Ancient Art of Tai Chi May Enhance Learning: Exercises Help Calm Children in a Hyperactive World

Tai Chi exercise video for children helps with mental focus, coordination, and flexibility. School teachers report increased levels of attentiveness in their students after doing these slow, graceful movements.

St. George, UT (PRWEB) November 26, 2004 -- The Center for Disease Control reports that approximately 1.6 million elementary school-aged children have been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). These - along with other non-ADHD children - crave movement and sensory/motor stimulus. In 2002-2003, an informal study by Tai Chi Flow (www.taichiflow.com) revealed that, following a series of twelve 30-minute sessions of Tai Chi, elementary school teachers in St. George, Utah reported increased levels of attentiveness in their students.
Teachers across the country can attest to the trials of working with children who possess too much energy and too little ability to concentrate. Tai Chi Flow for Kids may provide an exceptional outlet for children to relax, regroup and refocus thus opening the door for teachers to be more successful. This fun exercise program may also give children the break they need in order to open their minds and more readily absorb the information imparted to them during the course of their school day.

Cheri Hoffman, third grade teacher states, After each Tai Chi session the children came back to class positive, confident and focused. I feel the deep breathing, flexibility, balance and coordination they experienced while doing Tai Chi increased their physical and mental well-being, and enhanced their learning." Teacher Cari Lee Passey agrees, My students and I had so much fun, but the most remarkable results were in the childrens behavior after the Tai Chi routine. Their ability to concentrate, stay focused and retain information improved dramatically."

After seeing the positive results of teaching this simplified Tai Chi form, instructor Carolyn Cooper, a sixteen-year fitness industry veteran, and mother of 5, knew it was time to share it with a larger number of children. The process of creating an interactive video then began. This 30-minute video is a combination of breathing exercises and Tai Chi movements that increase balance, coordination, flexibility and mental focus. Incorporating positive affirmations and demonstrated by children ages 4-12 in a beautiful outdoor setting, this video provides kids with a tool to manage the stress they face in an increasingly complex world.

Cooper comments, Tai Chi is such a great exercise because everyone can participate and feel successful." She goes on to say, With the kids, the goal is not perfect execution of the movements, but rather to help them slow down, breathe, and relax so they can learn to find that place of empowerment within themselves."
                                                    
The Tai Chi Flow for Kids video is easy enough for kids to follow on their own, may be used in a school setting, or as a favorite family activity. Tai Chi Flow for Kids and other videos/dvds in the Tai Chi Flow series are available for $19.95 at www.taichiflow.com.

For more information contact:
Carolyn Cooper
President, Tai Chi Flow, Inc.
1-888-399-FLOW (3569)
www.taichiflow.com
carolyn@taichiflow.com

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