The first step in preparing for learning is to allow ourselves to learn; students and teachers/facilitators choose to be relaxed and open to themselves, others and the current activity.  To really learn, you must know what you want to learn and believe that it is possible.  To attain that frame of mind, playful interactions and imagination are employed.

Cooperative Play

We begin with fun, inspirational songs to generate a sense of joy and endless possibilities. A desire to be connected and communicate with others is important for fostering a desire to be literate.

Choose from any one or more of the following songs from Judy & David (or others you enjoy) to develop a sense of community:

1. Be Your Friend (say, “hello”, “bonjour”, shake with right or left hand, share what you ate for breakfast, your favourite colour or animal…coordinate with other themes in the classroom)

2. All Together Now (same as above)

3. So Much in Common (can do actions by pointing to named body parts)

Imagination

Objective: Use imagination to create the reality that you want --success in learning-- and to mentally focus on the learning task at hand.  Imagining can be used throughout the day any time students are expected to focus on an activity.

Preparation: Discuss and experience imagination.
Note: Make sure the students know what it means to nod their head.

Say to the students:

What are you using to see me right now? (My eyes)

Close your eyes and imagine your favourite animal.

Nod when you see it.

What are you using to see the animal? (My imagination)

Then tell the students:

Now we will practice with our imagination.

Close your eyes.

Keep your body still. (Remind students to keep their body still any time they do actions in response to your instructions.)

Take a deep breath.

Imagine yourself playing at recess.

Now picture yourself in bed.

Picture yourself eating.

Could anyone else see what you were picturing? (Students will probably open their eyes to answer this question and the ones below.)

When you were making the pictures what was your real body doing?

What was your imaginary self doing?

Have students use their imagination throughout the day to “see” themselves doing whatever it is they are required to do (e.g. sit quietly, focus for an activity, successfully complete an activity, etc.).  Once students are familiar with using the dial (explained below), they can combine the imagination and dial exercises for a more complete connection to the activity.

Imagination Exercise: Flower Power

This exercise stimulates a mind and body connection through imagination.

Say to the students:

• Imagine a sunny summer day, the sky is blue with a few light puffy clouds and there is a gentle breeze that warms your skin. You are walking through a field of flowers.

• Tell me the colours that you see (encourage them to say it out loud). Find your favorite flower and walk up to it. Imagine you are very small and sitting on a petal of your favorite flower; see the colour, the shape of the petals, smell it (pause between each characteristic to allow their imagination to awaken). You feel as light as a feather, happy and comfortable.

• Now imagine yourself in your classroom at your desk or table. Your chair is now your petal of your favourite flower.  Each time you sit down you are sitting on your favourite petal of your favourite flower.  From this comfortable place all of today’s learning will happen happily and easily.

• Take three deep breaths, feeling yourself being very comfortable on your petal.  Slowly open your eyes. 

Flower Power Recommendations:

• Each time you ask the children to sit down say,

         “Please sit gently on your petal.”

• Have the children make the flower they imagined, and then tape it on their seat to remind them.

Songs to Inspire Visual Imagination:

These Judy & David songs contain visual imagery and are suitable for background music to enhance many activities.(Visit www.judyanddavid.com)

Jet Airplane (also for dial awareness – different tempos)

At the Beach

Mr. Fuddle

Jelly Bean Jam

Be a Snake (can be different animals)

Rockin’ On the Ocean

Hole in My Sock

I’m a Choo Choo Train

FAQ

• What if a student does not want to close their eyes? 

Reassure the student that it is okay to keep their eyes open until they are ready to close them. Sometimes it is easier to encourage such a student to close their eyes in a one-to-one situation first before rejoining the group.

• What if a student cannot see anything in their imagination?

Try using a different subject to imagine. For example, say:

Describe a piece of your favorite birthday cake.

What flavour is it?

What colour is the icing?

Are there any decorations on it?

How many layers does it have? What is in between the layers? 

Is it on a plate?  What colour is the plate? 

Are there crumbs on the plate?

Once you are satisfied that the student is imagining the cake (or other food or object), ask them,

Can you see the (cake or other object)? Well, I guess your imagination is working for you. Congratulations!