Workshops
Tai Chi for Kids
Training Sessions
Training sessions can be scheduled for your school or organization. In school workshops include classroom demonstrations as well as professional development.Video conference workshops can be arranged for parents, children, teachers and other professionals.
WORKSHOPS AND PRESENTATIONS FOR 2012
NYS AHPERD New York City Zone Conference
on Monday, January 30, 2012,
PRESENTATION 1
Focus, Fitness, Fun With Tai Chi Moves & Visualization
Herbert H. Lehman High School,
3000 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461
Location: Dance Studio, Gym S
Session: Session 1, 8:20 am ~ 9:20 am
As we learn the Tai Chi Moves, participants will experience relaxation and other benefits. We will learn the science of Tai Chi and how the practice changes the atmosphere of the PE and academic class. We see improvement in concentration, cooperation and performance. Participants will be comfortable with Tai Chi and how to best use it in PE class, with other teachers, and in classes at all grade levels.
PRESENTATION 2
Calmness And Visualization With Tai Chi In Adapted Physical Education
Herbert H. Lehman High School,
3000 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461
Location: Gymnasium B
Session: Session 3, 10:40 am ~ 11:40 am
Children with special needs respond very well to the flowing movements imitating animals, trees and nature. They feel calm as we focus on the breath, root our feet into the earth and feel connected to our environment and ourselves. We will learn how to use Tai Chi to benefit kids with many different learning challenges. Kids gain a tool to improve focus and perform better.
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NYC Wellness Council Professional Development
June 7th
Details to follow
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TAI CHI FOR KIDS: PEACE, FOCUS, FUN at KRIPALU
July 13 – 15, 2012
in the Berkshires, in Western Massachusetts
Join us for a weekend of focus, fitness and fun. Kids from 5-11 benefit from the Tai Chi Moves to relax, release tension and feel good inside.
Please call Kripalu Registration at 866-200-5203 to register.
Or go to http://www.kripalu.org/presenter/V0005912/cari_shurman.
- Feeling the peaceful energy
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NATIONAL QIGONG ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE
“RENEWAL, REALIGNMENT, AND REBIRTH
HILTON, VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON
JULY 27-29 2012
Kids + Qigong =Focus, Self-esteem & Peace
Saturday July 28, 9:00-11:00 AM
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December 1 – 8, 2012, Rancho La Puerta –
another wonderful week of Tai Chi/Qigong.
You will enjoy the relaxation, the freshest food you have ever eaten, many different kids of exercise, meditation, massage, therapy, music and just about anything you want. Rancho La Puerta was ranked the World’s Best Destination Spa for the second year in a row by readers of Travel and Leisure. Let me know if you want to go. There are some special offers available.http://www.rancholapuerta.com/activities/events/ev111112.html
Cari Shurman’s program at the Ranch will focus on energy flow, breathing, relaxation & movement to energize the organs, muscles & joints. The additional benefits include coordination, loosening, stretching the muscles, and muscle tone. The 90-minute classes are suitable for all levels of fitness, and Qigong or Tai Chi experience is not necessary. Trained as a teacher at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Michigan, Cari has taught in many countries around the world as well as the United States. Over the last 8 years, Cari has been the creator and teacher of Tai Chi Moves for Kids, co-founded and co-directed Within Wellness Center in Miami and taught Tai Chi and Qigong, visualization and relaxation for adults and children.
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2011 WORKSHOPS
October 26-29 - LOOK AT ME! I CAN DO TAI CHI! – workshop at the conference of the Illinois Association of School Social Workers. Friday morning October 28th from 9:45 – 11:15. Tai Chi class will be offered each morning of the conference before the meetings from 6:00-6:45 AM.
http://www.iassw.org/Conference.htm.
November 4 – 6 Advancing the Science and Practice of Contemplative Teaching and Learning, Garrison Institute Initiative on Contemplation and Education. Tai Chi for Kids will be part of the Marketplace of Ideas on Saturday Nov 5th.
www.garrisoninstitute.org/education2011.
Nov 10-12 Pennsylvania AHPERD meeting in Split Rock, PA
- “ Integrating Balance, Focus, Self-Control and Fitness through Tai Chi
Friday November 11 from 10:30 – 11:45
- “Adapted Tai Chi Moves for Balance, Recovery, Focus and Calmness”
-Friday November 11 from 4:00pm to 5:15pm.
Friday November 11 from 10:30 – 11:45
-Friday November 11 from 4:00pm to 5:15pm.
http://www.psahperd.org/Event_Registration?eventId=330459&EventViewMode=EventDetails
Nov 12-19 Rancho La Puerta – another wonderful week of Tai Chi/Qigong. You will enjoy the relaxation, the freshest food you have ever eaten, many different kids of exercise, meditation, massage, therapy, music and just about anything you want. Rancho La Puerta was ranked the World’s Best Destination Spa for the second year in a row by readers of Travel and Leisure. Let me know if you want to go. There are some special offers available. http://www.rancholapuerta.com/activities/events/ev111112.html
Cari Shurman’s program at the Ranch will focus on energy flow, breathing, relaxation & movement to energize the organs, muscles & joints. The additional benefits include coordination, loosening, stretching the muscles, and muscle tone. The 90-minute classes are suitable for all levels of fitness, and Qigong or Tai Chi experience is not necessary. Trained as a teacher at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Michigan, Cari has taught in many countries around the world as well as the United States. Over the last 8 years, Cari has been the creator and teacher of Tai Chi Moves for Kids, co-founded and co-directed Within Wellness Center in Miami and taught Tai Chi and Qigong, visualization and relaxation for adults and children.
WORKSHOPS JAN – JUNE 2011
NEW YORK STATE AHPERD ZONE MEETING
January 31, 2011 Hunter College, 68th Street Main campus
ADAPTED TAI CHI FOR ADAPTED PE
10-:35-11:35 gym 301 B
Visualization, gentle flowing movements, and deep breathing make Tai Chi ideal for adapted physical education, therapeutic recreation and special needs students. As students imitate the animal movements they become calm and focused. Tai Chi helps students anticipate outbursts and hyper activity, giving them a tool for self-control. The visualization helps the to know, understand and believe in themselves. Students feel successful. Tai Chi can be done by all ages and abilities, standing, sitting or lying down. This curriculum is base on the CD set “Tai Chi Moves for Kids”.
TAI CHI FOR FOCUS, FITNESS AND SELF-ESTEEM
12:55-1:55 Wrestling Room 303 B
This curriculum teaches students to be calm, focus on their immediate environment, improve standardized test scores and improve concentration flexibility, agility, coordination and self-esteem. The presentation will include a CD, “Tai Chi Moves” with simplified Tai Chi movements that can be used in the physical education and academic class. Everyone interested in teaching students to excel in all subjects as well as to enjoy good health, should attend this session.
TAI CHI FOR KIDS: PEACE, FOCUS, FUN at KRIPALU
July 15 – 17, 2011
in the Berkshires, in Western Massachusetts
Join us for a weekend of focus, fitness and fun. Kids from 5-11 benefit from the Tai Chi Moves to relax, release tension and feel good inside.
Please call Kripalu Registration at 866-200-5203 to register.
Or go to http://www.kripalu.org/presenter/V0005912/cari_shurman.
Feeling the peaceful energy
2010 WORKSHOPS
Illinois Association of School Social Workers
Tai Chi Moves, Focus, Fitness, Self-esteem, Cari Shurman, President, Tai Chi for Kids, Inc. and Consultant, NYC Public Schools
Tai Chi movement and breathing help us slow down, refocus, and find inner peace. Children feel more relaxed,
focused, and believe in themselves. Learn how Tai Chi can change the dynamics of a class and the performance
of an individual. As little as 5 minutes of Tai Chi can make a big difference!
Friday, October 22, 2010m 8:30-11:30 AM , 40th Annual Conference, Bloominton-Normal, Illinois Marriott.
Friday and Saturday mornings 7:00 AM Tai Chi exercise session.
The annual conference will be at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona NY from November 17-20. Adapted Tai Chi Moves for Balance, recovery, Focus and Well-Being will be offered on Friday morning, Nov 19th at 8:00 AM
Applying the Practice of Tai Chi in Your School Based Practice: An Innovative Approach to Reaching IEP Goals
Sunday, November 21, New York city
Tai Chi for Kids© is an intervention which uses movement, breathing and internal focus to improve behavior, concentration, the ability to learn, as well as impacting balance, tone, mobility, and coordination.
The technique is applicable for children who exhibit Attention Deficit Disorders, ADHD and related issues as well as those with physical limitations.
This course will provide an introduction to Tai Chi and its benefits with children who exhibit hyperactivity, restlessness, ADHD, inattention as well as mobility issues. Tai Chi helps children to believe in themselves increasing their self-esteem. Participants will become familiar with Tai Chi techniques which are easy to learn and to teach.
This course is geared toward clinicians who want to expand their treatment “toolbox”. Participants will receive a “Tai Chi For Kids”© kit as part of their registration fee. This kit includes two instructional CD’s and flashcards. Training will encompass use of this kit.
AAHPERD is holding their annual convention in Indianapolis from March 16-20, 2010. There will be two presentation on Tai Chi:
- NASPE – National Association of Sports and Physical Education
Integrating Balance, Focus, Self-Control and Fitness through Tai Chi Thursday March 18th, 11:45 - AAPAR – American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation
Adapted Tai Chi Moves for Balance, Recover, Focus, & Well-being – Saturday March 20th, 10:15
Kripalu – Tai Chi For Kids 5 Day workshop, July 25-30, 2010, Tai Chi for Kids weekend workshop, July 30-August 1, 2010
Rancho La Puerta – A Qigong week was offered in November 2009. The schedule for 2010 is not yet available.
