school visits yoga

• About LFY and Our Team
• How Yoga and Mindfulness Help Kids Thrive
• Hear From the Kids
• Certification Overview
• Upcoming Training Dates
• Online Learning
• Anxiety Workshop
• Classes for Students

Professional Development

• Hear From Our Schools
• For Families
• Books and Card Decks
• Articles and Practices

Certification

More learning, the school wellness project, why mindfulness and yoga.

We have 31 incredible team members teaching kids, training adults, supporting operations, and more. Come get to know us.

Explore the benefits of embodied mindfulness practices and learn how they help build resilience, support learning and cultivate healthy communities.

Hear directly from students about what mindfulness and yoga mean to them in daily life.

Virtual programming available nationwide (livestreaming or recorded content). In-person programming in select locations. 

Chair and mat-based yoga and mindfulness classes for youth ages 3-18 right in the classroom.

Professional Development workshops for school staff + video resources for students, to help build yoga and mindfulness in-house culture and capacity.

Support for the physical, social, emotional, and professional well-being of all school employees, teachers, paraprofessionals, clinicians, and administrators.

Learn about our card decks, workbooks, and other resources for schools.

Hear directly from schools we’ve worked with to better understand how yoga and mindfulness can support your students, teachers, and larger community.

LFY Training is a comprehensive certification in yoga and mindfulness practices for youth 3 to 18. Registered with Yoga Alliance, and offering up to 6  graduate level credits  (through our accredited partner University of the Pacific) training focuses on the physical, mental, emotional and social well-being of students.

Certification includes our Core Curriculum consisting of Level 1, Level 2, Level 3; Three Online Courses (6 content hours each) addressing trauma, chair yoga, and neurodiversity; Two Integration + Implementation offerings that include practicums (practice teaching clinics) and a mentorship program matching you with a teacher for personalized feedback.

Our certification is offered as an online cohort based course, which opens for registration twice a year. We also offer an annual training in person at the Omega Institute.

Check out a quick list of our most frequently asked questions about training and certification.

Join us for a wide variety of ways to learn from home, gaining skills and insight to support your students, clients, and your own children. Many courses are eligible for CE hours.

We offer a library of self-paced course, ranging from 75 minutes to 6 hours, as well as a series of livestream workshops with incredible guest teachers.

Join us for a variety of live-streaming and in-person events including workshops, conference presentations, livestream Q&A sessions and more.

Tools to Help Families Raise Resilient Kids, including practice videos, books and card decks, workshops, and articles.

We all need ongoing coaching and support to integrate our learning, continuing growing as educators, and to chat with likeminded folks about the many challenging (and funny) scenarios that arise during teaching.  The LFY Coaching Membership is open to our training participants and graduates at any level, and is designed to offer you tangible resources to support your career, on-going coaching, and a built in group of colleagues.

Easy to use resources for families, educators, clinicans and children + teens themselves.

Explore searchable content from our teaching and learning community, including activities and practices.

Join Our Email Newsletter

Life Skills for PK & K-12 Schools. In-person in NY. Online programming world wide.

Build resilience, improve emotional balance and increase attention, with joyful and engaging programming and resources.

What We Teach

Todays students and teachers are facing a world that is unpredictable and often overwhelming. We offer both virtual and in-person programming designed to build the inner resilience needed to navigate physical, mental and emotional stress, and overcome barriers to learning. Our five element structure seamlessly integrates the best of yoga and mindfulness, to provide comprehensive content, create a predictable rhythm to programming, and support ease and consistency of implementation.

My students love our visits from Little Flower Yoga. My colleagues have learned powerful practices that have become part of daily classroom life. Students, teachers, and families have learned tools for self-regulation, kindness, and focus.

Elizabeth Slade

Teacher, Mamaroneck NY Public Schools

What We Offer

Innovative programs for entire school communities that build resilience, improve emotional balance, teach social and emotional learning skills and help kids navigate distractions. Our curriculum has been refined over 15 years of teaching thousands of children and educators, and incorporates up to date research and best practices.

