Mindfulness & Movement

Covid–What Can We Do?

Martha McCormickAugust 28, 2021Mindfulness & Movement, Philosophy & Musings, Social Justice2 Comments

The other day I went on a Downtown Adventure at what used to be Peace Park, but is now the south area of Cowles Commons. It’s a lovely space, featuring prairie plants and native trees. There are inscriptions on long, low, stone walls snaking through the park. Many of the quotes were familiar, but a few were new; as were … Read

Just Calm Down!

Martha McCormickJune 30, 2021Home Learning Resources, Mindfulness & Movement2 Comments

My name is Mary. I am nine years old. Yesterday, I went to yoga class to help show some of the activities. It was really fun! We had three 30-minute classes. The students were in pre-K through fifth grade. I noticed when the students came into the gym they were a little crazy and when they left, they were calm. … Read

The Calming Power of Coloring

Shelly JohnsonMay 2, 2020Art for Life, Home Learning Resources, Mindfulness & MovementLeave a Comment

Mandalas keep restless hands busy while they calm the mind. Use them to inspire creativity, play with color combinations. Or wallpaper your house!

NEW Print-and-Go Resources!

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

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

Breathe

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

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.

Forest Bathing

Martha McCormickMarch 12, 2020Mindfulness & Movement, Outdoors1 Comment

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

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

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.

Chalk Art

Sara LockieFebruary 25, 2019Art for Life, Family Adventures, Home Learning Resources, Mindfulness & Movement3 Comments

Watch your kids’ faces light up as they reveal their first horizon line–priceless! Chalk Mountains is a unique way to create a design and experiment with color. It helps with focus and flow. #aSTEaMactivity

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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