Ashley,

How wonderful that you and your students will be starting off on this educational adventure together! As an educator, I have always felt like September was the start of the New Year rather than January. My first suggestion is to do all that you can to make your students feel welcome and comfortable with you as their new teacher. Then provide good classroom management by having clear rules posted and following them consistently. Both of these strategies will provide that sense of safety that children need to feel for true learning to occur. The following two Brain Gym movements will also assist your students with feeling calm and balanced:

Hook-Ups – Stand or sit and cross your feet. Put your arms in front of you like you are going to clap (but miss) and overlap your hands. Interlace your fingers and place your hands on your chest. Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Breathe slowly for 6-8 breaths. Then uncross your arms and legs and lightly bring your fingertips together as you continue to breathe slowly for 6-8 more breaths.

Positive Points – Gently place your fingertips on your forehead and hold lightly for 6 –8 breaths. Breathe slowly as you release stressful thoughts.

Most importantly enjoy your time with your new students; you have the power to transform their lives!

Susan Owens MS OTR