Self-Regulation, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, and Self-Management

Breathe and Stretch on the Beach

Dear Powerful You Educators,

I was fortunate to work with my husband, Eric Frizzi, during my teaching years. The children loved physical education days guided by this inspiring teacher. I wasn’t sure what games he played or skills he taught, but children returned to my class happy and ready to learn. It proved to be the optimal time to teach a difficult lesson.  

When I became a school counselor, I found myself observing his physical education class and discovering why his instruction had a positive effect on children. I took his ideas and added what I learned from my yoga teacher training to write the book Breathe and Stretch on the Beach. 

Breathe and Stretch on the Beach is a non-competitive listening game that encourages movement, listening, and relaxation. Children use the positive self-talk (talking in the head) during each pose. Florida wildlife is entwined throughout the book to encourage the respect of Florida’s natural beauty. This powerful “brain break” book can bring a little sunshine into a classroom at any time of the year – rain, snow, or shine. Here are three ways you can use this simple book:

1. School News - Lead your whole school in one breathe and stretch lesson.

2. Individual, Group, or Classroom Guidance Lesson - Use this book to get the wiggles out and create a calm setting before your social emotional lesson. With this book, you promote self-awareness, self-regulation, problem-solving skills, and self-management.

3. Yoga Club Try something new with these handy tips.

• Determine location– Any quiet area 

• Set time – Start simple – 1 morning a week for 15 minutes. 

• Choose catchy name- Emotion Regulation Room, Breathe & Stretch Club, Emotion Literacy Lab 

• Decorate area– low/twinkle lights, flameless candles 

• Collect permission slips/inform parents – Choosing students requires a permission slip.  Offering to whole school allows a letter of information sent to all students.    

• Purchase mats & mat cleaner

• Locate sound system/portable speaker 

• Choose free music- Powerful You/Spotify 

•  Purchase transition chime - Signals silence

•  Share aroma therapy- Be aware of allergies

•  Review Breathe & Stretch Etiquette

• Study & Practice Breathe & Stretch on the Beach Book 

•  Create Patterns - Combine poses while teaching kids to flow with their breath

• Add modification tools- Scarves, tennis balls, hula hoops, parachutes, and beach balls add fun and movement

•  Reach Out - E-mail me at juliefrizzi17@gmail.com. for questions.

• Practice self-care– Practice yoga, eat healthy, get plenty of rest, and drink water

Much gratitude and appreciation,

Julie Frizzi

 Deep, controlled breathing stimulates the brain and sends a message to your body to calm down. You can add specialized stretches and your classroom will burst with creativity, focus, and a “ready to learn” energy.

“Breathing - The most valuable tool you can teach a child to use during stressful situations!”

You Can Learn How to Breathe & Stretch in the Classroom

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