCH: WEEK ONE<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/ae9cc2e39c7efa472be7d5875daeba7fe9716d46/original/img-1083.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Yesterday I spent an hour at a local elementary school teaching yoga and mindfulness to a group of children from Puerto Rico. Their families were relocated here after hurricane Maria hit their island nearly six months ago. </p>
<p>The principal told me many of these children were already living in poverty, and that many had already been traumatized in some way. And then a terrifying hurricane destroyed their houses, leaving devastation all around them, to the point that they couldn’t stay in the only place they’ve ever lived. And they’re now here in eastern Pennsylvania, which must seem to them like they’ve moved to the moon. </p>
<p>Many of them speak no English. I don’t speak Spanish (I’m learning, but it’s slow). But, this actually turned into a fun game. I asked them for help: I’d teach them a pose, and ask them how to say it, and they’d happily holler out the Spanish word. We’d breathe, and I’d ask them to help me count to five breaths. Older ones translated for littler ones. </p>
<p>The plan I made for the class went right out the window once I got there. I was reminded anew of how beautifully rhythm and music transcend language, as a rhythm game on a drum was a big hit. </p>
<p>One boy who clearly didn’t understand anything I was saying bounced off the walls the entire time. Another boy with huge brown eyes just sat on his mat and didn’t say a word. I asked if he was tired, and he nodded yes. Toward the end, he sat silently with his back turned to our circle. </p>
<p>I’ll be with them for one hour a week for the next six weeks, and will keep you posted. Any constructive suggestions are totally welcome. </p>
<p>(This pic is from a school session last year.) </p>
<p>#mindfulkids#sel#magicofmusic</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/51035432018-02-28T11:43:25-05:002023-12-10T13:09:52-05:00EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS: MUSIC IS YOUR BFF<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/dc4a4812367fa0a5b7f9c5686c3ead36f8e37954/original/img-0408.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>If you know me even a little, you know that I believe really, really strongly in incorporating music into just about any kind of work with children. </p>
<p>If you’re working with young children in any capacity, and you’re not incorporating music, rhythm and song regularly, you’re depriving yourself of an unbelievable asset that could be making your job easier and a whole lot more fun. </p>
<p>Music, rhythm and song can help you create structure in your classroom, can support kids’ retention of information, and can help children focus. I’ve written a whole bunch about these magical effects in earlier posts, but probably the most important reason to incorporate music into your classroom, therapy space, or home? It brings joy. </p>
<p>Put on a great, rockin’ song, and see what happens. Just think of how your mood changes when you hear a song you love. How a strong kick drum or bass line helps you get your groove on. How deliciously sad a heartbreaking ballad can be. Music is POWER, and you can use it to your advantage. </p>
<p>This is what we work with in my Magic of Music trainings. </p>
<p>(The next one is at <a contents="Bee You Yoga" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.beeyouyoga.com" target="_blank">Bee You Yoga</a> in Manasquan, NJ on March 18!) </p>
<p>And, if that weren’t enough, to quote the smart people at Bright Horizons: “Music ignites all areas of child development and skills for school readiness: intellectual, social and emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy. It helps the body and the mind work together.” Enough said! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/50420702018-01-25T07:00:00-05:002018-09-22T14:52:56-04:00Teachers.<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/5f6e806dc7fb1510f50135a32b2680bc38ab8de3/large/unnamed-1.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /><br>I adore teachers.</p>
<p>All the teachers I know are working their tails off, for not nearly enough pay, but they know the system needs to change for all our children, and they’re doing their part to change it--coming to workshops and trainings to find new approaches and methods and being open to new things, all while balancing taking care of lots of often challenging small people during the school day and then their own families at home.</p>
<p>I meet and talk to so many who come to my trainings, and am always blown away by their open minds and huge hearts. They are the best.</p>
<p><em>(Photo courtesy of hoon photography, National Kids Yoga Conference 2015.)</em></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/50299992018-01-18T09:48:59-05:002020-01-21T12:22:37-05:00Bite-Sized Mindfulness: An Easy Way for Kids to be Happy and Healthy<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/9cf849e64d77c1d7a1cdf5f383010906401c0ce7/original/2017tedx-dianerichterphotog-5989-zf-4686-85688-1-002.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I visit a lot of schools, and it’s so exciting that more and more of them are open to implementing mindful practices. </p>
<p>Can you imagine self-regulation being taught alongside academics in ALL our schools? Creating a generation of kids who are self-aware, can make thoughtful choices, and show compassion and respect for others? What more valuable skills can we give our young people? </p>
<p>But some schools aren’t ready yet, and kids need to be learning these skills now—so I want every parent and every teacher who works with young kids to understand how simple it is bring mindfulness into children’s lives. </p>
<p>In my TEDx talk, “Bite-Sized Mindfulness: An Easy Way for Kids to be Happy and Healthy,” I talk about the three elements of successfully sharing mindfulness techniques with kids, to reduce their stress, improve their school performance, and help them manage their behavior and emotions—and how these exercises can be done any time, anywhere! </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/uOlIdmMK_zM" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/4e5a277aeb96ab6263bc91d733a0da93e38f86d7/original/unnamed.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>I hope you enjoy, and please and share with friends and colleagues who might find it useful! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/49625442017-12-05T08:57:21-05:002023-12-10T13:09:10-05:00"Breathe Like a Bear" release day! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/6b14ef3c71c3ef84f31e5701e063d2c5f3125ac9/large/img-0221.png" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />As a parent, I know that when I pause and take a few deep breaths before reacting—in just about any situation—things usually go better. (This doesn’t mean I always do it, of course...!) Imagine if we could teach this skill to children very early in life—if kids were actually taught how to manage their behavior and emotions, instead of letting their emotions rule their behavior. Just think of the positive effects this could have on the rest of their lives! </p>
<p>In our super fast-paced world, where children have less and less downtime to just be, simple, kid-friendly mindfulness practices can help teach children essential skills: how to calm themselves down, how to pay attention and focus, and how to manage their bodies and emotions. They can also help children cope with stress—which believe it or not, even young children can have. </p>
<p>I’m so excited to offer a simple, beautiful tool to help: my children’s mindfulness book, “<a contents="Breathe Like a Bear,”" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere-ebook/dp/B06Y5ZGXFL/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512443946&sr=8-1&keywords=breathe+like+a+bear" target="_blank">Breathe Like a Bear!”</a><br><br>Check out the book trailer below! </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pqd2lmJv_4Q" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/58400a1b91d988851af792164facb29f31ce0f98/original/img-0260.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>I know from long experience what engages children—I’ve taught mindfulness to thousands of kids in tons of different settings. Having learned what works and what doesn’t, I took the most effective, age-appropriate, fun practices that WORK and put them in this book. </p>
<p>Here’s the great thing: you don’t need any special training. It doesn’t need to be complicated in any way. Anyone can bring simple mindfulness to the children in their lives, and my hope is that <a contents="“Breathe Like a Bear”" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere-ebook/dp/B06Y5ZGXFL/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512443946&sr=8-1&keywords=breathe+like+a+bear" target="_blank">“Breathe Like a Bear”</a> is an easy-to-use resource to help parents and educators do just that. </p>
