The Alexander Technique
According to the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique:
'The Alexander Technique is a practical method developed for improving
the way we 'use' ourselves in the activities of everyday life, be
they in the home, at school or at work, or during sporting activities
etc. It is based on the principle that each of us functions as a
whole and, first, to effect change that leads to improvement, one
must learn to consciously prevent unwanted, unnecessary and harmful
habits (such as reacting too quickly to stimuli, unduly stiffening
and tightening our muscles and joints and putting too much effort
and tension into our activities). Because these habits occur repeatedly
through our everyday life and hence become unconscious, part of
the process of learning and applying the Alexander Technique is
to become aware of what it is that we are actually doing. '
Alexander Technique teachers have concerns about the ways in which
'natural good use' in very young children, as evidenced in the picture
below, begins to deteriorate once they start school.
Poor furniture design, cramped classrooms, inadequate
knowledge in teachers about how such activities as writing and reading
can affect the posture of pupils, have been commented upon in particular.
Sue Merry, an Alexander Technique teacher based in Kingston-Upon
Thames, has played a key role in drawing the attention of her professional
body colleagues to these issues. She has also worked in primary schools
with children to show how her ideas can be put into practice and help
both the children and their teachers understand the difference between
poor and good 'use'.
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