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| Photo: The author demonstrates breathing technique with Hoberman Sphere. Watch video here |
Many of the teachers I talk with are interested in introducing yoga in their classrooms, but they hesitate, citing what are a few common drawbacks (in their minds), such as it will take up too much time from their required curriculum, or there is no room to store mats/equipment or that they are not trained yoga teachers.
In addition, the recent complaint filed by the Encinitas parents, highlights concerns over promoting eastern religions, saying children who exercise their choice to opt out of the popular program faced bullying and teasing. (Read full article: California Parents Sue over Grade School Yoga. I will address this issue in another post.)
While these are all legitimate concerns, the benefits outweigh the them, and each concern can be worked around:
- You don't need to do a complete yoga class for it to have any benefit (of course, 30-45 minutes is better than 5, but 5 minutes is better than none at all. Its more about the quality of what you do in that 5 minutes.)
- You don't need mats or any equipment at all (yoga can be done at the desk or standing next to it.)
- You don't need to be trained in 500 hours of yoga to start out leading students with simple & basic instruction. (An experienced yoga teacher can show you how to adapt & simplify yoga for classrooms.)
- Instruction can easily be adapted and taught in plain & simple "exercise" terminology, with no religious philosophy, spiritual language or references to 'yoga' at all. (Its more about the movement than what type of movement you utilize.)
One might argue that if we do all of the above, then its not really yoga. I argue that it is. The term "yoga" means simply, "to bring [yoke] together". In my mind, this is referring to an intention more than a specific method to realize that intention. So to me, yoga looks different to everyone, and encompasses a variety things that "bring [and individual] together." It can be called whatever you like, and take on whatever adapted form you like, and no one needs to be afraid of it. Its your yoga. I know it can look intimidating when taught in a manner that is foreign and unrealistic for most of us, but I have worked for many years to make yoga more kid-friendly, classroom friendly, and accessible to the average person, and have found it to be so beneficial for myself & for so many. I'm not saying that it is the only way to go-its just one method of many that can be easily used to help improve health & learning.
Yoga in The Classroom, when adapted and applied properly, can be of great benefit to all students (& staff) and can infuse fun into any learning environment! Its most beneficial to set up a daily or weekly routine so the children know what to expect. The key is to make it fun and engaging so the children will look forward to it!
In a typical Yoga studio class, shoes are off at the door, you get your mat, you find your space and sit or lie quietly waiting for class to begin. In the classroom, you can designate a time, area & routine for yoga much in this same manner, using this same procedure as a template. (Kids love to take their shoes off during class and dim the lights. )
Yoga sessions will not look anything like a typical, traditional yoga class for adults. Your class should be of a length to suit the age/ability/attention span you are working with. In general, the younger the children, or for children with sensory/cognitive challenges, the shorter the activity duration.
For an elementary class 20- 30 minutes is good. For a Middle school child 30-50 minutes and High school an hour is fine for a formal practice. (For children with adaptive needs, 15-20 minutes at intervals through out each day is beneficial.)
Teaching in a conventional classroom may not allow this duration, so short 5- 15 minute intervals of movement & incorporation of various techniques such as storytelling, breathing, art & imagery can be used effectively to release excess or nervous energy, re-focus, relax and reduce overall stress. (Highly effective prior to test-taking!)
Here are three easy ways that Yoga can be used in the classroom to enhance learning readiness:
1-Improve Focus:
"Where's My Stone" Game (Exercise takes about 5-10 minutes.) Using simple Imagery Games will help children develop skills needed for focusing on writing, test taking, math calculations and more. Take a bag of small or medium sized assorted natural river stones. (Can be found in craft or dollar stores.) Have each child select a stone by reaching into a velvet bag or another type of drawstring bag. Once they each have their stone, have them hold it in their hand and feel it. (Prompt them to notice texture, dents, bumps and cracks with their fingers and then with their eyes.) Prompt them to look at their stone carefully and notice the color, texture, cracks or unusual shapes & features of their stone. Once they have observed their stone quietly for a few minutes, have them close their eyes and/or lay heads down on desks. Prompt them to imagine their stone in their minds as clearly as possible. Imagine just their stone. [You can end the exercise here or take it a step further:] Have the children place their stones in a basket or bowl and mix them up. Then pass the bowl around to each child and have them find and retrieve their stone. Ask them to share how they knew it was their stone. (I let them keep their stones at the end of the lesson, telling them that I use this game to help me concentrate better.)
2-Release Stress:
(Duration: 5-10 minutes) Slow controlled movement breaks, heavy work activities, coloring & simple breathing techniques will help a child immediately calm, release stress and re-focus on the task at hand. Movement can easily be incorporated into daily classroom activities or as a transition between subjects. This is not the same as recess or phys-ed. This is movement to help keep the brain engaged during repetitive or difficult tasks. For a description of one simple & effective technique called "The 4Bs" click here. Or try some Summer Yoga Postures or Other postures from our old web page.
3-Improve Social skills:
(Duration: 5-15 minutes) Movement Games & Storytelling activities offer so many opportunities for children to become part of a story, practice social skills & cooperate with a group. In addition, this can strengthen language and literacy skills if its tied into a language arts or reading unit. Select stories that are familiar & age appropriate to the children or that have familiar themes/characters, such as folk tales, or children's stories or provide a theme and allow the children to add details as they go around the circle. You can use stories from your language arts book or your school library. You can even use a story format for the lesson you are teaching. Or, have each child share a story that they like. Provide props, instruments or other sound effects to bring the story to life. Have the children use yoga poses or just make up movements to "act out", tell & remember the story through movement sequencing. Allow the children work on group a mural that illustrates the story and/or the movements. To offer some inspiration, see our Story & Activity Archive, and Sensory Games pages for you to use in the classroom, therapy room or at home.
A Final Note:
While yoga in itself is considered a complete mind/body exercise system, it is not the only activity that promotes this integration. All forms of movement, stretching, dancing, playground games and other active learning will help with bringing whole-child awareness and focus to the body and the thoughts as a whole.
If you decide to try yoga, you do not have to know the traditional forms perfectly in order to incorporate activities into your elementary or middle school classroom. You don't even have to call it 'yoga'. Adaptive Yoga is just what it sounds like: It adapts & breaks yoga science down into more recognizable child-friendly activities & games that will keep kids moving, calm & engaged. This will greatly benefit classroom environment, reducing tension & anxiety, encouraging positive student interactions & enhancing overall learning on all levels.
I strongly encourage you to try & experience yoga or other daily movement activities, as a before or after school program, or right in the classroom, & notice the difference.
*For help designing a customized adaptive classroom program for your students, please contact Barbara@bodylogique.com .
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