Cards Support Nationally Recognized Yoga 4 Classrooms Program And Help Provide Optimal Learning Environment, Peaceful Classrooms
Cards Support Nationally Recognized Yoga 4 Classrooms Program And Help Provide Optimal Learning Environment, Peaceful Classrooms
November 2011 (Dover, NH) — Science has shown and educators have experienced first-hand that when children are anxious, frustrated or stressed, it is nearly impossible for them to learn. It is only from a relaxed, calm and present state of mind and body that children can be psychologically and physiologically learning-ready.
With that in mind, ChildLight Yoga, creators of the innovative Yoga 4 Classrooms™ program, has drawn on its 10 years of experience to produce a new tool: the new Yoga 4 Classrooms Activity Card Deck can be used by teachers, students, parents, and counselors. No prior yoga experience is required.
“We found a real need in schools all over the country for tools that teachers, counselors and kids could use within the classroom setting to alleviate frustration and provide the most favorable environment for learning and growth,” said Lisa Flynn, founder of ChildLight Yoga. “We used what we learned to create this easy to use set of tools that can be applied in any classroom, or by any parent or counselor. The positive feedback we have received so far has been very gratifying.”
The 67 illustrated activities in the colorful deck were specially chosen for their suitability for the typical classroom space, and can all be done standing beside or sitting at desks, while bodies and hands remain off the floor, away from dirt and germs. The cards include a mix of yoga postures, brain boosting movements, breath exercises, visualizations, mindfulness activities, creative movement and community-building games. There are also wellness and character-building discussion points, such as the power of positive thinking, nutrition, and being a peacemaker, that address the whole child – physical, social and emotional.
Activities fall into six categories:
Let’s Breathe: helps calm and center, or empower and energize.
At Your Desk: provides physical relief from long periods of sitting, improves focus, and keeps body systems functioning efficiently.
Stand Strong: provides simple, structured opportunities to stand up, stretch, balance and strengthen.
Loosen Up: dispels stress through energetic release or introspection and focus.
Imagination Vacation: offers child-friendly approaches to meditation through guided visualization, helping students bring their awareness to the present moment, which is the necessary state for learning.
Be Well: offers a framework for child-friendly discussions on topics supporting health and wellness.
About Yoga 4 Classrooms
In 2007, Lisa Flynn, E-RYT, RCYT and founder of ChildLight Yoga, was inspired by the classroom teachers she encountered to create a yoga and mindfulness-based program focused on the whole child that would also be appropriate for the classroom setting. After three and a half years of research, development and test piloting, Yoga 4 Classrooms™ was born. Yoga 4 Classrooms helps children develop the self-awareness to realize how they feel and what they need; teaches them strategies to slow down, unwind and manage their emotions; guides them through movements that optimize their strength, flexibility and balance; demonstrates healthy habits; and reminds them to love and forgive themselves. Yoga 4 Classrooms provides students with tools for learning and lessons for life. For more information, visit http://www.yoga4classrooms.com/
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CONTACT: Susan Harrison/HFS Communications
617.285.9766/susan@hfscommunications.com