<p><a contents="Grab your copy" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839/ref=zg_bsnr_282937_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZMKPKSAJQZVJ28ZQHE0B" target="_blank">Grab your copy</a> right this minute! (The paperback is only $10.39 <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839/ref=zg_bsnr_282937_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZMKPKSAJQZVJ28ZQHE0B" target="_blank">here</a> right now, normally $14.99.) It’s a fabulous holiday gift, perfect for your own family, your child’s teacher, your grandchildren, or anyone with young children in their lives! </p>
<p>PS - Here's one of my favorite exercises from the book, perfect for this wintry time of year, “Candle Breath.” So simple, and so effective, this one is great for mealtime, bedtime, or in the car. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/7f674aa57b5012457df7ca89a7008aa3156e8346/original/img-0258.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>CANDLE BREATH </strong></p>
<p>Imagine you’re holding a candle in front of you. </p>
<p>Take a long breath in, and slooowly, gently blow the air out toward your candle. </p>
<p>You want to make your candle flame wiggle, </p>
<p>but…DON’T BLOW IT OUT! </p>
<p>Long breath in, slooow breath out. </p>
<p>Long breath in, slooow breath out. </p>
<p>Watch the candle flame wiggle and dance. </p>
<p>Long breath in, slooow breath out. </p>
<p>Long breath in…now blow your candle out! </p>
<p>Aaahhh…</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/49514552017-11-28T08:00:00-05:002018-11-13T09:47:27-05:00KIDS YOGA PROPS SERIES: BEANBAGS! <p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/c097ca0971fd682dee3c685b5261c595d665a38f/original/img-0161.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Mini beanbags are a fabulous prop for your kids’ yoga classes! Here’s how I use them; I’d love to hear your ideas too—tell me in the comments below. </p>
<p>Obviously: sit up tall, while balancing a beanbag on your head—a classic. Hold this for ten deep breaths in and out. </p>
<p>Make this (lots) harder: keeping it on your head, try to stand without using your hands, and without the beanbag sliding off. </p>
<p>Stand in mountain pose with it. Maybe try an easy walk…or tree pose (hold it during my tree song <a contents="“Kings &amp; Queens of the Forest!”" data-link-label="music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">“Kings & Queens of the Forest!”</a>) </p>
<p>Put one beanbag over each eye at rest time, or in savasana. (Always an option, never an instruction, as some children do not feel comfortable closing their eyes.) It will block out the light and, for most kids, make rest time feel like a soothing break from the day. </p>
<p>Place a beanbag on the belly as you lie down and breathe deeply, and watch it rise and fall. </p>
<p>Toss a beanbag from one hand to the other to improve hand-eye coordination. Or toss it lightly back and forth with a partner, moving farther away from each other with each successful toss. </p>
<p>Add in some math: face a partner, and count slowly together. On every three, (or four, or five) toss the beanbag, trying to maintain a steady rhythm. </p>
<p>Put a basket on the floor in the middle of the room, and everyone toss it in! Now do it while standing in a balance pose, and try not to fall over as you toss! </p>
<p>Please let me know how it goes! </p>
<p>(You can easily find these mini beanbags on <a contents="Etsy" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=cornhole%20bags" target="_blank">Etsy</a>, or if you’re the crafty type, make your own - lots of ideas on <a contents="Pinterest" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/56787645281832008/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.)</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/49234772017-11-08T08:00:00-05:002018-09-22T14:56:18-04:00Hot Soup!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/482934d36a9395c3a31b6bdbc57507077f5afe51/original/img-0102.jpg?1510105071" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Coming off a nutty October packed with two tours, lots of shows and trainings, and giving a TEDx talk (more on that soon!), I’m loving the quiet coziness of the early, dark evenings. Sometimes, though, I feel like it can also lead to super-low energy—and the to-do list hasn’t shortened a bit, for us or for our kids. </p>
<p>Here’s a kid-favorite Mindful Moment, “Hot Soup!” to help us find and focus that energy. (Hot soup just helps with everything, doesn’t it? “Good for what ails ya,” as my grandma used to say.) Try it with your little ones and let me know how it goes! </p>
<p><strong>HOT SOUP! </strong></p>
<p>Imagine you’re holding a hot cup of soup. </p>
<p>It’s MUCH too hot to eat right now! </p>
<p>Take a long breath in, and say, “It’s ha-ha-ha-ha-hot!” </p>
<p>Take another long breath in, and say, “It’s ha-ha-ha-ha-hot!” </p>
<p>Put one hand on your belly, and see if you can feel your belly muscles working as you say it. </p>
<p>Once more, take a long breath in, and say, “It’s ha-ha-ha-ha-hot!” </p>
<p>Put your soup down. </p>
<p>Take a big breath in, and just let it all the way out! </p>
<p>PS - We’re counting down to the 12/5 release of my children’s mindfulness book, <a contents="“Breathe" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_15_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZKYRFZPS009BJMQQQC6D" target="_blank">“</a><a contents="Breathe Like a Bear!”" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_15_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZKYRFZPS009BJMQQQC6D">Breathe Like a Bear!”</a> It’s available now for <a contents="pre-order" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Like-Bear-Mindful-Anywhere/dp/1623368839/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_15_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZKYRFZPS009BJMQQQC6D" target="_blank">pre-order</a>—go reserve your copy right this minute!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/48856752017-10-11T09:15:00-04:002018-11-21T13:00:53-05:00Mindfulness: A Powerful Antidote to Anxiety in Children<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/e1e87e024f371cdfe564abdbc8b1856d9bdf13f1/original/img-0054.jpg?1507669756" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>When I go into schools to train teachers and help them incorporate mindfulness and yoga into the school day, I hear a common refrain from school counselors, principals and staff: they tell me young children are under more stress and have higher anxiety than they’ve ever seen before. </p>
<p>So I did some research, and learned that anxiety in our children is a serious problem. In a study of more than more than 10,000 adolescents by the National Institute of Mental Health, it was found that about one in every four to five youth in the U.S. meets criteria for a mental health disorder. (<a contents="link to study" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20855043" target="_blank">link to study</a>) The most common type of these were anxiety disorders, with a lifetime prevalence of 31.9%, and these types of disorders also had the earliest median age of onset - AGE SIX. </p>
<p>The conclusion of the researchers was that these results highlight “the need for a transition from the common focus on treatment of U.S. youth to that of prevention and early intervention.” </p>
<p>Fortunately we have the tools to help anxious kids, and every kid: simple, age-appropriate mindfulness practices, practiced consistently. They cost very little, if anything, are simple to implement, and they have a positive impact quickly. It’s never been more important. </p>
<p>I’ll be addressing this issue and more in <a contents="my upcoming TEDx talk" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.tedxlehighriver.com/" target="_blank">my upcoming TEDx talk</a>: “Bite-Sized Mindfulness: A Simple, Powerful Way for Kids to be Happier and Healthier.” (Local friends, I’d love your support! It’s on Saturday, October 21 at 1 PM, Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown. Tickets at <a contents="tedxlehighriver.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.tedxlehighriver.com" target="_blank">tedxlehighriver.com</a>.)</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/48571492017-09-20T09:15:00-04:002023-12-10T13:08:32-05:00Imagine You're A Tree<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/0bae3b493e895cbef90f2fd1a82ec6570554b9f5/original/unnamed-2.jpg?1505868295" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><br>We’ve said goodbye to summer for real now…I know this because we’re back in the thick of it at my house: school, soccer, homework, soccer, karate, soccer, (hopefully) dinner, and then some more soccer. I struggle with feeling scattered nearly all the time. A bit of mindfulness—just a minute here or there—can really help the whole family feel grounded, so I offer you this 60-second Mindful Moment to help. Give it a try with your little ones, and let me know how it goes! </p>
<p><strong>IMAGINE YOU’RE A TREE </strong></p>
<p>Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out. If you want, you can close your eyes. </p>
<p>Imagine you’re a tree. </p>
<p>You have roots growing down into the earth, holding your trunk steady and strong. </p>
<p>Your branches are reaching up, up into the sky. </p>
<p>What kind of tree are you? </p>
<p>You can be any kind of tree you want. </p>
<p>Decide what color leaves you have, what your branches look like, and how tall you are. </p>
