Gross Motor Art Activities That Calm Squirming Bodies and Minds, by Anna Reyner, MA, ATR, LMFT

Sponsored by Jessica Kingsley Publisher

Physical art is an active mind-body engagement with sensory materials that channels energy. It is a highly effective tool for channeling excess energy and pent-up emotion that many young children carry. Active engagement with art materials and loose parts builds the brain in early childhood and serves to both calm the nervous system and release emotions, especially for those who may have experienced trauma. These calming and releasing functions have important implications for early educators who offer trauma-informed learning experiences.

In this action-packed and practical webinar, Anna Reyner, MA, LMFT, will guide you on the finer points of using physical art for stress release and building community in your preschool program. Anna will provide a brief overview of current research findings on the neuroscience of art therapy and gross motor play and insights about how you can easily apply these principles in your program or classroom. Anna will share video examples of physical art activities as inspiration for your work, and highlights from her new book, Trauma-Informed Art Activities for Early Childhood. As a bonus, Anna will provide four Physical Art Lesson Plans so you can begin applying what you have learned immediately.

Join us to learn:

• how neuroscience supports gross-motor art with children as an effective calming strategy

• a practical framework for how to implement these ideas

• current research findings on trauma in early childhood and the power of art therapy

• how to use physical art to channel energy and support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

• to implement a brief and relaxing physical art activity called Draw Your Breath