Chi for Children-A Practical Guide to Teaching Tai Chi and Qigong in Schools and the Community

As well as the health and physical benefits to all the young people, what has been most encouraging is the impact the initiative has had within the whole school. Schools have been using Tai Chi as a means of stress relief for pupils (and staff) prior to exams, as a means of calming children down

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after lunchtimes, as a way of focusing children in the mornings to start the day…the program has been a huge success.'

- Andy Clay, Partnership Development Manager, Barlby School Sport Partnership, UK

'[Chi for Children] has been enthusiastically received by staff, parents and children and is now an established part of the PE curriculum. As a result of Tai Chi sessions, it is noticeable that the children are calmer and more focused. They also find it fun!'

- E. Brown, Head Teacher, Fairburn Community Primary School, UK

Learning the Chinese arts of Tai Chi and Qigong is a great way for children to relax, have fun, and strengthen body and mind. This easy-to-use teacher training pack provides step-by-step instructions and simple techniques that enable anyone to teach Tai Chi and Qigong to children.

This interactive book and DVD set contains four tutorials that guide teachers through basic, intermediate and advanced exercises, as well as offering breathing and relaxation techniques to help create calm classrooms and beat exam stress. Proven to increase concentration levels, fitness and confidence, introducing children to Tai Chi and Qigong gives them the ideal foundation for a life of physical and mental well-being.

This exciting training programme will be an indispensible resource for anyone looking for a fresh and engaging way to improve children's focus, health and happiness, and will be a welcome addition to any classroom, gym class or youth group.

Betty Sutherland is the founder and director of UK Tai Chi and Chi for Children, a leading provider of Tai Chi based initiatives in schools across the UK. She has studied Tai Chi Chuan since 1994 and is a senior instructor at the Five Winds School of Tai Chi Chuan. She is also a member and listed as an ‘A' grade instructor with the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain and a member of the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts. Betty is originally from Scotland but now resides in Yorkshire, UK.

Contents

Acknowledgments
About the author
My journey continues
Teaching children
About chi for children
How to use this resource
1 Introduction
The programme
Whatis tai chi?-What is chi?
Meditation and mindfulness-Meditation and mindfulness in practice; The zone
Yin and yang
Discipline-E-bay
Respect-gung fu
Fun, fun, fun
2 Getting started
Breathing-Nasal breathing
Chi-How to feel your chi; Shake off negativity
Chi brushing-Chi brushing yourself; Chi brushing with a partner
Flexibiity-Figure of eight on its side; Turn body and flop arms
Tutorial 1 Chi for children: The basics
Sequence of training
Five element qigong exercises-Stances; Sounds; Fire qigong; Earth qigong; Metal qigong; Water qigong; Wood qigong; Mangaging the mind; Building the bridge
Tai chi form: Postures-Counting; Playing with the dragon in the clouds; Snake creeps down; Golden cockerel stands on one leg
Closing and some fun-Polishing palms
Tutorial 2 Chi for children: Centering and balancing
Sequence of training
About this programme
More about qigong
Qigoing exercises-Slowing an excited heart with qigong breathing; Holding up the sky with the arms; Yin/yang hands; Planting the feet on the ground; Pulling the bow to shoot the arrow
Tai chi forms: Postures-Step back and push the monkey; Holding the golden plate; Spreading the wings (or close form)
Tutorial 3 Chi for children: opening the form
Sequence of trainng
About this programme-Refinement; Coordinate movement; Coordinate mind and body
Tai chi form: Postures-Opening the form-inflating the chi ball; Ward off-holding the chi ball; Grasp the bird's tail; Single whip-forming a bird's beak; Closing the form
Tutorial 4 Chi for children: Stress survival
Sequence of training
About this programme
Anxiety-What are the signs?
Discipline-E-bay-Calling your students to order
Breathing-Nasal breathing
Managing the mind
Shake off negativity
Chi brushing-Chi brusing yourself; Chi brushing with a partner
Building the bridge
Qigong exercises-Wood qigong; Yin/yang hands; The eagle
Tai chi form: Postures-Playing with the dragon in the clouds; Calming techniques
Further techniques and reminders
3 Techniques to try any time-Ten dragons running through the forest; Knocking on heaven's gate; The old man and the tide pool
Ground your energy
Respect-Gung fu
The importance of relaxation
Chi brushing to close
Testimonials
Glossary
Resources-References; Further reading (bibliography); Chi for children word seach; Yin/yang spinner; Personal development chart for teacher; Questionnaire for students
Index

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