Greetings Brain Boosters!
Welcome to Brain Buddies Blog! Enthusiasm runs high these first few weeks. Remember the brain needs variety and changes to do its job. Those synapses just can't pass information along constantly without getting tired. Build movement into lessons in creative ways. Avoid "pack and stack" and everyone will stay fresher.
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Breathing Break for the Brain - September 2007
Transitions offer the perfect chance to give overloaded brains a break. Model this Breathing Break, doing it with your class, using it as a mental warm-up before and between difficult tasks. With practice, students can learn to take their own private breathing break when they notice their brains feel tired or stressed. Try this for a burst of fresh oxygen, helping them get ready to work harder and smarter:
First exhale completely. Then concentrate on drawing air deeply into the lungs, visualizing it swirling and throughout the body. Breathe in for a 5 heartbeats, and then out for 6. Repeat three times—the brain seems to like groups of threes.
For extra benefit, focus on someone’s smiling face reflecting the love and warmth they express for you. Recalling supportive relationships calms the mind and releases helpful brain chemicals.
Why does it work? Emptying the lungs first gets rid of stale, tired air that has done its job, making room for fresh oxygen. Blood powers up with brain fuel—glucose and oxygen—as it passes through the lungs on the way to the brain. Exercise and time outdoors give it a bonus boost when time permits. Brain breaks give a power boost to everyone’s brain.
©copyright 2007, Sandra Stanton. For helpful articles, books, resources, Sandra's bio, calendar, news and contact info, go to www.ourbrainbuddies.com
Monthly Topics:
September - Breaks and Breathing (above)
October - Nutrition and Water
November - Memory, Music and Movement
December - Active, Social Learning
January - Reading
February - Security, Safety and Emotions
March - Play
April - Friendship, Compassion and Choices
May - Nature
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Enjoy many magnificent moments this school year!
All My Best,
Bailey Brain and Sandi
Sandra Stanton MS, NCC, LPC Connections of the Heart www.ourbrainbuddies.com