Educators know that the time between January 1 and mid-April is considered prime teaching time. The hectic holiday season is over and we look forward to a time of uninterrupted teaching and maximum learning. But while the calendar may show weeks upon weeks without breaks, this time is only valuable if we can keep students engaged in the learning.

One important way to maintain this engagement is to be sure students’ brains have time to reflect and rest. These rest periods are when the real learning sinks in. Have you ever tried to remember something and it seems just out of reach? Then, once you start to focus on something else, the answer pops into your mind, like magic? We want to be sure to create the space to allow this “magic” to occur with learning.

With the help of Moshi, both in the classroom and at home, there are many ways to build in engagement, intentional rest and reflection, and time to process and assimilate new knowledge.

• Incorporate movement
• Allow for think time and reflection with Moshi Music as the backdrop
• Build in small virtual “vacations” through the use of guided meditations
• Introduce some novelty and variety within the established routine (new seats, organization of materials based on new developmental needs of students, etc.)
• Play! In addition focused time, make sure there is plenty of time for play. And, Moshi has you covered. with lots of developmentally appropriate and calming activities in the app.

In the classroom, Moshi Stories can help with social and emotional learning such as self-awareness, self-regulation, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills, and contribute to a classroom environment that is predictable and safe for risk-taking and learning. The use of Moshi will bring in some fun and novelty and allow you to create the conditions in the classroom for greater productivity by teaching self-regulation skills.

At home, we know that this is also the time when spring sports and extracurricular commitments begin to crowd the calendar. Ball practice or games can stretch bedtime and can be sources of anxiety. Moshi can be part of a calm bedtime routine that helps children drift to dreamland for the restorative sleep that is essential for processing the current day’s lessons and being prepared for tomorrow’s classes. Moshi’s deep breathing lessons can help a child to regain a sense of calm and control to battle any anxieties that come from both competition and a busy calendar.

This is an exciting time of the year, as we emerge from winter and welcome in the spring. Building in novelty, fun and rest allows for the engagement that truly makes this prime teaching and learning time.

Allison Henry