Student Classes

• Trauma informed yoga + mindfulness classes with an SEL focus
• Chair or Mat based classes (20 – 60 minutes)
• Resources for school staff and families to continue the learning between classes
• Support SEL and supplement PE time
• Trauma Informed Breathing for the Classroom (2 part workshop + videos)
• Increasing Engagement and Learning Readiness (60-90 minute workshop)
• Building Focus Skills  (60-90 minute workshop)
• Navigating Anxiety in Students (60-90 minute workshop)
• School Wellness Program: 8 module PD + activity library

Customized Programming

• Implementation support
• Creating a peace corner or room
• Integration of mindfulness and yoga into existing SEL programming
• Lesson studies
• Curriculum creation or adaptation

Additional Offerings

• Card Decks and Workbooks
• Training for PE staff
• Staff wellness programming
• Family engagement programming
• Webinars and online courses

A Look Inside An SWP School

Learn more about our mindfulness and yoga programming from the students and staff at some of our partner schools. We offer in-person programming throughout NYC, and online programming and professional development at schools and districts worldwide.

HEAR FROM OUR PARTNERS

In-Person or Virtual

Student programming.

The School Wellness Project offers yoga + mindfulness classes for preschool through high school students, designed to help kids thrive in the world regardless of circumstances, and navigate the many challenges they face with a sense of personal power and self-awareness.

We’ll send you a certified teacher for mat or desk based classes and push-in’s before, during or after school, along with simple support materials for classroom teachers and parents. Our classes are also offered as interactive livestream or pre-recorded programs, that can be played for students in school or at home.

What’s Included

• Quality instruction by a certified LFY yoga and mindfulness teacher, whether classes happen in-person, livestream or recorded
• Dynamic and engaging classes rooted in the 5-element LFY methodology, designed to support social emotion learning
• Administrative support for program set up, scheduling, and coordination
• Pre- and post program student and teacher surveys to assess student needs and program impact
• Professional development for assigned instructor including ongoing coaching and mentorship, and review of feedback from site visits
• A resource guide from your curriculum unit featuring core activities to be used at home or in school
• Absolute commitment to your kids and the entire school community

SWP Programming

Curriculum overview.

Our curriculum emphasizes practical life skills. In a step-by-step manner we explore navigating challenges and making decisions in ways that meet our own needs while also considering and caring for the needs of others. Students have the opportunity to both give and receive support, learn how to reflect on their actions and impact, and find intrinsic motivation for good decision making.

Building Awareness of Myself, Others & My Environment

Orients students to their internal experience, recognizing that self awareness is a building block ofself management. Introduces ways to compassionately understand others. This unit incorporates the SEL competencies of self-awareness and social awareness.

Understanding my Thoughts & Feelings

Builds student capacity to better understand their emotions and focus their attention. Offers practices to integrate body, nervous system and mind to maximize engagement. This unit incorporates the SEL competencies of self-awareness, self-management and decision making.

Navigating Challenges & Difficult Emotions

Strengthens resilience and teaches students effective ways to manage anxiety, build a strong sense of personal power, and reduce feelings of overwhelm. This unit incorporates the SEL competencies of self-awareness, self-management and responsible decision making.

Scheduling Options

SWP programming is scheduled either for the full school year, or in three 10-week cycles over the course of the school year, with options to start classes in Sept, Jan, or April. Instructors are scheduled at schools for a minimum of 2 hours per site visit, and can serve 1-3 classrooms per hour based on schedule and program type.

Session runs from late Sept. or early Oct through early Dec, with options for make up dates at the end of cycle.

Session runs from early Jan through mid March, with options for make up dates at the end of cycle.

Session runs from early April through mid June, with options for make up dates at the end of cycle.

Summer programming is available with flexible scheduling for schools and camps.

Little Flower Yoga has provided and is continuing to provide large scale trainings to faculty and staff at the Pelham Schools. The participants of the training were very engaged throughout the entire experience and were clearly motivated by what they learned as they were observed to implement their new tools immediately in their own classrooms. These trainings have really spring-boarded a change in the culture throughout our schools.

Tiziana Didonna

School Psychologist, Pelham Union Free School District

Mental Health Support

The School Wellness Project supports school-based mental health providers including social workers, occupational therapists, counselors, special education professionals  and psychologists.

