Arts-In-Education Exploratory Enrichment

Local Author Book Reading with Interactive Mindfulness and Movement (PreK-2)/Becoming an Author Presentation (3-5)

Presented by Lisa Muchnik

Lisa Muchnik's Rainbow Panda children's book series features yogic and SEL themes. The newest book in the series, Rainbow Panda in Balance, is all about embracing your flexibility when things don't go as planned. The Pre K-Grade 2 program opens with a book reading, followed by stretching, deep breathing, and movement in place. There is a mindfulness exercise based on the book's themes, involving audience participation. The program concludes with all of the children waving rainbow colored scarves set to music. The interactive rainbow visual brings feelings of excitement and harmony to the group. The program for grades 3-5 features a PowerPoint presentation all about the writing and publishing process, in place of the mindfulness and scarf activities. It includes tips for creative brainstorming and writing a children’s book. It also introduces important elements found in children’s books, such as figurative language and rhyming flow. The program concludes with a Q and A session, giving students an opportunity to ask questions about the books, writing, and publishing. Lisa Muchnik is a local author, nurse anesthetist, yoga instructor, and mom. Both books are traditionally published. Rainbow Panda received positive reviews from Kirkus and Booklist.