<p>See your whole tree in your mind. </p>
<p>Remember, your tree has strong roots that hold you safely in the ground, and strong branches that reach up toward the sky! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Listen to more Mindful Moments <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilley.com/music" target="_blank">here</a>. And please leave a comment, and let me know how it goes! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/48462202017-09-12T09:00:00-04:002022-03-22T01:52:39-04:00MORE SEL, PLEASE<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/70bac4ec2b77db7f4aad3b7a5d0c60a06279dffa/original/unnamed.jpg?1505178305" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> <span class="font_small">Photo Credit - Mindful Schools</span></p>
<p><br>I just read some incredible findings from a 20-year study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation entitled: “How Children's Social Competence Impacts Their Well-Being in Adulthood: Findings from a 20-Year Study on the Outcomes of Children Screened in Kindergarten.” </p>
<p>It showed that children who were more socially competent (i.e., had better social skills like sharing and helping others) in kindergarten were more likely to take their education farther and secure better paying jobs, and were much less likely to get in trouble in various ways (abuse drugs or drop out of school). TWENTY YEARS later. </p>
<p>This is an absolutely remarkable study, and underscores the need for all of our public schools to step it up—bigtime—in the area of social-emotional learning (or SEL, defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning as “the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.”) </p>
<p>Some of the most compelling results from the study: </p>
<p>“For every one-point increase on the 5-point scale in a child’s social competence score in kindergarten, he/she was: </p>
<p> Twice as likely to attain a college degree in early adulthood; </p>
<p> 54% more likely to earn a high school diploma; and </p>
<p> 46% more likely to have a full-time job at the age of 25.” </p>
<p>And conversely: </p>
<p>“For every one-point decrease in a child’s social competence score in kindergarten, he/she had: </p>
<p> 67% higher chance of having been arrested by early adulthood; </p>
<p> 82% higher rate of recent marijuana usage; and </p>
<p> 82% higher chance of being in or on a waiting list for public housing.” </p>
<p>Those statistics are NO JOKE. This is a game-changer for our next generation. SEL is critical learning in our schools—mindfulness practice is a simple and highly effective vehicle for teaching it. </p>
<p>Read the full study <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.rwjf.org/en/library/research/2015/07/how-children-s-social-competence-impacts-their-well-being-in-adu.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and please leave a comment and let me know what you think! <br><br><br><br> </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/48376242017-09-05T09:12:41-04:002018-12-18T16:42:28-05:00Send Good Thoughts<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/a4321b6fbf788f424343b46e64c7319372792499/original/img-5677.jpg?1504616737" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>When kids hear about scary things in the world—hurricanes, floods, other disasters and tragedies—it can be really unsettling for them. Here’s a simple way for them (and you) to send positivity to others, and to help them practice compassion. </p>
<p><strong>SEND GOOD THOUGHTS </strong></p>
<p>Sit up tall, and hold your body still. Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out. </p>
<p>Think of someone you love, and imagine that person is standing in front of you. </p>
<p>Think of something really nice you could say to that person. </p>
<p>Say it quietly, in your mind. </p>
<p>Now think of a different person. Someone you don’t know as well. Or maybe someone who’s having a hard time right now. </p>
<p>Imagine that person is standing in front of you. </p>
<p>Think of something really nice you could say to that person. </p>
<p>Say it quietly, in your mind. </p>
<p>Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out.</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/48316782017-08-30T13:43:50-04:002017-08-31T16:30:43-04:00Taking Care of the Teachers<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/bec4c89e0f375177a6fec069758b93e17274f920/original/img-5610.jpg?1504211408" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>The principal of a local elementary school called me over the summer, asking me to come in and talk about a teacher wellness initiative. "These teachers are just so stressed out," he said. "We need to help them any way we can."</p>
<p>He's right: a survey of 30,000 educators by the American Federation of Teachers showed 78 percent say they are often physically and emotionally exhausted at the end of the day, and 87 percent say the demands of their job at least sometimes interfere with their family life. Eighty-nine percent said they were strongly enthusiastic about teaching when they began their careers, but just 15 percent felt the same way today.</p>
<p>I know you agree with me: this is NOT ok.</p>
<p>Plus, teacher stress causes student stress: a 2016 study published in Social Science & Medicine (Oberle, Schonert-Reichl) found that students had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol if their teachers reported higher burnout levels--this is the first study to link teacher burnout to physical stress changes in students.</p>
<p>So I said I'm all in, and after a brainstorm with the principal, wrote a proposal that includes twice-weekly morning yoga (ALL YEAR LONG) for the teachers, and meetings with topics like simple, manageable mindfulness practices and how to make them a consistent part of a daily routine, recognizing and dealing with stress triggers, and cultivating empathy, compassion and generosity toward themselves and each other.</p>
<p>In the second half of the year, I'll conduct a a weekly mindfulness class with each grade, reaching ALL students for at least a 20-minute session. We also planned a parent evening on mindfulness with demonstrations of practical and quick mindful activities for both parents and children; and manageable ways to incorporate these practices into daily routines. To top it all off, a Rockin' Yoga school assembly!</p>
<p>The powers-that-be in the school district approved most of the funds needed, and grants will be written for the rest. I am thrilled to be a part of this incredibly important initiative, in the hopes that its success will spread to other schools. Stay tuned!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/48212272017-08-22T09:30:00-04:002023-12-10T13:09:39-05:001-2-3 Clap!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/21fa9bec879ab6b8926b96ee1e147c46fa561abd/original/img-5528.jpg?1503364094" class="size_l justify_center border_" />As summer winds down, I’m starting to wonder how we (and by we, I mean mostly me) will make the adjustment to getting up early again when school starts! In between shows, trainings, and events, I LOVE to sleep in, and so does my family. Maybe you’re in the same boat? </p>
<p> Here’s a simple, fun mindfulness exercise to the rescue—try adding this to your morning routine with kids, at breakfast, on the way to school, or first thing in the classroom—to get everyone settled, with focused energy. Let me know how it goes, I’d love <a contents="to hear from you!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.kirawilley.com/contact" target="_blank">to hear from you!</a> </p>
<p>1-2-3 Clap! </p>
<p>Open your arms out really wide. Count one, two, three… and CLAP your hands one time! </p>
<p>Rub your hands together, and make some energy. Put your hands on your belly. Take a looong breath in, and let it all out. </p>
<p>Open your arms out really wide again. Count one, two, three… and CLAP your hands one time! </p>
<p>Rub those hands together, faster this time. Make some energy! Put your hands over your eyes, or on your forehead. Take a looong breath in, and let it all the way out. </p>
<p>Once more, open your arms out really wide. Count one, two, three… and CLAP your hands one time! Rub those hands together, SUPER fast. Make some energy! Put your hands over your heart. Take a looong breath in, and let it aaaall the way out.</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/46926732017-05-01T18:48:02-04:002017-05-01T20:43:31-04:00Breathwork: Better with a Friend! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/a9c7335c7a2826fb945c887276d9cc19615258bd/original/img-2008.png?1493678778" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Back to Back Breathing expands kids' awareness of others, and can be very calming. It's a safe, comfortable way to introduce most kids to partner poses. It's also a sweet way to connect for a parent and child!</p>
<p>How to: </p>
<p>Sit up as tall as you can, back to back with a partner. Take a few deep breaths in and out on your own. </p>
<p>Now see if you can feel your partner’s breathing, and notice how it’s different from yours. Is your partner breathing more slowly than you are? Or faster than you are? It doesn't matter at all, just notice what it feels like.</p>