We provide training and support to clinical teams and targeted classes and assemblies for students. 

My colleagues, fellow teachers, and administrators have been amazed by Little Flower Yoga's services. Recently, a long-time mindfulness teacher and our curriculum director observed a session led by a staff member from Little Flower Yoga and they were incredibly pleased with the outcome. I am confident that the staff at Little Flower Yoga is capable of meeting the needs of students in order to help them learn tools to manage their stress, become more mindful, and learn self-care skills.

Minu Thomas

School Psychologist, Bronxville Union Free School District

School Wellness Program

Build Internal Capacity. 35 Practices to Help Teachers and Students Thrive

This comprehensive professional development program + student resources offers a proven path to develop the inner resilience needed to navigate physical, mental, and emotional stress, and overcome barriers to learning. No yoga experience or special equipment necessary.

Available for schools and districts with facilitation and customized support. Also available for individual educators, school counselors and other staff.

The Program

Mindfulness, movement, and breath-based tools that can be easily adapted for both in-person and virtual instruction to meet your needs, however they unfold this school year.  

• 8 modules of content broken up into short 5-30 minute video and audio recordings introducing educators to an aspect of mindfulness and wellness and activities to support student and teacher wellbeing.
• Reflection questions to help guide PLC groups and integration of the material.
• Practice scripts for 35 activities.
• Support in adapting the content for different ages, learning environments, and needs in the classroom.

Student Wellness

Activities are designed to be engaging and easy to explore for students. Practices are offered for grades K-12.

• A sample 8 month easy-to-follow implementation plan to introduce students to 35 yoga and mindfulness practices.
• Access to 35 yoga and mindfulness activity videos that can be practiced at-home (virtual learning) or at school.

TRY A PRACTICE

How It Works

We’ve worked hard to make this program simple to participate in and flexible for the needs a varied school communities.

• Each module, you will explore new content introducing you to 5 new activities and foundations of wellness rooted in our 5-element methodology- connect, breathe, move, focus, and relax, to integrate into your virtual or in-person classroom.
• An implementation guide is provided offering suggestions on how to support teacher wellness and student wellness with practical assignments each week.
• This program can be purchased for individual teachers, groups, or entire schools/ districts.
• Implementation coaching and live scheduled Q and A support is provided for all school-licenses (25+ teachers enrolled).

INFO PACKET

School Wellness Program Tuition

Module 1-2 bundle.

Gain a solid foundation in using mindfulness and yoga practices to support educator and student wellness.

Access 10 practice videos to use in class and share with families.

• Introduction to Yoga, Mindfulness and the LFY Methodology
• Aware, Attuned and Engaged: Supporting Educator Effectiveness

ElementarY Teen

Module 3-8 Bundle

Continued exploring the five elements. Includes:

• Connect: Understanding Yourself and Others
• Breathe: Self Regulation and Emotional Balance
• Move: Engage Your Body, Engage Your Mind
• Focus: Navigate Distraction and Strengthen Attention
• Relax: Reduce Overstimulation and Rest the Body and Mind
• Putting it All Together: Solutions for Your Classroom

Elementary Teen

8 Module Program

Payment plan available. Includes:

School Purchase Orders

Contact Us For Options

To learn more about purchasing this program for your school (5+ seats) or district please email us for pricing and options.

We offer various levels of implementation support, coaching and live-streaming Q&A video calls based on your community needs.

Modules are available to schools as a full program or can be customized based on goals and budget.

Interactive Online Learning

LFY Certification: Helping Children + Teens Thrive

Join this guided online experience, to complete all of your requirements for LFY certification with support and community. Joining one of our twice annual cohorts offers all certification requirements at a discount of over $1000 (compared to purchasing components individually).

LFY Teaching Practicum-September 2024

Put your training into practice, get feedback on your teaching, and learn from community members in this engaging and interactive teaching practicum. 

Social and Emotional Learning Through Yoga & Mindfulness (Level 2)

Teacher: Jennifer Cohen Harper

Continue your training in this 6 week livestream online workshop, as we explore the physical, emotional, and social aspects of youth development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We are an approved NYC DOE vendor. Our vendor ID is LIT 79-7777.  