The Right Workshop for You
We can help you set up the best workshop/presentation for your needs including
- Short Tai Chi morning sessions to wake up the energy and get ready for the day
- Breathing sessionsto use before tests and creative assignments to focus
- After lunch sessions to calm down and refocus
- After school sessions to release tension and hyperactivity
- Peer mentor programs to train older students to lead Tai Chi in the classroom with younger student.
Costs and details depend on your needs, the number of days, transportation to your location, and availability of Cari Shurman, the creator of Tai Chi Moves and Tai Chi Moves for Kids, to come to your area. Please contact us at taichiforkids@gmail.com and we will work out a program for you.
Video Conference Workshops
Technology enables us to offer workshops through computer to a small group or to the full staff if you project the computer image on a screen. A one-hour professional development via video conferencing costs $90. It can be arranged at the time that works best for you and your organization. The session includes practice of the moves, discussion of implementation, and a question and answer period.
Studies
Recent studies have shown that the benefits of tai chi for children and adults include improvement in:
• Ability to stay calm
• Co-ordination of the two sides of the body
• Creativity and visualization
• Focused attention and concentration
• Increased positive energy
• Performance in work and athletics
• Behavior of ADD and ADHD
• Self-esteem and self-confidence.
For some specific studies on Tai Chi for adults and children, please check the following links:
Tai Chi and mindfulness-based stress reduction may be transformational tools that can be used in educational programs appropriate for middle school-aged children.
Study done in a Boston Pubic Middle School
The Johnson Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Services of the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital uses Tai Chi to helpi children who have cerebral palsy and other movement disorders. “Tai Chi represents optimal body movement, honed over centuries,” said laboratory director Jessica Rose, PhD.
With slow movements as fluid as silk, the gentle Chinese practice of Tai Chi seems tailor-made for easing sore joints and muscles. The Arthritis Foundation recommends Tai Chi. Some summer camps for children with arthritis teach Tai Chi.
A regular tai chi exercise program can help people (children and adults) better control their diabetes and lower glucose levels, according to a University of Florida study.
Doing Tai Chi for 30 minutes once a week help lower the children’s blood pressure by about 10% average. The greatest reward from teaching tai chi is the number of students who went on to study medicine because of their study of tai chi. Repetitive Strain Injury is very common. Tai Chi movements exercises the entire hand, every joint and every combination of joints to alleviate RSI.
During and after five weeks of tai chi lessons, adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) showed less anxiety, daydreaming, inappropriate emotions and hyperactivity, according to a study by the Touch Research Institute (TRI).
“Exercise is positively one of the best treatments for ADD. It helps work off excess energy and aggression in a positive way, it allows for noise-reduction within the mind, it stimulates the hormonal and neurochemical systems in a most therapeutic way, and it soothes and calms the body.” Drs. Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., and John J. Ratey, M.D., experts on the management of ADD
Tai Chi can improve the pulmonary function of asthmatic children. However, they caution that long-term follow-up is required to determine the impact of Tai Chi on the severity of asthmatic symptoms. Journal of microbiology, immunology, and infection, February 2008.
Studies on College students showed physical measures of pain and general health, and mental measures of vitality and mental health were significantly improved after Tai Chi. Scores on the mental health dimension appeared to be particularly sensitive to change.
http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/TaiChi.htm#CollegeStudents
Tai Chi is one of the simplest ways for people who use wheelchairs to improve their physical and mental health.
Dr. Zibin Guo, medical anthropologist,University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Geography
http://occupational-therapy.advanceweb.com/Article/Wheelchair-Tai-Chi.aspx
“Study shows that low-intensity exercise such as Tai Chi has great potential for health promotion as it can help older people to avoid falls by developing their balance, muscle strength and confidence.”
Journal of Advanced Nursing
Eight weeks of Tai Chi was associated with significant improvement in balance.
“Taiji practitioners have higher peak oxygen
uptake and higher oxygen uptake at the
ventilatory threshold.
Taiji has positive effects on postural control.
Taiji is an aerobic exercise with moderate
intensity.
http://www.qigonginstitute.org/html/papers/TaijiResearchRev1.pdf
Cari Shurman, MAT, founder of WITHIN Wellness Center in Miami, is the creator of Tai Chi Moves for Kids©. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and is certified as a teacher of Tai Chi and Qigong by the National Qigong Association, is a mentor of the Universal Society of the Integral Way and is a certified teacher of Five Element Qigong by the World Institute of Self Healing.
In her 30 years of teaching and traveling around the world, Shurman observed Tai Chi being used in China as a needed break for students between classes. She says she has found nothing more effective for students than Tai Chi to help them do better and feel better about themselves. She has worked successfully with individual children, as well as groups, teaching them Tai Chi skills and focused energy to help them cope with learning and attention disabilities and hyperactivity as well as improving their day to day concentration and performance. Autistic children have responded extremely well to tai chi movements.
Cari does teacher training workshops in schools throughout the country.