Reprint courtesy of http://www.taichiforkids.com/success-stories/
Observations from children and adolescents who love Tai Chi Moves for Kids:
“Every time we do this tai chi with you my head clears up. I feel like I can think so much better.”
JAMAL, college student working as a Summerbridge teacher.
JAMAL, college student working as a Summerbridge teacher.
Summerbridge is a summer school program designed to help at risk middle school students bridge the gap over the summer. Its goal is to help them stay focused, receive one on one attention, and reinforce their study habits.
“Last week you taught me how to feel a ball of energy, so every night I make a warm red ball of energy and I take it to sleep with me. I sleep much better now.” A third grade student at Corpus Christi Catholic School, in Miami, which serves a mostly minority, underprivileged population, many from broken homes. Almost all are on scholarship.
“Well, I do just what you said, when I don’t remember the answer to the math test, I sit very still, focus on the energy ball in my abdomen, take 5 breaths and then I know the answer.” Felipe, 5th grade student who was failing math for his inability to focus. His grades came up to B’s.
“He’s like a different child! His face even looks different. He went up to the ropes course and climbed up the ladder, walked across the ropes from tree to tree. I really believe now that he will graduate from High School!” Mother of Cameron, a mildly autistic boy aged 16, who changed his whole level of understanding and his ability to move with coordination after 9 months of tai chi and focused breathing.
“Let’s do the one where you put the torch inside and it gets all warm and nice.” RC, a 5 year old, who was unable to sit still for even 3 minutes. This was after 4 classes.
“Well, I understand things now. That’s why I do so much better in math.” Gaby, 14 years old, is a student who had tried to memorize everything to get through school. She learned that if you focus and understand, learning begins to make sense.
“I threw a ball of energy to my mother. She caught it. I know. I just called her at home. She felt it.” Middle school boy, running back after dismissal from t’ai chi class and a phone call.
“I want to share with you that I have been practicing your program of Tai Chi for Kids with my class this year and have had great success. It has been exciting to see how it has engaged all of the children, especially those with serious attention concerns. I have one boy who could not stop moving at all times, but when we practice Tai Chi he is focused and can use his body in controlled and fluid ways. This exercise is so wonderfully appropriate for children as it captures their imagination and sense of dramatic play. Kids are so drawn to the natural in all forms and can identify with taking on those characteristics. The one about the red and blue birds is their favorite. The children have really responded and now ask for it. One girl calls it “tie cheese”. Ali Epker, Boston, MA
“I love the Tai Chi Moves For Kids CD. Last year I bought a different DVD and the students had a very difficult time understanding the instructor. I was apprehensive about ordering the tai chi for kids because I thought it might be a little babyish because of the drawings but this CD is perfect for sixth grade. You should sell your product in teacher stores- it is a gold mine.” Tricia , Ridgefield, CT schools
“Thank you so much for sharing your Tai Chi for Kids program with the children in the after school program at Coconut Grove Cares – “Barnyard”. I have never seen the kindergartners pay such close attention to any program we have offered them. You kept their attention the whole time. The older kids love it, too. Some children ask to play your CD in the afternoon so they can do “Chi Chi” as they call it. Several of them tell me that they have used it at home to fall asleep or at school to help focus during the FCATS and at other times. I am writing a proposal for our summer program. I am hoping to get funding for this program so that we can teach Tai Chi to everyone this summer.” Thanks so much. Sylvia Jordan, Miami, FL
Hi Cari! Wow! I’m not sure if you remember me and my class, but we certainly remember you and talk about you all the time! My name is Jenette Mistretta and I met you about 2 months ago at my school, PS 163 on Webster Ave in the Bronx. After our meeting you came to our red outdoor trailer/classroom and demonstrated Tai Chi for my class. Well, since you left we can’t get enough. My students absolutely love it! And I was so surprised to see how many of them truly take the exercises so seriously. I found my students to be relaxed, more focused and less abrasive with each other. I even started doing some of the moves with my own two-year old son, and he loves it! I have been meaning to email you for a while just to let you know how happy I am and to say Thank you for creating and sharing Tai chi with us. Fondly, Jenette Mistretta P.S.163 2075 Webster Ave. Bronx, NY 10457
More information on studies that have ben done on Tai chi and children
