As educators, we always seek ways to improve attention span and concentration in children. We also look for ways to motivate children to problem solve and think critically. However, it may not occur to most that movement such as Tai Chi and yoga in fact assists with these areas tremendously! A school day for children of all ages should always include movement before and during work stages. Sitting still for long periods of time can and will have the opposite desired affect on concentration skills. Fostering clarity and peace through Tai Chi has become a beloved practice here at Wild Roots. 

Tai Chi is a wonderful exercise for young children to begin their day with, whether at home or in the classroom. The sequence of moves, even if practiced for only a few minutes has numerous benefits for the mind and body of the child. We also love to utilize Tai chi movements throughout our day and in transitional times to help with a nice flow and state of mind.

While embodying the dragon swimming for pearls in the sea, or a crane stretching its long neck to look at the earth, the child has the opportunity to leave his own physical body and relieve his busy mind for a few moments. The body can move freely and the mind can gain focus, creating a sense of overall clarity and strength aligning the two.

Feeling strong in the body and clear in the mind is a treasured state of being before beginning a work period in the classroom. Studies have shown that Tai Chi actually boosts brain power. We have witnessed the children more eager to learn and more balanced in their thoughts and emotions.

Among the many other medical benefits of routine Tai Chi, we find that children are lifted to higher levels of emotional well being, self esteem is increased, immune systems are strengthened, and flexibility and balance in the body are heightened.

Let’s get moving!!