Hello!
My name is Steve Reifman, and I am a National Board Certified elementary school teacher, author, and speaker in Santa Monica, CA.
SteveReifman.com is a resource for elementary school teachers and parents. My mission is to teach the whole child—empowering students to succeed academically, build strong character, learn valuable work habits and social skills, and take charge of their health and wellness.
Blog
Discover over 100 posts filled with teaching tips, links to YouTube videos, and other useful ideas and strategies for teaching the whole child.
Learn More
Teaching Resources
Explore these print books, e-books, courses, and other resources that offer effective, proven ideas and strategies that improve student learning.
Learn More
Chase Manning Mystery Series
Each book in this award-winning mystery series for kids 8-12 features a single-day, real-time thriller that takes place on an elementary school campus.
Learn More
Workshops
Looking for a presenter for your next conference or workshop? Check out these engaging, innovative sessions that address a wide variety of topics.
Learn More
Introducing Cross Crawls
Cross Crawls come from Paul Dennison’s well-known Brain Gym program, specifically its PACE (Positive, Active, Clear, and Energetic) component. Brain Gym consists of a series of movements designed to help individuals relax, concentrate, and channel their energies in a positive direction. I like to begin our movement warmup with Cross Crawls because it is the most active of our four parts, and while it benefits everyone, I have noticed that it particularly energizes (even wakes up) those students who may enter class a bit sleepy or lethargic.
Performing Cross Crawls
Standing in place, touch the left elbow to the right knee and then the right elbow to the left knee. Continue alternating in this pattern. Cross crawls should always be done slowly, with excellent posture and clean contact between the elbow and knee. This movement activates both hemispheres of the brain and builds nerve networks between the two hemispheres. Many kids tend to speed up while doing Cross Crawls, thinking that faster is cooler or better. Emphasize to students the importance of moving slowly as they alternate in their pattern of connecting their elbows to their opposte knees. Have your class perform this movement for 30-45 seconds.
Cross Crawls come from Paul Dennison’s well-known Brain Gym program, specifically its PACE (Positive, Active, Clear, and Energetic) component. Brain Gym consists of a series of movements designed to help individuals relax, concentrate, and channel their energies in a positive direction. I like to begin our movement warmup with Cross Crawls because it is the most active of our four parts, and while it benefits everyone, I have noticed that it particularly energizes (even wakes up) those students who may enter class a bit sleepy or lethargic.
Performing Cross Crawls
Standing in place, touch the left elbow to the right knee and then the right elbow to the left knee. Continue alternating in this pattern. Cross crawls should always be done slowly, with excellent posture and clean contact between the elbow and knee. This movement activates both hemispheres of the brain and builds nerve networks between the two hemispheres. Many kids tend to speed up while doing Cross Crawls, thinking that faster is cooler or better. Emphasize to students the importance of moving slowly as they alternate in their pattern of connecting their elbows to their opposte knees. Have your class perform this movement for 30-45 seconds.
New Teaching Tips appear every Sunday of the school year.
Featured Appearances:
