The Blog

NEW Print-and-Go Resources!

Sara LockieApril 28, 2020Home Learning Resources, Mindfulness & MovementLeave a Comment

Hot air balloons

These Mindfulness Resources are great for kids and parents alike. We need all the tools for managing stress we can get.

Thank You, Turkey Vultures

Kyla CoxApril 9, 2020Home Learning Resources, OutdoorsLeave a Comment

Turkey vultures are nature’s cleanup crew; we have cleanup crews that pick up our garbage, recycling and yard waste. Here are a couple lessons to take on your next trip to the woods!

Sprouts

Sara LockieApril 7, 2020Family Adventures, Home Learning Resources, Outdoors1 Comment

Raised beds

Stretch your parenting skills for your stay-at-home kiddos with the Next Step kids’ Garden Curriculum! Easy-to-use activities, experiments, and gardening tips for first-time AND experienced gardeners as well.

Breathe

Sara LockieMarch 29, 2020Home Learning Resources, Mindfulness & Movement2 Comments

Martha's yoga books

Next Step’s resources to move past fight, flight, freeze, or freak out. When you need just a five-minute pause, our Mindfulness & Movement Activity Cards provide a guide to find Calm, Focus, Breath, and Movement.

Covid-19 Challenge

Shelly JohnsonMarch 22, 2020Family Adventures, Home Learning Resources, Outdoors4 Comments

Carney Marsh

Even days you don’t feel like going out…do it anyway! We have some resources for planning outings–Iowa’s #99Parks Funpack and The Family Adventure Bundle

Forest Bathing

Martha McCormickMarch 12, 2020Mindfulness & Movement, Outdoors1 Comment

June in the garden

No matter where you are today, walk outside. Breathe the fresh air. Touch the earth. Pick up a handful of soil. See how you feel.

Resources for a Mindful Classroom

Sara LockieDecember 2, 2019Home Learning Resources, Mindfulness & MovementLeave a Comment

Breathing Buddies

Research is showing that even a few brief mindful moments a day can help relieve some of the pressure that kids AND ADULTS are feeling. Moving our bodies is also key to sharpening our minds.

Brain Breaks

Sara LockieOctober 30, 2019Home Learning Resources, Mindfulness & MovementLeave a Comment

Kids moving

Not only is movement good for physical health, but it’s good for mental health–focus and executive function. We’ve enjoyed working with the Iowa Department of Public Health as they rolled out Brain Breaks.

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Jerah Sheets, Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Thanks for a great conversation. You started the meeting with an observation of my noticeable happiness I receive from my passion for my work. Last evening as I sat on my deck watching the sunset and reflecting from the day, your statement was at the top of my list for appreciating the day. A few tears of being overwhelmed with joy may have also transpired.

Jerah Sheets, Iowa DNR

Mary Beth Einhorn, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat Participant

Thank you thank you! I'm just beginning to find my tribe here and this was a boon.

Mary Beth Einhorn, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat Participant

Lisa Evans, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat Participant

The Mindful Movement and Mingling was just so inspired! I've never been to a retreat that did that type of program. The usual sitting around, alone, and slowly meeting one or two people can be pretty isolating. You guys brought us to that place of connectedness in a fun way.

Lisa Evans, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat participant

Kenny Baker, Gilbert High School

Thank you again for coming on Friday. It was an incredible hands-on learning experience for the students. Once the simulation was finished students reflected on their experience and newly gained insights into life near the poverty line.

Kenny Baker, 11th grade - Gilbert High School

Carrie Scheidel, Iowa Department of Education

Next Step was an excellent addition to our Super Power Summit for middle school students. They incorporated hands-on learning activities that involved dirt, art, leadership, and the great outdoors!

Carrie Scheidel, Iowa Department of Education

Therese, Yoga student

Thank you so very much for your love, care, and support on this journey. You truly are a great teacher and healer.

Therese, Yoga student

Joy Linquist, Principal

The STEM Camp at Harding this summer was awesome! Our students were actively engaged in activities, learning, and lots of fun! It was a great experience for students to connect with their school, community, and science!

Joy Linquist, Principal

Next Step has been a solid addition to our student leadership workshops. Their connection with students is thoughtful, purposeful and brings great energy.

Chad Elsberry IHSAA Assistant Director

Poverty simulation was fantastic. Great job forcing us to deal with the everyday complications of living in poverty. It was impossible not to get frustrated. Participants came up with “creative” ways to solve problems or cut corners for a lasting impact on their family, job, or both. I was extremely impressed with the entire process.

Wil Wiemann, 8th Grade Social Studies, Edward Stone Middle School, Burlington, Iowa

Teaching Outdoors

I heard great things about the training and would like to find a time this fall for an early out training for our staff to visit the park as well as hear about the wonderful things offered.

Brian Crook, Principal, Studebaker Elementary School, Des Moines, Iowa

Mindfulness & Movement

It only takes a minute or two and can totally change the classroom atmosphere. One minute they can be going a million miles a minute coming in from lunch and recess, and after a quick breathing technique, they settle down, giggle a little, and then get to work.

Mychele, Kindergarten Teacher