I begin each class with a structure (a tai chi salute and Chinese hello and then a relaxation exercise4. Sometimes this is done sitting, sometimes standing, depending on who shows up.

One of the first things I noticed was the inability to understand the relation of their own body to space and direction. THere was also a shyness and hesitation, a need to be noticed and a need for touch (though care must be taken here to respect the boundaries of the student)

I have successfully used a small “beachball” being passed from one to the other in order to identify waist movement…hands receiving the ball receive right and left side with the hands; before giving it away, the arms are rotated so that the hands are top and bottom.

We work from the feet up moving through the joints to mobilize the utilization of these areas.

As we continue, we do stepping exercises forward and back and side to side slowly working on shifting weight, direction and balance. Then, we do directional stepping, using the room as directional focus, beginning with the right foot stepping to left front corner, the bringing the left foot in for a horse stance.

We do circles horizontally and vertically and arcing movements leading to an easier understanding of cloud hands, and we do a sort of Simon Says game for cognitive development.

I hope this gives some of you some ideas to build on. It is great to have a place to share with other practitioners.
JO Anne