PSSA Testing

 

      This week is the week that has been set aside for PSSA testing in the state of Pennsylvania. If that is not stressful enough for children, the testing period occurs the week after we begin Daylight Savings Time. Therefore, our children lose an hour of sleep over the weekend, and then are expected to take achievement tests the entire week, as they are adapting to Daylight Savings Time. This seems absurd to me! It takes the average person a week to adjust each time we change the clocks. This adjustment is enough for our children without the added pressures of PSSA testing and the many other things that are occurring in their lives.

      If you find that your child seems more stressed or out of sorts this week, one thing you can do with them is engage in some calming yoga poses. I have listed several poses that will help bring calm to kids. 

1. Golden Eagle Pose (also referred to as "hook-up" in Brian Gym)

2. Child's Pose

3. Sleeping Butterfly Pose

4. Cat/Cow Pose

5. Easy Pose

6. Straight Tree

 7. Stick Pose

8. Seated Forward Bend Pose

9. Butterfly Pose

10.Corpse Pose

      Yoga is always beneficial for kids, not just during the PSSA testing weeks!