Motor Accuracy, Visual Perception and Mindfulness

Motor Accuracy, Visual Perception and Mindfulness

Frontiers in Psychology published research examining the effects of a mindfulness program on the performance in visual perception (VP) and motor accuracy, as well as on anxiety levels and self-reported mindfulness in one hundred and thirty-eight 4th and 5th grade students (78 additional students were in a control group).

Mindfulness has been found to reduce stress, anxiety, impulsivity, and depression.  It has been shown to increase well-being, attention span, focus, cognitive skills, executive functioning, and memory.  Previous studies have indicated a positive correlation between VP and academic performance, including written expression achievement and mathematical skills.  Additional research has shown a significant correlation between motor accuracy and current mathematical and written expression achievements and later reading, math and science scores.

The students participated in a 45-minute weekly mindfulness meeting for 24-weeks.  The sessions were divided into three modes addressing the areas of receiving care, developing self-care and extending care.  The students were taught mindfulness skills including skills such as focusing on your breathing, self-calming techniques, relaxation strategies, stress management and empathy skills.

The results indicated the following:

• significant interactions between time of measurement and group for VP, motor accuracy, reported mindfulness, and anxiety.
• significant improvements in VP, motor accuracy, reported mindfulness, and anxiety for the experimental group only.
• significant correlations were recorded between the improvement in motor accuracy and the reduction in anxiety and the increase in mindfulness.

The researchers concluded that the results may suggest that mindfulness practice has the ability to improve academic achievements.

Reference:  Tarrasch, R., Margalit-Shalom, L., & Berger, R. (2017). Enhancing Visual Perception and Motor Accuracy among School Children through a Mindfulness and Compassion Program. Frontiers in psychology, 8.

Breathing Breaks deep breathing exercises digital download is a collection of 16 deep breathing exercises and 3 tip sheets.  Deep breathing exercises can help to decrease stress,  reduce anxiety,  remain calm,  strengthen sustained attention, sharpen the ability to learn and more!  This packet includes 16 full page breathing exercises and 3 tips sheets in color or black and white.  In addition, the breathing exercises are provided 4 to a page to make smaller cards or booklets. FIND OUT MORE.

Read more on mindfulness and children –

5 Mindfulness Activities for Young Children

Mindfulness and Yoga for School Children

Sensory Processing Styles and Mindfulness

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5 Mindfulness Activities for Young Children

Mindfulness can be defined as paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.  Research indicates that mindfulness techniques in school aged children can help to improve: sense of wellbeing, ability to focus, relaxation and self regulation.  Although mindfulness practices have not been studied in younger children (i.e. preschoolers) extensively, young children do experience a fast paced, hurried, high pressure, high technology lifestyle and mindfulness techniques may help young children’s well being in school and at home.

Here are 5 mindfulness activities for young children:

1. yoga poses for children
2. guided meditation and visualization – try this Triathlon imagination action journey that combines visualization with movement.
3. reflective breathing – try bumble bee breathing
4. specific games designed to support children’s deeper awareness of their own feelings and thoughts.
5. specific games designed to support children’s deeper awareness of their own behaviors and reactions.  Read about 10 games that help to develop self regulation skills.

Read more on Mindfulness and Yoga for School Children.

Read more on Sensory Processing Styles and Mindfulness.

Read more on Self Regulation and Yoga in Preschoolers.

Read more about self regulation skills or check out the Self Regulation Skills Curriculum – Work, Move, Breathe.

Reference:  Erwin, E. J., Robinson, K. A., McGrath, G. S., & Harney, C. J. (2017). “It’s Like Breathing In Blue Skies and Breathing Out Stormy Clouds” Mindfulness Practices in Early Childhood. Young Exceptional Children, 20(2), 69-85.

Breathing Breaks: This digital download is a collection of 16 deep breathing exercises and 3 tip sheets. Deep breathing exercises can help to decrease stress, reduce anxiety, remain calm, strengthen sustained attention, sharpen the ability to learn and more! This packet includes 16 full page breathing exercises and 3 tips sheets in color or black and white. In addition, the breathing exercises are provided 4 to a page to make smaller cards or booklets.  FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION.

The post 5 Mindfulness Activities for Young Children appeared first on Your Therapy Source.

Mindfulness and Yoga for School Children

Mindfulness can be defined as paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.  Research has indicated that mindfulness in school children may help to improve:

1.  emotional well being.

2.  learning  and  associated cognitive  processes,  such  as  attention,  focus  and  executive function skills.

3.  mental health.

4.  physical health (reduction in blood pressure).

Many schools are adding mindfulness and yoga programs into their daily routine.  Move with Me offers a wide variety of videos and flash cards to help you get started with a combination of mindfulness and yoga programs for young children.  Here are some suggestions if you are working on:

1. strengthening and balance – Body Series: 3 Yoga/Movement Story Videos for Strength, Flexibility & Balance.
2. self control and focus –  Mind Series: Yoga Story Videos for Focus, Self-Awareness & Self-Control.  
3. calming, confidence and self regulation – Heart Series: Yoga Story Videos for Calm, Caring & Confidence
4. self regulation skills – Adventure Skills Self Regulation Flash Cards.

The best deal is on the complete bundle of 9 videos and flash cards.  This can take care of your lesson planning for all of 2017!

Reference:   Weare, Katherine (2012) Evidence  for  the  Impact of  Mindfulness on  Children  and Young  People.  Retrieved from the web on 12/9/16 at http://ift.tt/2h636CN

The post Mindfulness and Yoga for School Children appeared first on Your Therapy Source.