Mariola Strahlberg

The Five Star Program (R) Mariola Strahlberg

Written for novice and seasoned professionals alike, the Five Star Program(R) offers educators and parents a simple five-step process to help anyone, young or old, improve academic performance, manage stress, and foster a positive attitude towards learning and life in general. The program has been used successfully for the past 15 years in schools, after-school programs, camps, homes and private practices. The author reminds us that the Five Star Program(R) is not a novel idea but is rooted in the old forgotten wisdom that to learn with ease, we need movement, positive outlook, fresh air, water, the ability to be in the moment, and short breaks. The program engages all learners, is compatible with students' learning styles and abilities, and honors their unique potential. It improves students' focus, motivation, comprehension and presentation abilities as well as their self-esteem. You begin by setting an intention for the activity and doing few minutes of movements that are good for your brain. Then you focus on your activity till you start loosing concentration (usually around 20 minutes) and you take a short break. You repeat this process till you are finished. You add to it daily aerobic exercise and you have the Five Star Program(R). Since teachers participate in the program as much as their students, the feeling of cooperation, empathy and respect is a side benefit of using it in the classroom.