Yoga in the Classroom

Creating Calm Confident Kids

Challenging Behaviors?

AngerAnxietiesHyperactivityDisrespectfulFearLow self-esteemSadnessBad days

CausesLarge class sizesSocioeconomically

disadvantaged groups (Thomas et al., 2006)

Disruptive classroom environment (Thomas et al., 2006)

BoredomHome life/parenting

choices

The Effects

On Them…• Impedes learning

• Lower test scores

• Negative interaction with teachers/staff/classmates

• Long term risk of drop-out, peer rejection, onset of adult psychiatric disorders (Caspi, Moffitt, Newman, & Silva, 1998)

On You…• Reduced teaching time

• Feelings of inefficiency

• Risk of confrontational/punitive discipline (Blase, 1986; Wisniewski & Gargiulo, 1997)

• Leading cause of teacher burn-out (Byrne, 1994; Hastings & Bham, 2003; Lowenstein, 1991)

Almost half of all preschool and early elementary school teachers request

formal assistance with classroom behaviour management.

(Storey, Lawry, Ashworth, Danko, & Strain., 1994)

Children & Yoga

• Healthy expression & balance of emotion

• Creates an environment of confidence & non-competition (everyone succeeds) – calm classroom!

• Eases anxiety/tension

• Improves listening skills

• Encourages creativity, stimulates the mind

• Supports social/emotional learning

• Provides opportunities for patience & reflection – preventing reactivity & impulsiveness

Calm Cottontail

Ages 3-10 Represents a calm &

confident role model Lesson plans address

auditory, visual and kinesthetic learning styles

Encourages appreciation of nature

Basic Lesson Plan

• The Peaceful Garden

• Bunny Breaths

• Calm Cottontail Stretch

• Bunny Whisperer

• Bridge of Dreams

• Moonbeam Rides

• Moonlight Serenade

• Back in the Moonlit Garden

• Bunny Hugs

• Courage

Each lesson is comprised of 10 sections that naturally

flow into each other or implemented throughout the

day.

Try to be consistent, kids thrive on routine!

Patience Lesson Plan

Patience

Peaceful Garden• Little bunnies are

very patient!

• “I am going to my peaceful garden where I will be patient.”

Bunny Breath• Breath in – smelling

this flower, I slow down and wait. Breath out – I choose to be patient at this time.

• Repeat 5-10 times, slow & deep

Patience

Cottontail Stretch• Bunny squat (chair

pose) How low can you go?

• How patient can you be waiting for your friends to come to the garden?

• How long can you stay in this pose?

Bunny Whisperer• Learning to speak to

the garden creatures

• Imagine talking to the Hummingbird Moth… what would you like to say? Would you name it?

• What would you like to talk about today?

Patience

Bridge of Dreams• Walk slowly and

patiently

• What is your wish for today?

• When you reach the other side, we’ll celebrate with dance!

Moonbeam Rides• We can change just

like the colours in the garden

• Can we change our minds like the colours when we feel rushed – to be patient?

PatienceMoonlight Serenade

• Take time to listen

• “I am patient. I am patient”

Back in the Garden

• Smell the 4 O’Clock flower again

• Can you put your stepping stones down slowly and patiently?

Patience

Bunny Hugs• It felt good to be

patient today

• Give yourself a big Bunny Hug!

Courage• It takes courage to

do something new or try something hard like learning patience!

• Do the courage stretch with Angel Bear!

Resources

• Angel Bear Yoga www.angelbearyoga.com

• Calm Cottontails $30 USD

• “My Daddy is a Pretzel”

• Yoga Pretzels