Not in the Mood for Homework? Try an "Infinity Walk"

A tip from Stowell Learning Center, dealing with moody kids and getting them to re-focus so they can get their work done. Sign-up for weekly tips form Stowell Learning Center. 

Fifth grade can be an unbearable year socially for girls. They find themselves "in" or "out" of small groups of friends on almost a daily basis, so parents never know which daughter they're going to pick up from school - the one that's giggling or the one that's sobbing.

A child who's sobbing or feeling upset or rejected for whatever reason is not a good candidate for smooth sailing during homework time that day.

The goal of this exercise is to change the mood or attitude of students that just aren't in the frame of mind to focus on school or homework.

GENTLY, give it a try and see if you can help your child achieve a different "state."

 

 

Bad Attitude? Not in the Mood for Homework? Try Taking an "Infinity Walk"

The Infinity Walk is a simple but quite powerful technique developed by Dr. Deborah Sunbeck. In fact, she has written two books about it. (Infinity Walk: The Physical Self and Infinity Walk: Preparing the Mind to Learn).

Have your child walk in the shape of the infinity sign or an 8 lying on its side. If your child has trouble walking that shape, you can put down two hula hoops or two shoes spaced wide apart for him to walk around.

The student should walk the infinity sign over and over without shoes on. Coach him in a quiet, slow voice to notice the feel of his feet on the floor, to let his shoulders and face relax, and to walk and breathe slowly.

This repetitive movement activates many connections in the brain that help a person to feel more focused, emotionally in control, and ready for learning. Typically, you will want to do Infinity Walk for 3 to 5 minutes to help your child focus and feel refreshed and ready for learning.

When your child is sad, frustrated, angry, or otherwise emotionally engaged, do Infinity Walk until you notice a change in facial and body tension. This could take as much as 10 minutes or more. Once you've seen the shift, you know your child is more mentally available and ready to begin or resume homework.