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Reading, Writing, and Yoga

artchildyoga3cnn.jpgWhen I taught grades K-8 in a one-room schoolhouse, we began each morning with the sun salutation, only I called it the “good morning” stretch in order to not freak out some right wing parents.

We would go to the grassy field, form a circle, and flow through this vinyasa each morning. On rainy days, we modified this practice in the classroom. I’ve recently come across several articles about yoga in the classroom and the benefits to children.

Library’s Combined Reading, Yoga Program for Children Stretches Bodies, Minds: A program in south Florida combines literacy with yoga. Children in grades preK through second grade learn different yoga poses as they read Eric Carle’s classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Linda Citron, a yoga instructor that runs the program and holds a master’s degree in dance movement therapy, believes:

The program introduces children to yoga in an exciting, fun-filled way. It is a unique approach to integrate learning using yoga as a pathway. Reading, storytelling, music, creative arts blend seamlessly with yoga movements to educate the whole child. It enhances motor coordination, works on cognitive development, works on focus, concentration, relaxation, develops flexibility and strength in the body.

In a related story, last summer a South Carolina library program shut down after being accused of promoting “witchcraft” and “drug use.” Some parents objected to the yoga programs as “promoting other religions.”

Kids Use Yoga to Learn Mythology, Fight Pre-test Jitters: In Georgia, teachers are using yoga to help children concentrate, as well as learn the symbols of Greek Gods. According to school counselor June Neal, “We’ve seen an improvement in test scores and test-taking skills because their stress level is decreased after yoga.” The teachers received training from Yoga Kids International. Now that’s an inservice day I would enjoy!

Teaching to the Mind, Body and Spirit of Our Students: This informative article was written by Christine McArdle-Oquendo, co-founder of World Family Yoga. As Christine explains,

As teachers we know that a student who is physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually healthy is a student who is in optimum learning and growing form, while those who are more challenged in any of these areas aren’t often our highest-performing students. By introducing simple yogic practices into your classes, including simple breathing techniques, stretches or physical postures, visualizations and/or meditations, you will touch your students in a profound way. You will potentially touch a child’s core and ignite their inner fire.

Although I have never used yoga to teach other subject areas, as I believe the benefits of yoga warrant yoga for yoga’s sake, I see there are a lot of connections yoga can help children make physically and cognitively in the classroom. As a preK teacher, I will look for new opportunities to use asanas in the classroom and perhaps volunteer in my daughter’s classroom to add yoga to her curriculm.

Image source: CNN

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Comments

  1. Lee Welles says

    March 18, 2008 at 5:05 am

    My husband does “stretch breaks” with his third-grade class. He too, avoids calling it yoga in his VERY conservative, farming community.

    He usually has them draw three to five cards from a yoga deck. He reports that it perks them up when they’re groggy and settles them down when they are rambunctions, but really need to sit and focus. He also reports that they get great enjoyment from watching him attempt some of the poses!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. » Reading, Writing, and Yoga says:
    March 17, 2008 at 12:28 pm

    […] Advanced Yoga wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt When I taught grades K-8 in a one-room schoolhouse, we began each morning with the sun salutation, only I called it the “good morning” stretch in order to not freak out some right wing parents. We would go to the grassy field, form a circle, and flow through this vinyasa each morning.  On rainy days, we modified this practice in the classroom.  I’ve recently come across several articles about yoga in the classroom and the benefits to children. Library’s Combined Reading, Yoga Program for Child […]

    Reply
  2. Family Tree Online Notices » Reading, Writing, and Yoga says:
    March 17, 2008 at 12:33 pm

    […] Alternate HistoriannHKids Use Yoga to Learn Mythology, Fight Pre-test Jitters: In Georgia, teachers are using yoga to hold children concentrate, as substantially as wager the symbols of Hellenic Gods. According to construction consultant June Neal, “We’ve seen an change … […]

    Reply
  3. Greek Gods Family Tree » Reading, Writing, and Yoga says:
    March 18, 2008 at 12:31 am

    […] melamed&mavinnHKids Use Yoga to Learn Mythology, Fight Pre-test Jitters: In Georgia, teachers are using yoga to hold children concentrate, as substantially as wager the symbols of Hellenic Gods. According to construction consultant June Neal, “We’ve seen an change … […]

    Reply
  4. Blank Printable Family Tree » Reading, Writing, and Yoga says:
    March 18, 2008 at 5:56 am

    […] menutasternHKids Use Yoga to Learn Mythology, Fight Pre-test Jitters: In Georgia, teachers are using yoga to hold children concentrate, as substantially as wager the symbols of Hellenic Gods. According to construction consultant June Neal, “We’ve seen an change … […]

    Reply
  5. Indonesian Fatwa Banning Yoga Ineffective : Ecoscraps says:
    February 1, 2009 at 3:35 pm

    […] from the Ministry of Religion. The fatwa is an attempt to influence morality in Indonesia, but yoga class attendance has not been affected by the fatwa. There is a formal ban on yoga on neighboring […]

    Reply
  6. YogaBuddies CD for Little Yogis and Yoginis Morning and Evening Practices : Eco Child’s Play says:
    February 14, 2009 at 3:02 pm

    […] these students exhibit, and yoga will help them attune their bodies and souls. I am a firm believer yoga belongs in the classroom.   YogaBuddies CDs would be great for homeschool […]

    Reply

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Our ethos is to provide news, information, and opinions on natural, green parenting to help your family live a greener, healthier life! Additionally, we offer personal consulting services to help you achieve your green living goals.

Jennifer is a vegetarian, yoga teacher, gardener, hiker, teacher, and mother that has been living off-the-grid for over 20 years.

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