Sweet Summertime!
The blossoms are blooming, the bees are buzzing, and many area schools are closing! It is officially summertime in North Carolina, even if the 21st is several days away. Summer regression is the loss of academic knowledge learned throughout the school year. If you would like to avoid summertime regression, now is the time to schedule your summer Educational Therapy, or Social Emotional Coaching sessions! I am also accepting clients for the 2019-2020 school year. Book early to reserve your spot, especially if you would like a coveted “after-school” time for the Fall!

Email ally@littleplumeducation.com to schedule your FREE initial meeting.

“When we noticed that our son's reading comprehension started to lag behind, we were eager to get some supports in place for him. Finding Ally and Little Plum has been an amazing experience for our son and family!” - Kim in Durham, NC

Taking a Breath:
I would like to invite you to take a deep breath. Breathe in the summer warmth, letting your breath fill your lungs completely. Exhale completely, letting go of the end of the year rush. Now, isn’t that better? ...Breathing practices are a great way to become more mindful of the present moment, and sharing them with children can impact them in many positive ways. Here are 3 breathing exercises you can practice with your child today. These are great to practice during transitions, car rides, before bedtime, during a morning ritual, or really any time of day!

1. Take 5 Breath
Take 5 Breath uses counting to shape the length of your inhale and exhale so that the breath is even. Breathe in for 1-2-3-4-5, and breathe out for 1-2-3-4-5. You can use your fingers to show the count. You can also do counts of 3 or 4 if 5 is too long for your child.

2. Shoulder Roll Breath
Sitting up nice and tall, roll your shoulders up towards your ears, then back and down. That is the movement to use for shrug breath! Now sync your breath with that same movement. Breathe in, as your shoulder move up, and out, as they move back and down. Practice this a few times and it will become a rhythm.

3. Feather Breath
Take a feather, and hold it in your hands in front of you. Breathe in and out, while you watch the feather move on each exhale. Try to keep the breath even and calm. You can also use a pinwheel, or another tool that will move with the breath.

I hope everyone is having a great start to their summer!