TEDxStudioCityED was a powerful event with a select group of top leaders on blending self-regulation, technology, and education. The organizers did a masterful job pulling together the conference. I was thrilled and touched to be included in the line-up of speakers, and delighted to tie everything together in my talk.
Here are the key three concepts underlying "TEDxStudioCityED: Blending Self-Regulation, Technology, and Education":
Self-Regulation: In order for individuals to acquire new learning, they must be in a calm, steady state. Our children require strategies to self-soothe, calm themselves, and operate at an optimum level of arousal. TEDxStudioCityED brings together professionals from diverse disciplines to elucidate the latest advances in this area.
Technology: Education must be re-fashioned in order to prepare students for the world they will graduate to. Incorporating digital books and textbooks, realizing the benefits of Facebook and online gaming, and leveraging web distribution to disseminate classroom teaching as widely as possible - all important aspects of aligning educations methods with technological advances.
Education: The days of teachers having all the information and imparting it to students orally is over. In the inquiry-based approach, student interest drives the process and the teacher shifts from the sage on the stage into more of a coaching role.
I've waited til now to share this fabulous day with HuffPost readers because I wanted you to have access to view the talks directly. Below summarizes several aspects of my talk. And to get a real flavor of the day, watch the video now up on YouTube.
The Power of a Child's Imagination in Blending Self-Regulation, Technology and Education
The challenges of growing up in today's rapidly changing technological society are enormous. Children need to be equipped with skills for survival and growth that were never before imagined. When we focus on teaching children and adolescents self-healing and self-regulation techniques through the positive power of their imagination, it can empower them to realize their potential throughout their lifetime.
There are simple, effective, imagination strategies to bring balance and centeredness to our children's lives and to maximize learning -- so critical when considering the blast of technology kids are exposed to. By spending part of their day paying attention to "inside" rather than to outside stimulation, kids of all ages learn to self-soothe, and develop intuition and deep inner trust.
Of nine core "Imagination Tools" I work with, the basic "balloon breath" is a simple form of mindful meditation. Within minutes, kids can learn to center, go beyond simple mindful awareness, and access their imagination to discover creative solutions to everyday problems. Finding an inner safe sanctuary or "special place" is a vital step in doing this inner work, where children can connect with personal wisdom through encountering guides such as wise animal friends or wizards (a la Harry Potter fame). Often, gifts of knowledge are received to help solve their concerns (e.g., headaches, stomachaches, sleep issues) or lead them further toward a cherished goal (e.g., sports, social, academic). Listening to their heart, belly and body wisdom offers further powerful steps developing intuition. And turning to the restorative power of calming colors and loving energy is effective for physical and emotional healing.
These Imagination Tools can be easily and effectively implemented in a school or home setting. Terrific times to practice are first thing in the morning, after recess and lunch, and before introducing a new academic topic or homework. For example, a great way to prepare for learning a new skill is by imagining cleaning out your brain and clearing away any negative or worrisome thoughts, and picturing it shining bright ready to effortlessly absorb new knowledge.
A wonderful tie-in is to use digital technology (computer downloads, apps, etc.) to have kids take a three- to five-minute mini-vacations throughout the day to refocus and renew through guided imagination/meditation exercises. And longer downloads for before bedtime come in handy for those over-stressed individuals.
Through accessing the power of their imagination, kids find they have the answers to many of the stresses that life, technology, and school throw at them. As one 9-year-old shared, "Your imagination can help you heal."
You can view this talk's video here.
You can watch all the speakers starting here.
Enjoy photos of TEDxStudioCityED here.
More about TEDxStudioCityEd here.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Write me at DrReznick@ImageryForKids.com or visit www.ImageryForKids.com for more info.
For more by Charlotte Reznick, Ph.D., click here.
For more on the mind, click here.