Yes, we are currently NYC and NY State MWBE certified.  

Yes. All of our teachers are certified yoga instructors and have additionally completed our 95-hour Little Flower Yoga teacher training, giving them the skills to make all yoga practices safe and engaging for children and teens. Some are certified classroom teachers or adult yoga teachers as well.  

We would love to connect with you. Please email [email protected] and someone from our team will get back in touch to schedule a free 15-30 minute phone consultation to learn more about your needs and prepare a quote for your review.  

Currently, we provide on-site programming in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Westchester, and parts of New Jersey, Long Island, Connecticut, Rockland, Putnam, and Dutchess counties based on our instructor availability.  

Additionally, our training team travels out of this area for professional development programs and training. We also provide a number of our trainings as online courses that can be scheduled privately with our team or schools can opt to purchase group licenses for our online courses for teachers to move through at their own pace.  

How can this program support schools outside of the NYC area? How does this work?  

There are several ways we support schools outside of the NY area.  

• Our training team travels out of the NY area for professional development programs and trainings. (supplemental travel fees apply).  
• Our full 8-workshop professional development training package is available as an online course that can be scheduled privately with our team as a virtual classroom, or schools can opt to purchase group licenses for teachers to move through at their own pace.  
• We offer two online courses for CE credit and graduate credit. Discounted group licenses are available for schools purchasing the course for 10 or more teachers.  

Options are available for 30-60 minutes for mat-based classes and as little as 20 minutes for desk-based classes. We require a minimum booking of two hours, and you can use that time for 2-6 groups. For longer days, we can work with up to 14 groups per day. Five minutes of transition time is needed between classes and a minimum 30-minute lunch break for site bookings of 4 or more hours.  

For mat-based classes, we need one set of mats for the largest class that we will be serving. Mats can be shared between classes, and we recommend purchasing 5-10 extra mats in the event of damage. Our office can assist you in ordering high-quality, affordable mats for your schools at an additional price which can be built into your program fee. We also need a space that is large enough to spread our the mats for each student. Common choices for space include a gymnasium or dance studio, multipurpose room, and auditorium stage.   For desk-based classes, we don’t need any additional equipment.  

Student programs run in ten-week cycles, with start times in Sept/Oct, Jan and April. Assemblies and special events may be booked at any time subject to availability.  

Yes. Our teachers are available for school day or after-school classes. We also offer a staff development program that will train your faculty to implement this program in an infusion style that incorporates yoga and mindfulness activities throughout the school day.  

Our teachers are trained to work with students from preschool through HS, and modify the activities and language of the curriculum according to students’ needs.  

Yes. We are happy to work with you to make sure we are meeting your students’ needs in the most effective way possible. Many of our teachers have experience working with students with a variety of physical, developmental and emotional challenges.  

We recommend a max of 15 students in mat based classes; however, we will gladly accommodate larger groups with an assistant (either provided by you or by us). Desk-based classes can be larger, and we’ll make decisions together on a case by case basis.

We offer a comprehensive yoga and mindfulness certification program. Learn more here

We are a NYC vendor, and many schools opt to pay for the program through their schools budget for professional development, materials, family engagement, mental health, social-emotional learning, or student services. Additionally, we work with many PTA’s and school who have received grants for the program or can use funding through our minority-women-owned business status. (MWBE)  

Yes, we accept purchase orders and credit card payments for schools purchasing products in bulk (20+.) Please email [email protected] for a bulk pricing sheet and to place an order.  

Get Started

Help your students balance their emotions, increase their focus and improve their capacity for achievement.

Whether you know just what you need, want to talk with our team, or are interested in exploring a more extensive needs assessment, we’re here to help. Click below and share some basic information about your school, and we’ll get back to you quickly to explore your options. A more peaceful path of teaching and learning is right around the corner!

• Teacher Resources
• Closed Captions
• News & More
• Vegetarian Recipes
• Foundations of Yoga
• Yoga For Weight Loss
• HOME - 30 Day Yoga Journey
• BREATH – A 30 Day Yoga Journey
• Dedicate – A 30 Day Yoga Journey
• TRUE - 30 Day Yoga Journey

Yoga is really the art of waking up.