<p>If you want to, start to match the rhythm of your breath with your partner’s breath: breathe in at the same time, and breathe out at the same time. </p>
<p>Do this as long as you want! </p>
<p> </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/46605522017-04-06T12:13:19-04:002017-04-06T13:56:31-04:00Get Your Grumpies Out! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/f9c6c8c14872a685de99521893187807c2ca460d/original/img-1090.png?1491501381" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Here's a slightly silly, but super-effective, way to help young kids let go of negative emotions, when they're holding onto them a bit too long. Try it as many times as you like! It's great at bedtime, so children can fall asleep in a positive,healthy state of mind.<br><br><em>Can you make a grumpy face? I bet you can. Make a REALLY grumpy face! </em></p>
<p><em>Maybe you feel a little sad or angry today. </em></p>
<p><em>If you do, make a sad or angry face. </em></p>
<p><em>Now take a really big breath in, and BLOW all those bad feelings away! </em></p>
<p><em>Do it again, just in case they didn’t all go… </em></p>
<p><em>Take another really big breath in, and BLOW all those bad feelings away! </em></p>
<p><em>Sit up really tall. Maybe smile a little smile… </em></p>
<p><em>Take another long breath in, and let the air all the way out.</em><br><br>Listen to all the Mindful Moments for Kids <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.kirawilley.com/music" target="_blank">here</a>. Let me know how it goes!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/46399712017-03-21T20:28:03-04:002018-12-05T09:17:43-05:00Today I'm going to be...<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/ae9cc2e39c7efa472be7d5875daeba7fe9716d46/original/img-1083.png?1491400903" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Happy Spring! </p>
<p>A new season is a great time to think about goals and intentions. Try this Mindful Moment with your kids, and maybe it becomes a sweet part of your morning routine. It’s a simple way to set a positive tone for your day. Everyone in the family can pick a word, and talk about what you choose—you can also revisit it at the end of the day. </p>
<p><strong>TODAY I’M GOING TO BE…</strong> </p>
<p>Take a long breath in, let it all the way out, and hold your body still. </p>
<p>Think about how you want the rest of your day to go. </p>
<p>Pick a good word to finish this sentence in your mind: “Today, I’m going to be…” </p>
<p>Maybe you finish it with “friendly,” or “kind,” or “helpful.” </p>
<p>Choose a positive word that you like to finish the sentence. </p>
<p>When you pick your word, if you want to, tell a grownup about it. </p>
<p>Remember your word, and do your best to make it happen! </p>
<p>Listen to more Mindful Moments on the <a contents=" music page" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.kirawilley.com/music">music page</a>. And please <a contents="get in touch" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.kirawilley.com/contact">get in touch</a>, and let me know how it goes!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/46286182017-03-14T12:14:36-04:002019-10-21T14:21:44-04:00Hot Chocolate<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/b023cf8f55b25de2f19b13e28f7edde8ad26e342/original/1-3.jpg?1489452419" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Here we are at the tail end of winter, and it’s finally acting like it! We’re in the middle of a monster snowstorm here in the Northeast US, so I thought a little hot chocolate might be in order. Try this Mindful Moment with your little ones! </p>
<p>Imagine you’re holding a cup of hot chocolate in your hands. It’s much too hot to take a sip, so you need to blow on it to cool it off. </p>
<p>Bring your cup up close to you, take a long breath in, and slooowly blow the air out, to cool off your hot chocolate. </p>
<p>Take another long breath in, and slowly blow the air out. </p>
<p>Now take a tiny little sip of your hot chocolate, and say “Mmmmm…!” </p>
<p>Make the “mmm” sound last as long as you can. </p>
<p>Try it again! Take a tiny little sip and say, “Mmmmmm…” </p>
<p>Put your hot chocolate down, take a long breath in, and let the air all the way out. Aaahhh… </p>
<p>(Of course, it doesn’t have to be hot chocolate, let your child decide…I know lots of little kids who love to pretend they’re drinking coffee or tea, just like the grownups!)</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/45794862017-02-07T08:37:43-05:002020-01-23T11:51:28-05:00THE MAGIC OF MUSIC IN THE CLASSROOM: MAKE IT MEMORABLE! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/623ca723afe55db45700940521e8f11b954a175a/original/fullsizerender-3.jpg?1486436890" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>How did you learn the alphabet when you were little? There’s a very good chance it was the "ABC Song." (Such a popular tune that it also boasts the alternate titles "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” and "Baa Baa Black Sheep!”) And I bet it wasn’t the actual alphabet you learned first, but the tune itself. Here's the thing, and it's proven by science: attaching information to a melody makes it memorable, plain and simple. And it works particularly well with kids, who respond so viscerally to music. So how can you use this to your advantage, whether for kids’ yoga or in the classroom? </p>
<p>Create your OWN song! (Yes, you can.) Do you have your own version of a sun dance, a moon salutation, and warrior series that you teach regularly to your kids? In the classroom, is there a transition that happens regularly, where the instructions are always the same, and you feel like a broken record repeating them? Make up a simple song about it, and teach the kids! You will be amazed at how quickly they learn it, retain it, and are able to join in. (Listen to my song “<a contents="Dance for the Sun" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilley.com/music" target="_blank">Dance for the Sun</a>”, which is how countless kids’ yoga teachers have taught the sun salutation.) </p>
<p><strong>Some tips for success: </strong><br><br>—Create musical “hooks." This is easier than it sounds. Any short melody can become a hook. Keep it really simple; it should be able to be sung back to you after only hearing it once. (A good hook is the part of the song that sticks in your head for the rest of the day.) </p>
<p>—Repetition is your friend. No need to go crazy, one simple melody repeated a few times will do the trick. This also makes it lots easier to remember. </p>
<p>—Use rhymes. Self-explanatory; rhyming greatly increases the chances of remembering the line that comes next! </p>
<p>—Or, simply sing your instructions to a familiar tune (see ABC song)! Other ideas: You Are My Sunshine, Skip To My Lou, This Little Light of Mine; there are tons. </p>
<p>I’d love to hear how it goes. Please leave a comment below or <a contents="get in touch here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirawilley.com/contact" target="_blank">get in touch here</a>! </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/45387362017-01-05T15:55:00-05:002018-10-19T00:17:23-04:00Music, Movement and Mindfulness in the Classroom<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/3dec99f9403073f66cea44d8bba94929ca4ff0e6/large/2016-04-25-09-30-45.jpg?1483915955" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I presented a workshop yesterday on music, movement and mindfulness in the classroom. I began by explaining that while these three things are vitally important for kids in and of themselves, the bigger reason I bring them into schools is that they’re an incredible vehicle for social-emotional learning: they help kids learn the critical skills of self-awareness, self-regulation, the ability to focus, and the development of compassion and empathy. <br>The counselors, teachers, and school staff attending were wonderfully enthusiastic and open to all my ideas, trying my Mindful Moments for Kids, getting up for some yoga even though most had never done it before, doing woodchopper breath and candle breath and tongue twisters to a drumbeat and lots more. Many of them spoke to me afterward about bringing me to their schools for more teacher development, assemblies, and such. So happy that schools are getting it and the word is spreading!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/44480272016-11-02T09:53:36-04:002017-01-15T22:16:57-05:00THE MAGIC OF MUSIC: FOCUS! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/83f1f246e14b1879750722ee80190e7c667db9a7/original/img-8374.jpg?1478049603" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>THE MAGIC OF MUSIC: FOCUS! </p>
<p>So you have this great lesson plan for your kids' yoga class, but you can't get the kids to hold any particular pose long enough to really get the benefits. Or, you’re a classroom teacher, and you’re having trouble keeping the kids’ attention where it needs to be. </p>
<p>Music and rhythm increase oxygen flow to the brain, putting it in a highly focused state. When we listen to music, far more regions of the brain are engaged than when simply listening to someone speak. Use this to your advantage! Here are some simple, fun ideas for you to try: </p>
