Yoga in the Classroom.

Yoga is a fun way for kids to learn to connect their hearts, bodies, and minds. The benefits of yoga for kids are endless...
  • Provides a Sense of Calm and Relaxation
  • Expands Strength and Focus
  • Explores Imagination
  • Increases Self Confidence
  • Embodies an overall sense of well being
  • Develops Coordination and Flexibility
When we add movement to learning, students make deeper associations to curriculum content, By teaching students to practice mindfulness and movement, we also help them become more in control of their thoughts and emotions- leading to improved behavior, focus, and concentration. This is why yoga is great for inside YOUR classroom! No matter what kind of teacher you are.

Brain Breaks.

With the rigorous curriculum students have today, teachers have A LOT of information and standards to teach! Many teachers implement short movement activities between subject that teachers call "brain breaks". Brain breaks are just a few minutes long to get students moving between lessons. Yoga can be a great brain break for all ages of students- I mean, even in college my professors had me taking stretch breaks! Whether you flow through some sun salutations, introduce a pose or two, use you tube videos, or my students' favorite-gonoodle.com, the use of yoga gets students moving, giving them a break, and allowing them the time to transition to the next lesson with ease... or with flow ;)

Goal Setting.

In my classroom, we start the day with some stretches, a few sun salutations, and then stop at our hands to prayer. From there, I ask my students what is something they want to work on? A goal or an intention?  I give examples such as "Be more respectful to others ( Hint, hint: Be nice to your teacher! ;) ), practice acceptance (I have a variety of reading levels and some of my rising readers know they are below grade level and have friends reading books 4-6 levels higher... So we discuss if we haven't reached a goal, we haven't reached it YET! ) and they come up with great intentions and goals organically- be more helpful at home with my baby brother, be a risk-taker spelling new words, be a kinder friend, practice writing, etc. The school I work at is an International Bacchelarate  school and has "attitudes" the students are exposed to that we encourage and teach to promote internationally minded citizens of the world. They often use these attitudes in their intentions as well such as commitment, empathy, confidence, cooperation, appreciation, and independence. I love hearing the different goals their little minds come up with. They always seem to amaze me with the deep goals and intentions they create!

Reflecting.

Going along with goal setting, we also end the day reflecting on our goals, lessons, or behaviors. We share a few things we are proud of and a few things we can continue working on. If we have a rough day, its actually the sweetest activity because when we reflect the students all start to say they want to be more respectful to their teacher.

Integrated Lessons.

I know what you're thinking... this is just another thing to add to my already packed day! WELL I have also incorporated yoga into reading lessons. This can be used for retelling and sequencing really nicely! The Little Cracked Pot and The Great Kapok Tree are two of my favorites to teach central message/morals! Yoga can also be integrated into science by acting out a life cycle using yoga poses. As well as social studies, discussing various cultures and activities they enjoy. I also used yoga as a non-fiction writing topic when we were writing about something we were experts on. I had two students choose yoga as their topic as well :) The possibilities are endless!