Ready Set Relax, Expanded!

In this course, we will continue to enjoy scripts and activities focused on relaxing, positive thinking, finding and appreciating beauty in our lives, healthy self-concepts, and our relationships with others. This course completes the Ready Set Relax set of classes, though previous classes are not a requirement for taking this course. You may join at any time. 

At the beginning of each class, we will briefly socialize and check in with each other. Your learner will then get comfortable, laying down or sitting up, and I will then use visualization scripts to help them use their active imagination, leading them through the learning of the day. After our visualization, we will engage in discussion and complete an activity to support further understanding and learning about the topic of the class that day. 

This is an ongoing class. Classes will cycle as long as there is enough enrollment. You can enroll any week until your learner has cycled through all 12 weeks if desired.

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HOW WHAT WE DO WORKS TO REACH OUR GOALS:

Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Deep Breathing: This practice decreases muscle tension, which in turn reduces the body's need for oxygen -- this naturally causes a decrease in fatigue and anxiety.

Discussion: We talk through and explore the weekly topic as a group

Activity: We engage in an activity related to our topic

Active Imagination: In visualizing positive scenarios, learners reduce anxiety, increase calm feelings, and build positive attitudes. You may recognize this strategy in hearing about professional and elite athletes who use visualization before games to increase confidence and success. 

Self-talk: Used alongside active imagination, this promotes creativity and feelings of calm. It also supports increasing self-concept, skill-building, improvement of behavior, and achievement. 

Discussion and Activities: These enhance and help solidify what the child has practiced and experienced in each script. Activities are often simple art activities, with occasional writing. 

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Week of May 1st:
Pleasant Dreams -- This imagery-guided, relaxation exercise dives into positive thinking before falling asleep.

Week of May 8th:
Fish Story -- This topic provides a message about the importance of patience and perseverance. 

Week of May 15th:
Winning Attitude -- Positive messages can be important when feeling anxious and learners will be encouraged to use these in this class.

Week of May 22nd:
Hidden Beauty -- If we make the effort we can find beauty in almost everything, and this is what we will focus on in this class. 

Week of May 29th: 
Smoke Signals -- This script explores the importance of telling trusted others when learners are troubled or hurting inside.

Week of June 5th:
Happy Landings -- Developing an attitude of care for nature and the environment, at home and in the bigger world, will be our goal for this class. 

Week of June 12th:
Something Fron Nothing: In this class, learners will be encouraged to make use of their creativity and to use time wisely.

Week of June 19th:
Going Places -- An appreciation for the outdoors and the value of exercise will be explored in this class, as well as participation over winning. 

Week of June 26th:
Paint a Picture -- Learners will develop an appreciation for the contributions to the beautiful things around them and their responsibility to make the right decisions to keep the ability to appreciate these things.

Week of July 4th:
Time Travel -- This class will support learners in creating a positive visual image of themselves in the future and growing older. 

Week of July 11th:
Dream On -- Learners will be encouraged to take time to focus on the positive aspects of each day in this class.