<p>—Challenge kids with tongue twisters ("she sells seashells..." or "betty botter bought some butter”). They’re impossible to do if you're not concentrating on them. If they’re easy, ask kids to say it faster and faster. If that’s easy, incorporate movement. Or try it while hopping on one foot! </p>
<p>— Rhythm, the most basic building block of music, is your best friend when it comes to focus. You can challenge kids with rhythm games of varying difficulty. Start a basic rhythm—like two taps on your lap, then a clap. Everyone in the room has to copy you. You pass it to the right, and that person has to add another movement or sound, and around the room you go. You’ve got to be on the ball to keep up! </p>
<p>—Create a spoken word rhythm to a beat. With kids repetition works, and rhymes really help. Make your instructions into a “rap” of sorts. (Listen to <a contents="“The Shimmy” from Dance for the Sun" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.kirawilley.com/music" target="_blank">“The Shimmy” from Dance for the Sun</a> for an example). </p>
<p>—Freeze dance: clap or play a drum a beat, everyone has to march in time. When the beat stops, everyone freezes into a pose you've called out, or one of their choice. </p>
<p>—Sing a simple song or melody while completing a task, or holding a yoga pose. It helps kids keep their attention on the job at hand, and makes them more likely to stick with it. Try it yourself: hold surfer pose (warrior 2) in silence for a moment, and then try it while singing a surfing song (like <a contents='"Surfer Mama” from Dance for the Sun' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.kirawilley.com/music" target="_blank">"Surfer Mama” from Dance for the Sun</a>). The second one probably feels a whole lot easier to hold with the incorporation of music, and it’s definitely more fun! </p>
<p>After a few minutes of trying one of these ideas, kids’ brains will be in focus mode where you need them. I’d love to hear how it goes. Please leave a comment below!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/43048532016-08-02T09:15:00-04:002021-05-19T13:06:51-04:00THE MAGIC OF MUSIC: Creating Structure in Your Classes<p>Children thrive on consistency and routine. Knowing what to expect is very comforting for them, particularly for children who may not have much stability in their lives. Creating musical or rhythmic touchstones at certain transition points in your classes can reduce kids' anxiety, and makes your job as the teacher a lot easier, as everyone knows what to expect. Kids won’t be guessing or wondering aloud what happens next—your music-based structure will reduce the overall stress level in the room, so kids will cooperate much better. And hopefully, kids will internalize a bit of the order and organization, which may help them feel calmer in their own lives. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/b46d60905092624e9d64347ae6ecfbcd6aee50ef/original/kiraguitarkids.jpg?1470099161" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Think about your classes for a moment: what transition points are tricky? Where do you lose the kids' attention and focus? Where would it be helpful to use a song that's the same every time? Then begin to brainstorm ideas for developing musical touchstones for these spots, and start using them consistently. (And yes, I can hear you saying "I can't sing!" and guess what? I don't believe you.) </p>
<p>Here are some ideas: <br>--A "yoga time" song: when you walk into the room, use this to get kids where you need them to be (seated in a circle, say, or quiet at their desks) for the start of class. It's much more effective than speaking. Keep it short, simple, and repetitive, so everyone learns it quickly, and knows what they are supposed to do. </p>
<p>--Hello song: a greeting which sets the tone you want for your class. Maybe it's calm and quiet, or perhaps you need to bring the energy up. You could start a beat on your lap or on a drum, and go around the circle taking turns: "I have a name! My name is Mariah!" And none of these have to be "songs," they can be spoken in rhythm, to a beat. Check out my song <a contents="“The Shimmy”" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://kirawilley.com/music" target="_blank">“The Shimmy”</a> from Dance for the Sun as an example. If you're using a smartphone, there are lots of simple apps, like Drummer, you can use to easily create a simple drumbeat. </p>
<p>--Savasana/rest time song: of course, this can be a song you simply play over a sound system, but keeping it consistent will trigger deeper relaxation each time, as the kids’ brains begin connecting the song to resting their bodies. It’s best to use a song with few words—listen to <a contents="“Just Be”" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://kirawilley.com/music" target="_blank">“Just Be”</a> from Mindful Moments for Kids for an example. </p>
<p>--Goodbye/peace song: think about what you want to leave the children with at the end of class. Gratitude for sharing yoga together? A mindful intention for the rest of the day? Pick one brief message—and maybe it’s just “see you next time,” that’s great too—and stick to it. A short and sweet song, used each time you say goodbye, will stick in kids’ heads and get your message across. A simple example is <a contents="“Peace &amp; Joy,”" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://kirawilley.com/music" target="_blank">“Peace & Joy,”</a> from Dance for the Sun. </p>
<p>I'd love to hear how it goes! Please leave a comment below.</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/42956612016-07-27T09:30:00-04:002018-10-02T10:29:13-04:00THIS will make your child a better listener!<p>So I’m all fired up from leading the Magic of Music training in Dover, NH last week with 22 wonderful educators. We had a blast coming up with all kinds of ways to transform these teachers' classrooms and yoga/movement classes—really, fully engage kids—with rhythm and music. Everyone got tons of inspiration and ideas they’ll use right away. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/365b5c11eb48c2933dc9895b628155721497f1a5/original/img-3125.jpg?1469492461" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I did a bunch of research for the training, and I thought I knew all about the amazing effects of music on the brain—but new, incredible studies are happening all the time, and they’re fascinating! When we listen to music, we’re using multiple parts of the brain: regions involved in movement, attention, planning and memory—parts that don't have to do with auditory processing itself. Meaning: your kids’ brains are way more lit up and focused when they’re listening to music than when you’re just talking. So…next time you’re trying to get your kids attention, at home or in the classroom—try singing your instructions! Or, start a beat by clapping, and make up a “rap” or rhyme with what you want to get across. They’ll listen. I’m serious—it works! </p>
<p>Now if you enroll your child in music classes or lessons, it gets even better. Kids with even a short time of musical training have been found to be more sensitive to sound than those with no training. They’re more adept at discerning social cues, making them significantly better listeners. And, becoming focused and discriminating listeners helps kids become better learners. (AND…this effect lasts into adulthood! So that year of piano you took as a kid wasn’t a waste of time after all!) </p>
<p>(I also learned the majority of Nobel Prize winners are trained musicians…just sayin.) </p>
<p>I’m happy to help out here, by giving you and your kids some great live music to listen (and move!) to. If you’re in the Pennsylvania/New Jersey area, please come on down to <a contents="Telebear’s Summer Jam" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.wlvt.org/39-campus/telebears-summer-jam/" target="_blank">Telebear’s Summer Jam, </a>happening August 11-14—my trio plays a Rockin’ Yoga concert on Thursday the 11th!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/42398702016-06-21T09:00:00-04:002018-11-21T13:05:18-05:00Hello, Sunshine!<p>It's officially summer! School just ended for us, and the freedom from a daily schedule feels so sweet...</p>
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<p>We wrapped up the school year's last Rockin' Yoga assembly just yesterday (and already have a bunch booked for the fall). As it was this school's second-to-last day until summer break, and it was incredibly hot in their gym, I thought the kids might be totally bananas, but they were fabulous. Several hundred kids, kindergarten through 4th grade, their teachers, the principal, two custodians, and a sprinkling of visiting parents danced, sang, clapped, and yoga'd around that gym with us for a solid 45 minutes. We had some lovely <a contents="Mindful Moments" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.kirawilley.com/music" target="_blank">Mindful Moments</a>, including a sweet, intention-setting exercise toward the end--in short, we had a ball.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/a470ff300eece81c53cee3d0ec2355e9a4e284f0/large/pictapgo-image.jpg?1466476304" class="size_l justify_center border_thin" alt="" /><br><br>We have a busy summer ahead, and one of the events I'm most looking forward to is the <a contents="Magic of Music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://childlightyoga.com/pages/magic-of-music-with-kira-willey" target="_blank">Magic of Music</a> training I'm leading at Childlight Yoga in Dover, NH. We'll have a blast in this workshop, learning how to incorporate rhythm and song into kids' yoga classes, making them super engaging and fun--so kids will run back in the door week after week. I've been working on this training for quite a while, and I can't wait to share it. And it's not just for kids' yoga teachers--parents, classroom teachers, occupational therapists, and anyone who works with young children will get tons of ideas and inspiration to start using right away. All the details are <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://childlightyoga.com/pages/magic-of-music-with-kira-willey" target="_blank">here</a>. Don't wait to sign up--there are limited spaces available. See you out there! </p>
