This Minneapolis elementary school takes a yoga break as a transition between reading and math!
The tough news is that our children are feeling the stress of our world.
Both in and out of school, children are pushed to meet the demands of our increasingly stressful society. There is a strong push for higher scores on standardized tests, arts and physical education programs are being cut of the school day, and schedules are more busy than ever. Children are expected to handle these increasing stresses, though they are given fewer ways to cope with them.
The American Psychological Association stated that teenagers report stress levels higher than adults, with their unhealthy ways of coping with stress is beginning early in life. Yoga offers children the ability to identify and manage their emotions, with simple body movements and breathing exercises. Bringing these techniques into classrooms has shown to improve classroom performance, decrease the need for disciplinary measures (like trips to the principal’s office or detention), and increase student happiness and self-esteem.
Movement breaks activate the brain, improve on-task behavior, and leave students more focused and ready to return to their academic activities. In particular, yoga exercises have been shown to calm students and relieve tension and stress. This applies to students in elementary school, middle school and junior high, and high school!
Teaching yoga in school can include coping techniques, breathing exercises, and getting bodies moving during the day provides teachers and students with easy ways to bring yoga into their classroom on a regular basis.
Learn how to use yoga in your classroom to increase student focus and academic performance. For a few fun and easy ideas, check out some classroom yoga ideas!