our Early Childhood Education Teachers
Dr . Bob Wortman
INSPIRES
our Early Childhood Education Teachers
Tips for LOWER BACK Health
By Colin Easom , Personal Trainer & Orthopedic Exercise Specialist
“ MY HOPE IS THAT after spending some time with me sharing new information or confirming that which they already knew , that teachers will become more deliberate
in their work with children . I want them to be at their best when they are with kids -- because that ' s what the kids deserve .” Dr . Wortman , or better known as Dr . Bob , describes how his literacy workshops support teachers . In the Tucson J ’ s most recent faculty in-service the teachers participated in eleven different trainings . Dr . Bob ’ s consisted of a half-day of literacy specific development with clear attention to social justice .
Dr . Bob is a national consultant for educators in elementary and early childhood education . We are lucky that he resides in Tucson and is currently teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in Reading and Writing for the University of Arizona . Dr . Bob ’ s experience includes K-12 education , a 13 year principalship , 18 years in school improvement , and participation in multiple conferences across the nation , awards , and publications .
Workshops and in-services provided by Dr . Bob are concluded with the feeling and openness for educators to always have access to continued support . Dr . Bob wants his participants to own their learning and professionalism . He states , “ They should always be reflective practitioners who are learning and willing to learn new things .” Many of our teachers are eager to continue their professional relationship with Dr . Bob and invite him into their classrooms .
Dr . Bob ’ s impact is strong and reaches deep into communities . His workshops don ’ t end with the teachers receiving a certificate for a few professional development hours . After his time with us in August , Dr . Bob provided us with ongoing enriching engagements through local literacy communities . Teachers at the J are inviting him into their classrooms to see what they do and get feedback . What a wonderful way to learn !
Impact on children ’ s learning and growth is supported by the literature chosen for a classroom . In the early years we supply children with specific books that will stimulate their interests and support their confidence to enjoy books . “ I would want all children to construct a sense of social justice that they can apply to all future encounters and experiences with others and be willing to solve problems and collaborate easily with others - no matter their gender , race , language , religion or other perceived differences ,” Dr . Bob explains .
Having Dr . Bob with the ECE faculty was a great experience and a wonderful way to begin a new school year . He educates teachers to look into the future and see how to make a difference in the lives of tomorrow . He explains this belief with a focus on teachers as professionals ; an approach and framework of JCCA ’ s Sheva :
“ Teaching is as noble a profession as it has ever been . We make a difference in children ' s lives . I want teachers to own that responsibility and live it in all their interactions with kids . All children are worth our best . We truly are in charge of our future generations and have the opportunity to create a better world for everyone . We teach with the future in our minds . Our day-to-day decisions as to what is worth the children ' s time ( and ours ) make a difference . Choosing the best books that have charm , magic and appeal as well as having important ideas and concepts that will require them to think and apply these in their daily interactions with others is an important part of our work as teachers .”
Do you suffer from lower back pain , or simply want to protect your lower back ? Simple exercises that target core stability and keep the lower back moving safely can significantly reduce lower back pain levels and help protect against future injury . Motion is lotion so they say , so keep that lower back healthy with these four simple exercises :
1 . Pelvic tilt and abs hollow
This exercise engages the abdominal muscles to support the lower spine . Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor . Pull the belly button in towards the spine and tuck your tail bone under a little . Hold for 3 to 5 seconds , then relax . Repeat this process 8 to 10 times .
2 . Glute bridge
This exercise strengthens the glute muscles of the buttocks , which play an important role in supporting the lower back . Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor . Pull the belly button in towards the spine and slowly lift your hips off the floor and raise them towards the ceiling . Hold for a couple of seconds and squeeze the glute muscles at the top of the lift , then slowly lower back down to the ground . Repeat 8 to 10 times .
3 . Cat / Cow
This exercise strengthens the core muscles and helps promote mobility of the lower back . Place your hands and knees on the floor , ensuring that your knees are directly below the hips and the hands directly below the shoulder . Keep your arms straight throughout the exercise . As you breathe out , pull your belly button in to the spine and arch your back upwards like a cat . As you breathe in , come out of the arch and allow your tummy to relax a little , creating a small hollow in the lower spine . Repeat for 8 to 10 breaths .
4 . Bird dog
This exercise helps build core stability , balance , and strengthens the muscles in the lower back . Place your hands and knees on the floor , ensuring that your knees are directly below the hips and the hands directly below the shoulder . Keep your arms straight throughout the exercise . Slowly lift your left arm out in front of you while , at the same time , lifting the right leg straight out behind you . Pause for a second and slowly return to the starting position . Repeat on the other side . Do this 8 to 10 times per side . If lifting both the arm and leg at the same time is too challenging , simply lift one limb at a time .
Perform these four exercises one to two times a day to increase core stability and enjoy the benefits of a healthier lower back !
October 2016 | J Life Magazine 7
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