Subscribe to my weekly letter.

We respect your email privacy .

This Month... Our Community Theme is GREET

On a mission to get the tools of yoga into schools and homes, Adriene hosts the YouTube channel, Yoga With Adriene, a global online community of over 12 million subscribers.

About Adriene

Adriene Mishler is an actress, writer, international yoga teacher and entrepreneur from Austin, Texas. On a mission to get the tools of yoga into schools and homes, Adriene hosts the YouTube channel  Yoga with Adriene , an online community of over 12 million subscribers.

Yoga with Adriene provides high quality practices on yoga and mindfulness at no cost to inspire people of all ages, shapes and sizes across the globe.

Yoga with Adriene

Yoga With Adriene  was recognized by Google as the most searched workout of 2015, was recognized by The Wall Street Journal, and was awarded a Streamy in Health and Wellness in 2016.

Find What Feels Good

Greater Good Science Center • Magazine • In Action • In Education

Seven Ways That Yoga Is Good for Schools

At Edmunds Elementary, a diverse inner-city school in Des Moines, Iowa, yoga is on the daily schedule.

Each morning, every classroom begins the day with a “Be Well” discussion about topics such as gratitude, good citizenship, being a peacemaker, and getting enough sleep. Breathing, yoga-based movement, and a mindful meditation follow, helping students bring their attention to the present moment and preparing them for learning time.

After lunch, the lights are dimmed and soft music plays as students return from recess for 10 minutes of quiet mindfulness and reflection activities, such as journaling, coloring, or listening to a guided relaxation story. Teachers even integrate yoga at other times of the day as needed, and they unanimously agree it’s time well worth taking.

One teacher shared, “Practicing yoga and taking these mindful pauses throughout the day is like hitting the reset button, for all of us. I was going to leave teaching I was so overwhelmed. Not anymore.”

Thanks to that reset button, the school is seeing results: Test scores increased more than 18 percent and the number of students being sent to the office decreased by more than two-thirds over two years. The school’s principal notes that everyone is feeling a greater sense of community, connectedness, and engagement in school.

Edmunds Elementary, which uses a program we developed called Yoga 4 Classrooms , is not alone. Schools around the country , from San Francisco to D.C., are implementing yoga in classrooms and beyond, with students, teachers, and parents reporting tremendously positive effects. But does research back up their experiences? And what kind of results can we hope to see from yoga programs in schools?

While the science behind school-based yoga is relatively new, the initial evidence from a growing number of studies is promising. Here are seven ways that integrating yoga in schools can support students and teachers, while helping schools address many of the challenges common in education today.

1. Emotion regulation

In order for students to succeed at school and in life, it’s crucial for them to develop self-regulation skills: the ability to monitor and adapt their behavior, attention, and emotions in response to internal cues, the environment, and feedback from others. And research suggests that school-based yoga may benefit students’ self-regulation.

For example, a randomized controlled trial of 37 high school students found that doing 40 minutes of yoga three times per week for 16 weeks significantly improved their ability to regulate their emotions, compared to participating in a standard physical education (PE) class.

In addition, another study of 142 sixth-graders compared students who performed four minutes of mindful yoga at the beginning of their English Language Arts (ELA) classes over an entire school year to students who received regular ELA classes that included a few short discussions about mindfulness (but no mindful yoga). The results showed that this mindful yoga program also led to increases in self-regulation, according to student questionnaires.

2. Academic performance

Most schools use academic performance as the primary criteria for student success. Unfortunately, many students struggle to achieve or maintain adequate grades, which can lead them to disengage or drop out. But research suggests that yoga might improve attention and memory and alleviate academic stress , three factors that are important for academic success.

School-based yoga might also improve students’ grades. For example, one study randomly assigned 112 high school students to participate in either yoga or PE twice per week for 45 minutes across the entire academic year. Among students who had high levels of participation, the yoga group ended up with a significantly higher grade point average (GPA) than the PE group.