<p> Cheers, <br> Kira</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/41317582016-04-12T10:00:00-04:002023-03-21T11:02:08-04:00A Little Kindness<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/049a9988c0a1127c4eddac70c5e1e5d0f2c87c7b/original/me-carly-b-w.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>I have a brand new track to share! The simple and sweet “<a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.kirawilley.com/music" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="Kindness Mantra">Kindness Mantra</a>.” It's just right for kids, especially young ones, who love simple, repeated melodies, and is perfect for yoga, sleepytime, or savasana. A group of children’s yoga teachers joins me in singing on this one; we recorded them at last November’s Kids Yoga Conference.The lyrics are below. It's my <a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.kirawilley.com/music" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="gift">gift</a> to you, just today--please let me know what you think! </p><p>“I can breathe in light, and breathe out love <br>I can breathe in peace, and breathe out joy <br>I can breathe in hope, and breathe out kindness...”</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/40269902016-02-05T14:05:32-05:002018-10-02T10:30:28-04:00"Open Your Heart" video with Laurie Berkner!<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="w6uBc4iJe88" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/w6uBc4iJe88/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w6uBc4iJe88?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br>I had SO MUCH FUN making <a contents="this video" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6uBc4iJe88" target="_blank">this video</a> with my friend--and kids' music superstar--Laurie Berkner. We met back when I saw that she was playing a solo holiday show in my town, and I reached out--I love to collaborate--would she like any harmonies or violin to back her up? We had a great time on stage that day--I sang harmonies on a few songs (including one she asked me to sing just at soundcheck, I'd never heard it in my life...), and I played fiddle on her classic "I Really Love to Dance."<br><br>A few months later I joined her and her full band at another show in Morristown, NJ (see pic--that's the amazing Brady Rymer on bass), and then we kept in close touch, tossing ideas back and forth on how to work together again.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/9fe4028f8302004b2868a84ec666fce53034fbbd/original/me-laurie-brady.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Fast forward a year, and I headed into the YouTube Creator Space in early January to join Laurie, her team, and a bunch of cute kids to shoot this video. Her beautiful song, "Open Your Heart," was a perfect one to collaborate on, as it lends itself so well to yoga (heart-openers!) and, of course, Valentine's Day.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/750cfb25901ad09bd15061f2b286678bd59f61bb/original/laurie-b-quad-photo.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Enjoy! Please let me know what you think!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/40143842016-01-29T13:00:00-05:002018-10-02T10:30:41-04:00Dance for the Sun 2.0!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/aeefc364ed655555ece0a180932c27f6644cba40/original/img-8207.jpg?1454092810" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Actually, the official title is "Dance for the Sun: 2015 Remix," but you get the idea. Nearly ten years ago, when I released my first album, <em>Dance for the Sun: Yoga Songs for Kids</em>, I had no idea how much the title song would be used by kids' yoga teachers far and wide as a fun, musical way to teach sun salutations. I love going to an event like the National Kids' Yoga Conference, asking how many teachers use this song, and seeing tons of hands go up!<br><br>The original version was created back when I was self-producing my songs (um, not the greatest idea). I've since found an incredible team of musicians and an amazing producer, Zak Rizvi, and he and I teamed up to re-record this oldie but goodie. He created an all-new bed for the song, adding some piano and new guitar parts, and I sang a new vocal. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/5772c95c49f15b1222f5482e0723abf49ed571c1/original/img-8209.jpg?1454092930" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We kept some of the original percussion--that's my super-talented cousin, Beau Lisy, on djembe--and some of the original kids' voices (my daughter and her friends, who were four and five at the time! <em>see pic</em>). Fast forward, and now her two younger brothers have joined the crew as backup singers on the new version.</p>
<p>And just for kicks--<a contents="here's the video" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_SZ0A7iXA8">here's the video</a> from just after the first release, way back in the day...</p>
<p>Listen to "Dance for the Sun: 2015 Remix," and please get in touch and let me know what you think!</p>2:58Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/39884662016-01-15T11:00:00-05:002023-12-10T13:08:28-05:00Mindful Moments for Kids!<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/878d166c0c450f71691b90f838caf40e16a6e495/medium/1003596-1137138952985767-5402363454101369703-n.jpg?1452805710" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>
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<strong><span class="font_large">RELEASE DAY!</span></strong><br><span class="font_regular">It's always so much fun when I can finally share what's been cooking behind the scenes for months and months. Maybe you’ve been following the countdown on social media--we've had fabulous blogger partners reviewing this new CD and giving away a free Mindful Moment for the past ten days--and release day is finally here! I'm really proud of this one: I’ve been working with children, yoga, music and mindfulness for a decade now, and it all comes together in this new album out today: Mindful Moments for Kids.</span>
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<p><span class="font_regular">It’s a collection of <strong>30 one-minute mindfulness exercises for kids</strong>: my simple voiceover instructions, set to a backdrop of my original songs. They’re quick and fun--these are not meditations with a capital M, if you know what I mean. They’re simple and lighthearted: "Hot Chocolate," and "Bear Breath" are<strong> calming</strong>, "Kindness" and "Today I'm Going To Be..." help kids develop <strong>self-awareness and compassion</strong>; "Get Your Grumpies Out" helps <strong>get rid of stress</strong>. Active Mindful Moments like “Rainstorm,” and "Stop and Go" help kids improve their <strong>focus</strong>, and <strong>energizing</strong> ones like "Lion Breath" and "Hot Soup!" help kids harness <strong>positive</strong>, focused energy. <br><br>You and your child can do these any time, anywhere--they're perfect in the classroom or at home, and great for in the car. I know you can find ONE MINUTE to pause, breathe, and smile! Yes,<strong> YOU</strong>. <a contents="Listen to, and buy, the entire album here on my music page." data-link-label="music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">Listen to, and buy, the entire album here</a> on my music page. It's a perfect gift for your child’s teacher, your friend with toddlers, and for yourself and your kids. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Good for today only, <a contents=' grab your free Mindful Moment--perfect for the season--"Hot Chocolate."' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.kirawilley.com">grab your free Mindful Moment--"Send Good Thoughts."</a> It's one of my favorites, as it really helps kids develop self-awareness and compassion. And please get in touch and let me know how you're using them with your kids!