Be Mindful of Your Words

(Originally published in the Summer 2014 issue of USTCC News)

Here are some positive ideas for teaching TCH classes. You can add to them, or adapt the ideas to your own situation. Be mindful that the words you say, can mean different things to different people.

For example, I decided to replace the words ‘inhale’ and ‘exhale’ with ‘breathe in’ and ‘breathe out’ while working with a group of adults who have various degrees of developmentally disabilities. It might be helpful while changing directional movements to replace words like ‘Left’ or ‘Right’ with ‘use the foot closest to the window side of the room’, or whatever is appropriate. Try making up your own story line. For example:

Brush Knee is like a a baseball pitcher ‘winding up and pitching the ball’. TCA commencement is similar to catching, then throwing a basketball. For Open & Close, the resistance is like playing an accordion. Leisurely Tying Coat is like taking your pulse and presenting it to a doctor. Parry is like putting on long sleeve gloves.

My goal can be summed up this way: Each flower is different, and grows at its own pace. My job is provide enough ‘nourishment’ to all the flowers to let them grow at their own rate.

John Melito is a teacher from the Kansas City, Missouri area.
tcofkc@hotmail.com