Another similar randomized controlled trial assigned 95 high school students to participate in either a yoga program or a standard PE class. The study found that students who participated in the yoga program were able to maintain their GPA, whereas students in the PE group showed a decline in GPA during the 12-week program.

The authors write, “Yoga may improve academic performance by enhancing self-regulation which may, in turn, mitigate stress, thus leading to enhanced attention and learning.”

3. Reduced anxiety and tension

Children and adolescents are exposed to a variety of stressors at school and at home. These stressors can range from extreme, chronic stress such as living through poverty or abuse, to relatively minor stressors such as test anxiety. Adolescents with unmanaged stress are at a higher risk for developing mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, which is why some researchers have explored whether school-based yoga might help reduce anxiety, tension, and stress.

One randomized controlled trial of 97 fourth- and fifth-graders assigned some students to participate in a mindful yoga program that met four days per week for 45 minutes. Compared to attending school as usual, 12 weeks of mindful yoga led to significant reductions in students’ problematic responses to stress, such as experiencing repetitive negative thoughts and strong, intrusive emotions.

A study of the Yoga 4 Classrooms program found that a group of 18 second-graders who participated for a half hour per week for 10 weeks showed a significant decrease in cortisol concentrations from before to after the program. Cortisol in our saliva tends to increase during stress, and heightened cortisol concentrations as a result of repeated stressors may be detrimental to our mental and physical health. This study provides preliminary evidence that school-based yoga might help mitigate these negative effects. 

In addition, one study enrolled 49 inner-city high school students to participate in a semester-long yoga and mindfulness program several days per week, and students reported significant reductions in their anxiety. Another study randomly assigned 51 high school students to participate in either a 10-week yoga program or a PE group that met a few times per week. The study found that tension and anxiety worsened in the PE group but improved in the yoga group.

4. Resilience to stress

School-based yoga may also help students cope with negative life events, like troubles at home or getting a low grade in an important class. For example, a randomized controlled trial of 155 fourth- and fifth-graders assigned some students to participate in an eight-week mindful yoga program that met for one hour per week. The study found that the yoga program helped students cope more often with difficult life events, compared to regular schooling.

Another study found that 30 elementary and middle school students who participated in a 10-week yoga program once or twice per week improved their resilience—the ability to successfully cope with challenging life events.

The authors concluded, “Yoga practice may increase the [students’] sense of control and self-efficacy with respect to stress and emotion, thereby increasing resilience.”

5. Fewer problem behaviors

Bullying occurs quite regularly in schools; in 2011, approximately 28 percent of U.S. adolescents reported being bullied during the past school year. Bullying can lead to a variety of negative effects on students, including difficulties with academic performance. In addition, problem behaviors such as bullying often result in suspensions and disciplinary referrals, which means those students end up missing out on important academic material, too.

But research suggests that yoga might help. For example, third- to fifth-grade students who participated in a 10-week yoga program for one hour per week reported bullying others less after the program.

Similarly, another study of 159 sixth- and ninth-grade students assigned some of them to a semester-long, yoga-based social-emotional wellness program several days per week for a half hour. The results revealed that students in the yoga group had fewer unexcused absences and detentions, and became more engaged in school, compared to students who went to school as usual.

These positive effects might be due to yoga-based improvements in students’ awareness of their emotions and behaviors. That might help students “control impulsive behaviors and negative reactions in order to meet situational demands and achieve personal goals,” the researchers explain. 

6. Physical well-being

National surveys estimate that nearly one-third of youth in the United States are overweight or obese, and that a lack of daily physical activity is a key factor at play. As a form of mindful movement, yoga is particularly well-suited to provide non-competitive, gentle ways for youth to engage in physical activity.

This 12-week study of 16 first-grade students who participated in 45 minutes of yoga twice per week found that yoga can improve motor abilities, including balance, strength, and flexibility. In addition, based on surveys from hundreds of parents, students, and PE teachers, another study found that a year-long program of yoga-based activities for 5-15 minutes per day improved students’ physical well-being, including their body posture, sleep quality, fatigue, and diet.