</span></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/39742172016-01-06T10:00:00-05:002018-11-21T13:06:39-05:00Rainy-Day Recess: Bring on the YOGA<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/f1a993a85d17dc51f4a752498ae737d9e68ea47f/original/donegan-5g.jpeg?1451940136" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I recently did my first in-service presentation on mindfulness and yoga to the entire faculty at a local elementary school. I hadn't done this before, but I have a great relationship with the school, and was asked to do it by the principal. She's incredibly open to new ideas, and is trying like hell, under tough circumstances, to improve her students' lives. <br><br>So, drawing on a decade of my own experience, plus compelling research I learned at The National Kids' Yoga conference, I began by presenting a case study of an elementary school in the Midwest which had not only turned its test scores around, but changed the overall culture of the school for the better, by carefully, consistently implementing mindfulness practices. (An aside: I'm completely comfortable singing in front of a theater full of families, fine in front of three hundred wiggly six-year-olds in an enormous gym, but in this school library in front of a group of teachers, I will say I was a bit nervous. They're in the trenches with these kids day in, and day out, who am I to swoop in and tell them I have the answers?) <br><br>But as I talked about the huge number of children with anxiety issues, the percentage of adolescents with mental-health disorders, and the issue of most kids being plugged in way too much--and then described some simple, effective ways they can address these things--they got it. Heads began nodding, ideas started to percolate around how and when to bring these techniques into the school day; requests came for yoga for the teaching staff! I didn't realize just how desperately they're looking for tools to help not only the kids, but themselves.<br><br>Then I asked them to put down their coffee cups and come to the edges of their seats, sit up tall, close their eyes, and breathe. I led the group through a few simple mindfulness exercises; calm settled in the room. At the end, the principal called for volunteers to be on the school's "yoga committee." Quite a few teachers expressed interest, and we're putting a plan in place to do these mindfulness breaks school wide, every single day. We're going to track data: visits to the principal's office, test scores, disciplinary actions. This is a school where, when I was trying to get the principal on the phone the other day, she sent me a text: “all hell broke loose.” Maybe we can make those incidents a thing of the past. <br><br>It's a work in progress, for sure. But I was absolutely thrilled when the principal sent me the photo above--this is what the 5th graders are now doing instead of watching a video, on days when bad weather prevents them from going outside for recess. Woo-hoo!!</p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/34642362015-01-13T13:23:34-05:002019-09-23T15:43:30-04:00Backseat Yoga Breaks! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/9a5211afa0a5742ee6788706cc738b7e269b0936/original/environment.jpg?1416286811" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Last fall, the wonderfully smart, hilarious Mindy Thomas of SiriusXM Radio’s Kids Place Live asked me to create a series of yoga breaks for her listeners, along the lines of the ones I put in between songs in my live shows. Except...as they were for radio, I wouldn't be able to actually demonstrate anything. Oh, and the other thing--they would be aimed at kids BUCKLED INTO CAR SEATS. What kind of yoga could they possibly do?<br><br>Turns out--they can do A LOT. When I got to work on it, I realized...they can breathe, and calm themselves, and focus, and get energized, and release tension, and adjust their attitudes. “Backseat Yoga Breaks” were born! I've created 23 different ones so far, and I've got tons more ideas. Everything from simple, fun breathing exercises to shoulder squeezes and silly faces, all within 30-60 seconds, with my songs as inspiration and background music.<br> </p>
<div>Listen below to "Candle Breath," a quick but very calming breathing technique anyone can do, and check out more <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kira-willey-music/sets/kira-willeys-back-seat-yoga">here</a>! These are airing daily on Sirius XM's <a href="http://m.siriusxm.com/kidsplacelive">Kids Place Live</a>, and getting a great response from parents, who are sending in comments like this one: "Thank you so much for backseat yoga! Both my children participate so earnestly that it's the perfect little mood re-direct. It's become one of the best parts of our commute!" </div>
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<div>They will be packaged and for sale soon, stay tuned. I have big plans in the works to get them out to elementary school teachers for classroom use--what a great way to calm children and teach them to settle themselves. Kudos to Mindy Thomas for leading the charge! Mindfulness for all! </div>0:56Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/32980162014-11-18T11:45:00-05:002018-10-02T10:32:49-04:00CD RELEASE DAY!<p><span class="font_regular"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><font size="2"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/450d3fb68d8ff341f95d483231b2309bbccf823b/medium/howcover.jpg?1416285680" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></font></span>I’m so happy to say that my third album, “How to be a Cloud,” is out today! Have a listen <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="http://kirawilley.com/music" target="_blank">here</a>; I'm thrilled that it’s getting some lovely early <a contents="reviews" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="http://www.totallyfullofit.com/2014/11/11/kira-willey-how-to-be-a-cloud/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kira-willey-how-to-be-a-cloud">reviews</a>. My CD-release-day gift to you is a <a contents="free download" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="https://soundcloud.com/kira-willey-music/gotta-lotta-happy">free download</a> of the first single, “Gotta Lotta Happy,” which is currently in rotation on Sirius XM’s Satellite Radio. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">One of my favorite songs on this record is “Colors (2014 Remix).” We gave new life to my biggest hit by adding the voices of 75 beautiful kindergarteners from Donegan Elementary School in Bethlehem, PA; and a super-cool guitar groove courtesy of my amazing producer, Zak Rizvi. Let me know what you think!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">People are seriously catching on—it’s becoming a mainstream idea that incorporating this type of movement and mindfulness into children’s lives can be simple, and has huge benefits. When I presented at the kids’ yoga conference in Washington DC in September, the energy and excitement of people who work with children and yoga was incredible. The movement is growing—and of course when you combine yoga with music, it’s that magical combination I'm always going on about!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I am so grateful for your support, your song ideas, your goofy photos, and your adorable kids-dancing-around-the-kitchen videos. So go grab your <a contents="free download" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="https://soundcloud.com/kira-willey-music/gotta-lotta-happy" target="_blank">free download</a> of “Gotta Lotta Happy”—it’s all about gratitude, perfect for this time of year. And please get in touch, I’d love to hear from you!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Happy Thanksgiving, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Kira</span></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/30956102014-07-24T10:55:21-04:002018-10-02T10:33:20-04:00How to be a Cloud<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/a5e3fd113481f632fc7a05a50e686d8ae95caf90/original/photo-5.jpg?1406213230" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
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<div><span class="font_regular">We’ve been working away on the third album, "How to be a Cloud," aiming for a September release. Woo-hoo! Here’s the way I work: I get enough songs together to think about an album, and my brilliant producer Zak Rizvi and I make a plan and get going. Shortly after we start, I come up with another song while at the grocery store, and then another while doing the dishes, one while lying awake at night, etc., and now, as we speak, we have an album of about 25 songs. As the amount of data a CD can hold hasn’t changed in a gazillion years, that for sure is a few songs too many. </span></div>
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<div><span class="font_regular">So: we have to choose, and let some go, or at least put them on the shelf for the next time. A good problem to have, as they say. It can be hard to let any songs you’ve written go, but they don’t all make the cut. Stay tuned! I’m very close to sending out a preview...</span></div>
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<p><span class="font_regular">An aside: While grownup songs are all about “I want to break up/make up/I love you/I don’t love you/I never loved you....”, one of the things I love about kids’ songs is that they're wide open, subject-wise, and can be about caterpillars and dirt and roller coasters and the moon, and they’re usually not metaphors for anything. (Or, in the case of my upcoming album: cookies and pancakes and sunflowers and kites....!)</span></p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/29619652014-05-21T15:02:37-04:002018-11-21T13:08:14-05:00Rikers Island Soup<div style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font:normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Gill Sans'"> </div>
