REGULAR EDUCATION STRATEGIES

TO ENHANCE THE

LEARNING PROCESS

Relaxation StrategiesRelaxation Strategiesfor the Classroomfor the Classroom

Proactive Strategies, for all Proactive Strategies, for all students, that promote relaxation students, that promote relaxation

to enhance learning.to enhance learning.

Engagement•Classroom•School Community

Learning•Content•Instruction

RelationshipsStudentStudent

StaffStaff

StudentStaffStaffFamilies

Core Practices, Services & Programs

IF A STUDENT ISN’T SUCCESSFUL?

SOME Students

Classroom Specific Supports

School/District Wide Supports

FEW Students

Time Limited Specialized Support

FEWER Students

Long Term Intensive Specialized Support

FEWEST Students

ASSESSMENT

ALL Students

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© MMSD 10.16.02

Wisconsin Teacher Standard # 3

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

What’s this all about?

The purpose of this presentation is to:1. Provide you with some basic information on

the negative effects of stress and the benefits of relaxation.

2. Show it’s relevance to student learning and teaching practices.

3. Provide relaxation strategies to be used in the classroom environment.

What is Relaxation?What is Relaxation?

Relaxation is…

A natural and innate protective mechanism against

STRESS

Why do we need Relaxation?

Turns off harmful body effects of stressCounteracts fight or flight responseDecreases heart and breathing ratesLowers blood pressureBrings system into balance…

What is STRESS ?

Anything that happens that is out of the ordinary.

NORMAL ADAPTIVE RESPONSE

HARMFULREACTIONTO STRESS

Normal Adaptive Response

• Source of stress is identified• Challenge is met• Body returns to normal functioning

Harmful Reaction to Stress

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

Signs of Stress in Children

Negative Effects of STRESS

FIGHT -

FLIGHT -

FRIGHT -

FREEZE -

Fight, Flight, Fright, FreezeResponse

Release of chemicals in brainIncreased heart rateTense musclesIncreased respiration rateSharpens our sensesShuts down digestion

50-80% of Diseases Are Influenced by STRESS

• Cardiovascular disease

• Cancer

• Respiratory disease

• Arthritis

Effects of Stress on Learning

• Lowers achievement scores

• Interferes with memory

• Impairs problem solving ability

• Creates dependent behaviors

• Lowers self concept

• Interferes with peer relationships

Using Relaxation Strategies in the Classroom Will:

• Decrease effects of stress

• Calm students down after physical activities or conflict

• Help children stay calm in tense situations

• Combat test anxiety

• Decrease hyperactivity

• Improve school performance

• Teach students a relaxation response to use any time

• Increase concentration

• Encourage listening skills

• Encourage positive thinking and self talk

Strategies, con’t.

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

Breathe In and Out slowlyBreathe In and Out slowly

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

•Hands•Arms•Shoulders•Neck•Face•Trunk•Thighs•Knees•Legs•Feet

Ready… Set… Relax…

Research-based program that systematically provides relaxation activities:

• Muscle relaxation

• Deep breathing

• Thinking positive thoughts

• Listening to relaxing music

by Dr. Roger Klein

Ready… Set…

R- Release scripts to teach breathing and muscle relaxation

E- Enjoy scripts focus on using the creative imagination to feel good about self

L- Learn scripts stress opening the mind to academic motivation and success

A- Appreciate Scripts promote healthy self concept and relationships

X- X-pand scripts apply above concepts to real life

YOGA Movements

Yoga movements addressYoga movements address::

BreathingBreathingStrengthStrengthBalanceBalanceCoordinationCoordinationRelaxationRelaxationEnduranceEndurance

Yoga MovementsYoga Movements

When can you use relaxation?When can you use relaxation?

Anytime! Anytime!

•Transitions•Breaks between subjects•Before work to increase focus•Before test taking•To quiet the class down•After recess

ResourcesResources

• Other teachers in your schoolOther teachers in your school

• Building Support Staff- Building Support Staff- Occupational and Physical Occupational and Physical Therapists, Psychologist, Therapists, Psychologist, Social WorkerSocial Worker

• Positive Behavior Support Positive Behavior Support TeamTeam

• Ready… Set… R.E.L.A.X. - Ready… Set… R.E.L.A.X. - www.innercoaching.comwww.innercoaching.com

• Brain Gym Brain Gym

• 20-Minute Yoga Workouts20-Minute Yoga Workouts

• Yoga Kit for KidsYoga Kit for Kids

• Yoga for TeensYoga for Teens

• My Relaxation BookMy Relaxation Book

Many thanks to the following for Many thanks to the following for contributions to this presentation:contributions to this presentation:

MMSD OT/PT Committee on RelaxationMMSD OT/PT Committee on RelaxationMMSD Teaching and Learning StaffMMSD Teaching and Learning StaffMMSD Educational Services Program MMSD Educational Services Program

Support Teachers and StaffSupport Teachers and StaffDr. Roger Klein for generously donating Dr. Roger Klein for generously donating

materials and researchmaterials and research

The Madison Metro School District does not discriminate in itseducational programs, related activities (including School-

community Recreation) and employment practices as required byapplicable local, state and federal laws.

December 2004