Labyrinth vs Mazes for sensory diets & more

Create a labyrinth for "quiet thinking" and sensory diets. What's the difference between a labyrinth vs a maze? Both labyrinths and mazes have been physically made and used for centuries. The difference is that mazes include dead ends and require switchbacks or back tracking. Labyrinths are one continuous path with no dead ends. You may see corn field mazes or scary mazes around Halloween. They are meant to confuse and challenge. The same is true with mazes on paper. They may be simple or complex, but are designed to include dead ends.  When you see hedges or shrubs designed with walking paths, these are usually labyrinths. They frequently are included in elaborate gardens, especially with older mansions. They are meant for personal reflection. You walk them slowly, while thinking. Hopefully, by the time you are done, you have resolved your issues and calmed your thoughts. Make a temporary path by laying ropes in a continuous circular pattern that you walk between. Why build a labyrinth in schools?  Why Not! They can be elaborate or simple. Temporary or permanent. The purpose is self calming and reflection. Sometimes a few minutes quietly walking the path is the sensory break needed. Not all sensory diets need physical exertion. Explain to students that talking is discouraged because it interrupts "quiet thinking". Save thoughts for after the walk -  then remember to make time to share and discuss quietly. This large one is made from stones. Try a simple one using bean bags or gym cones. Students can take turns walking the path, or slowly follow each other- but no rushing, crowding or touching, just thinking! repeat as needed. Use masking or painter's tape - Try to get volunteers to help create it. Maybe older grades can make it for use by younger students. Make a small one in the the corner of your room. Then ask students to use it as a transition between specials or back to class. Sidewalk chalk ! Washes away when sprayed with water from a hose or squirt bottle (great hand strengthening) or the next time it rains. This is a fun way to play with different designs, shapes and sizes. Larger labyrinths can  usually accommodate several users at once. Once you find a size and design that works for your setting, ask if the PTA or other volunteers can paint it on the playground for any student to use at recess or before school begins in the morning. Can't we all could use some "quiet thinking time? This week's special:    Shipping and more! Preferences  |  Unsubscribe

How to beat the "End of Summer Blues"

Signs and treatment for the "end of summer blues" The end of summer blues... So it may not be in the DSM yet, but we all know it exists! Right around labor day or at back-to-school time; it starts slowly; you're not sure what's wrong, you just don't feel like yourself;  a little sad; you seem to HATE rainy days a bit more than usual and you seem to constantly crave sunshine and ice cream! Those are the "end of summer blues"! Children and adults may be susceptible to it. What do to: PLANS seem to help the most. Having something on the calendar to look forward to and anticipate has shown to be helpful. Something DIFFERENT. Here are some examples... Go Geocaching!  It is like treasure hunting! All over the world, regular folks are finding and hiding little containers. Some with treasures and keep-sakes; most just for the fun of the hunt. GPS, like that on your phone is all that is needed. (and good shoes sometimes!) Great fun for adults and children together. Here's a website to get started:  https://www.geocaching.com/play Visit a State or National park and have a picnic. Enjoy the weather and the company. Plan to meet up with friends, family or schoolmates for a pot luck picnic or BBQ. Movie/TV show binge watching... Catch up on that television show you always mean too or watch a movie and the sequels all in one day! Back to school BBQ or cookout with games and prizes. Ask for help with planning and preparing to increase anticipation. Go to a Major or Minor Baseball game. Go early-leave late. Remember the hot dogs and cracker jacks are part of the fun! Go biking, hiking or rock climbing. (Now-a-days there are many indoor climbing facilities for both kids and kids at heart) Check out a trampoline park, laser tag or paint ball. Rent a row-boat or canoe or kayak. Have a back-to-school sleepover with new classmates. - Make Sand Castles together! -Play volleyball, badmitten, bocce, horseshoes, corn hole or frisbee. - Boardwalk/fair- play games and rides that you usually by-pass. Work together to collect enough tickets to get the silliest prize there is! - Go to Midnight bowling - Play miniature golf - Order a HUGE ice cream sundae that everyone eats at once. Use a "real" map to navigate to unusual or out of the way destinations. (i.e. "THE" field in Woodstock, NY; Lucy the elephant in NJ; the world's largest Fire hydrant in Tx; Apple Basket in OH; Troll under the bridge in Seattle; etc Here's a website that lists attractions by state: http://www.worldslargestthings.com/wllist.htm Visit a Museum: They say there is a museum for everything...from traditional art & science to fun and the unusual. Children's museums usually include many hands-on demo's and exhibits. Don't have kids? Borrow one! Make a bat at Louisville slugger or visit the crayola factory or a nearby cookie factory. This Week's Special... Next week: Making Interactive bulletin boards Preferences  |  Unsubscribe