<div><span class="font_regular">Completely off the topics of kids' yoga and music: I am an average cook, with occasional disasters, and very rare moments of brilliance. Here's the thing for me with cooking for a family of five: the EVERY DAY-ness of it. It never stops. You get one meal conquered and the next is breathing down your neck. (I'm tired just thinking about it, and I have no idea what to make for dinner.) I sometimes make half-hearted attempts to "meal plan," one of those mommy-blog terms, and I will tell you I stink at it. </span></div>
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<div><span class="font_regular">I recently made a broccoli soup which came out so thin, runny and flavorless that I complained to my husband on the phone that it tasted like something you'd be served in prison. When he got home (having had that to think about the whole way) he tasted it, agreed with me, and promptly dubbed it Rikers' Island Soup. That and my Special Chicken (don't ask), and my various other disasters, including but not limited to several small fires in the toaster oven, will entertain the whole family for years I'm sure. </span></div>
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<div><span class="font_regular">In the Moments of Brilliance Department, however, yesterday I created a shrimp salad that was really, really good. I broiled some shrimp, timed it perfectly so they were just cooked through and juicy, chopped up cucumber and red onion, the juice and zest (yes, I zested) of a lemon, olive oil, and halved red grapes. Really, really good. (Now if I didn't create this, and this exact recipe exists somewhere and I unconsciously plagiarized it, I don't really want to know, thanks anyway.) Hilarious that I am posting a recipe? Yes, it is. </span></div>
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<div><span class="font_regular">So I’m always looking out for easy, good recipes (did I say healthy recipes? because of course that’s what I meant). Please share, as it seems as though the family will not stop with the thrice-daily eating any time soon. </span></div>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/26885972014-03-04T18:43:21-05:002018-10-02T10:33:45-04:00Focus Pocus<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/1615f0059f786ddce258b3f16286c226bd03f5df/original/focuspic.jpg?1393976512" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><span class="font_regular">My daughter can get so focused on her drawing that she can't hear me call her for dinner the first four times, until I go whisper directly into her ear. During lots of other less-than-favorite activities, however, she and the rest of our family often have a bit of trouble staying in the proverbial zone. We call it Pinball Disease in our house--bouncing back and forth between tasks or activities, and an hour will pass with absolutely nothing to show for it. (This applies to grownups doing tax preparation as well as to kids picking up toys.) <br>Like any other skill, focus improves with practice, and balancing poses in yoga are excellent for developing it. And particularly for kids, concentration becomes extremely important when academics get to be the real deal.<br> <br>These poses are challenging and fun for kids to practice. For all three, encourage kids to find a focal point to concentrate on during the pose, such as a certain spot or picture on the wall in front of them. </span><br> </p>
<ul> <li><span class="font_regular">BIRD ON A MOUNTAIN: Have your child stand in Mountain Pose (feet close together, legs strong, arms at sides, body tall and solid like a mountain) while you flap your hands around her and tweet like a bird. Challenge her to stand tall and strong, focusing on her spot, while you do this and not be distracted by your goofiness. Then switch places, and she gets to do it to you!</span></li>
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<ul> <li><span class="font_regular">FLAMINGO POSE: Begin in Mountain Pose. Slowly, lift your right leg up, knee bent, until your right thigh is parallel to the floor. Bring your arms out wide at your sides, and slowly, gracefully, flap your big, beautiful wings. Concentrate on your focal point, hold for a few big breaths in and out, then step down and try the other side.</span></li>
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<ul> <li><span class="font_regular">DANCER POSE: Begin in Mountain Pose. Bend the left knee and see if you can reach back and hold the inside of the left foot with the left hand. This is challenging enough--but if you want to go further, (your child can hold on to you or have one hand on the wall) see if you can lean forward and kick that foot out and up behind you. Look forward at your focal point as you try a slow count of 5, and next time see if you can make it to 10.</span></li>
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<p><span class="font_regular"> <br>(Please comment if you have ideas of your own--I'd love to hear how you help your kids stay focused!)<br> <br> </span><br> </p>Kira Willeytag:kirawilley.com,2005:Post/26703082014-03-01T13:45:10-05:002018-10-02T10:36:13-04:00Slouch City<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/129313/0b81d2ea62a1042aedd471a454dee9c1626eeea1/original/13-25-479-version-2.jpg?1393698688" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><span class="font_regular">One recent wintry afternoon, my household was unusually serene: my son was happily playing at his train table, my daughter was drawing away next to me at the counter, and I had, unbelievably, gotten my act together to get dinner into the slow cooker. I glanced over at my girl and noticed how she was sitting: back straight, spine long, perched slightly forward on her chair.Then I did a little self-scan: Slouch City. I was completely slumped over, shoulders rounded and hunched up toward my ears.Yikes! I sat up super-straight and felt much better.Thirty seconds later, I was tired and slumped over again.The next time I was at the coffee shop I took an extremely unscientific survey of the java-drinkers around me: slouchers and slumpers all over the place.What happens to our naturally good alignment between age six and age thirty-something? Like anything else I suppose, without practicing it, we simply forget and fall into easier, not-so-good-for-us habits. Luckily for my daughter, she's regularly practiced the poses that will help ingrain her excellent posture.And for the rest of us, it's never too late to start.<br>Try incorporating the poses below into your yoga play with your child.They're great for both of you: hopefully for her, it will cement those wonderful good-posture habits; for you, it will help prevent or correct the slouches. And know that any regular yoga practice, including these particular poses or not, will help you and your child become more in tune with your bodies, and thus more aware of not-so-good posture and more inclined to correct it.<br>(I'm feeling a little more aware now, and working on sitting, standing and walking tall.This often involves pretending I'm a supermodel or a professional ballet dancer. Hey, whatever it takes.)</span></p>
<ul> <li><span class="font_regular">MOUNTAIN POSE: Standing with your feet close together, make your legs strong, pull your belly in, and lift your shoulders up, back, and then down. Imagine you are as tall and strong as a mountain. Keeping your feet flat on the floor, imagine a balloon above you, its string attached to the top of your head, gently lifting you straighter and even taller. Practice Mountain Pose often--it's the starting point for many poses. Before attempting any balancing pose, such as Tree, below, first establish your solid foundation in Mountain Pose.</span></li> <li><span class="font_regular">TREE POSE: Begin in Mountain Pose. Lift your right foot off the floor and put it to the inside of your left leg (hold hands with your child for balance, or have her put one hand on the wall). Keep that foot low, unless you feel very stable. Imagine there are roots growing down through your left foot into the earth, holding you strong and steady. Stand straight and tall, and when you feel balanced, grow your arm branches up toward the sun! Take a few deep breaths in and out, and then lower your foot and switch sides.</span></li> <li><span class="font_regular">STAFF POSE:This pose seems simple--in fact, it's very challenging, and will strengthen your legs, back and core muscles, and is excellent for improving posture. Sit with your legs straight out in front of you, toes pointing up to the sky. Make those legs strong! Your heels might even lift off the floor. Pull your belly in and sit up really tall--put your hands down beside you or behind you to help. If it's very hard to sit up straight, sit on the edge of a folded blanket.Take a few breaths in and out, relax for a minute, and then try it again.</span></li> <li><span class="font_regular">Source:The Complete Idiot's Guide to Yoga with Kids, by Jodi B. Komitor, M.A., and Eve Adamson</span></li>
</ul>Kira Willey