Our Christian scriptures are clear - we are not simply incarnated souls. We are living bodies. And our physical existence is God's perfect will. However, many Christians today lack an embodiment of their faith. Story and Stretch: Narrative Yoga for Kids offers a framework in which to explore scriptural truths through body movement. The ten Story and Stretch lesson plans included in this book combine Old Testament stories with the healing practice of yoga, to offer children of all ages the opportunity to experience their bodies as sacred places to dialogue with God. Each lesson contains a different breathing practice, mindfulness activity, Old Testament story, sequence of yoga poses designed to recreate the story, suggestions for relaxation time, and discussion questions. Story and Stretch was created by Michel Le Gribble-Dates, mother, certified yoga instructor, and former Director of Children's Ministries. I love using Story and Stretch as a fun way to teach Bible Stories through movement, practicing mindfulness, and listening to God! The kids love the challenge and enjoy the exercise. -Angela Grover, Director of Christian Education I have seen children, youth, and adults engage with scripture in a new way, explore and wonder about our faith stories, and confidently retell the story. I find it to the perfect way to help children get their hearts, minds, and bodies ready for a night of VBS. -Charlotte Allbright, Director of Christian Formation and Education At the end of meditating, I feel like I have a fresh start. -Jayden, 2nd grader To anyone who is considering a Story and Stretch Teaching Workshop, do it! I now have a greater understanding of what programs I would love to see taught to every child. I also know now I can teach children yoga and have started to teach my grandkids. Thank you, once again, Michel for sharing your wealth of knowledge. -Christine Bickal

In this “compelling, bighearted, emotionally precise page-turner” (Sunday Times), the New York Times bestselling writer and acclaimed television host explores the aftermath of a tragedy on a small-town to illuminate the shame and longing that can flow through generations—and how the secrets of the heart cannot stay be buried forever. It is 1987 and a small Irish community is preparing for a wedding. The day before the ceremony, a group of young friends, including the bride and groom, are involved in an accident. Three survive. Three are killed. The lives of the families are shattered and the rifts between them ripple throughout the small town. Connor survived, but living among the angry and the mourning is almost as hard as carrying the shame of having been the driver. He leaves the only place he knows for another life, taking his secrets with him. Travelling first to Liverpool, then London, he eventually makes a home—of sorts—for himself in New York, where he finds shelter and the possibility of forging a new life. But the secrets—the unspoken longings and regrets that have come to haunt those left behind—will not be silenced. Before long, Connor will have to confront his past. A powerful and timely novel of emigration and return, Home Stretch demonstrates Norton’s keen understanding of the power of stigma and secrecy—and their devastating effect on ordinary lives.

Learn how to plan and lead Story and Stretch: Narrative Yoga for Kids classes, a body-centered life education and yoga play therapy program. Included are twelve stories with corresponding yoga poses, as well as breathing, meditation, and mindfulness exercises, yoga games, visualization prompts, discussion questionsand extension activities."

Engage your mathematics students at the beginning of class with this whole-class warm-up activity. This product features a step-by-step lesson, assessment information, and a snapshot of what the warm-up looks like in the classroom.

The Gospels are filled with embodied, tangible practices. However, many Christians today lack an embodiment of their faith. Story and Stretch: Narrative Yoga for Kids offers a framework in which to lead children in exploring scriptural truths through body movement. The ten Story and Stretch lesson plans included in this book combine Gospel stories with the healing practice of yoga, to offer children of all ages the opportunity to experience their bodies as sacred places to dialogue with God. Each lesson contains a different breathing practice, mindfulness activity, Gospel story, sequence of yoga poses designed to recreate the story, suggestions for relaxation time, and discussion questions. Story and Stretch was created by Michel Le Gribble-Dates, mother, certified yoga instructor, and former Director of Children's Ministries.

Engage your mathematics students at the beginning of class with this whole-class warm-up activity. This product features a step-by-step lesson, assessment information, and a snapshot of what the warm-up looks like in the classroom.

Young children love to move—and that's a great thing! Because in addition to supporting early learning, storytime can provide young children with opportunities to explore physical movement.