“Yoga appears to be simply a stretching activity, but the variety and sequencing of postures coupled with the practice of deep breathing creates an extremely diverse and effective method of enhancing a range of health-related fitness skills,” the authors write. 

7. Teacher well-being and classroom climate

Advocates for school-based mindfulness programs suggest that the benefits of these programs might reach beyond students to impact classroom climate and teacher effectiveness. Preliminary research on yoga programs for educators suggests that yoga might be good for teachers’ well-being, too.

Honoring the Teacher's Heart: Well-Being Practices for School Change

Join a new Community of Practice for educators.

Yoga 4 Classrooms

If you’re interested in reviewing more evidence, check out the Research Repository: Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness for Children, Adolescents and in Schools , a free ebook compiled by Yoga 4 Classrooms .

For example, one study randomly assigned 64 educators to either participate in a 20-minute yoga and mindfulness program four days per week, or go about their work as usual. The results revealed that the 16-week program helped educators improve their mindfulness, positive mood, classroom management, and physical symptoms, compared to regular work. These educators also showed improvements in blood pressure and cortisol.

The promise of school yoga

Research on school-based mindful yoga is still in its infancy. Several research reviews support implementing these programs, but it’s important to keep in mind that some studies have found limited or no effects from them. And many studies use “self-report” questionnaires where students rate themselves, rather than collecting objective data or reports from parents and teachers. Larger, more rigorous research needs to be done to clarify the benefits of these programs and what causes them, including the optimal amount of practice time and best practices for implementation .

In just the past two years, more than 350 new studies have come out exploring the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for youth—a clear sign that interest in this subject is growing rapidly. We’re confident that the evidence for yoga in schools will continue to expand, and that it will help students cultivate social, emotional, and physical health; academic success; and a positive school climate.

About the Authors

Bethany Butzer

Bethany Butzer, Ph.D. , is a research consultant for Yoga 4 Classrooms® . She is also a lecturer in the School of Psychology at the University of New York in Prague, where she studies yoga and mindfulness for youth.

Lisa Flynn is founder and CEO of ChildLight Yoga® and Yoga 4 Classrooms® , nationally-acclaimed programs specializing in professional development training for educators, counselors, yoga teachers, and allied professionals who support the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth.

You May Also Enjoy

Your brain on yoga

Eight Tips for Teaching Mindfulness in High School

Mindful Kids, Peaceful Schools

Five Tips for Teaching Mindfulness to At-Risk Teens

How My Students and I Found Mindfulness After Tragedy

Can mindfulness help kids learn self-control.

Yoga in Education: 7 Poses and Activities for Your Classroom

An online survey called ‘Stress in America’ reported an average stress level of 5.4 out of 10 among 18 to 33-year-olds (Hagen & Nayar, 2014; American Psychological Association, 2021).

When young adults such as these become parents, they may transmit their tension to their children. In addition, children may internalize stress and hide distress from their parents to keep them from worrying.

With high levels of stress becoming a norm in younger households, instilling positive coping mechanisms in an educational setting benefits students, their parents, and future generations.

For that reason, we are specifically going to look at the concept of offering yoga in education and whether this approach instills stress relief mechanisms and improves self-regulation.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free . These science-based exercises explore fundamental aspects of positive psychology, including strengths, values, and self-compassion, and will give you the tools to enhance the wellbeing of your clients, students, or employees.

This Article Contains:

A look at yoga in schools and education, why is yoga important in schools 6 benefits, creating yoga programs and lesson plans, how to teach yoga to children in schools, 7 activities, poses, and exercises, teacher trainings in yoga for children, 3 best courses and online training options, 5 fascinating yoga books for teaching children, resources from positivepsychology.com, a take-home message.

The implementation of a daily yoga practice in the classroom has specific benefits in school settings, such as reducing stress and bullying behaviors (Thomas & Centeio, 2020).

Students come to school with a variety of different experiences and mindsets based on their living situations and biological predispositions. And because of difficulties they experience, children and adolescents can internalize their stressors to help deal with self-imposed expectations placed on them by their circumstances.

Having yoga as an option to help reduce stress and learn mindfulness may be able to help students respond better to stressful situations.

Other positive outcomes that daily yoga practice offers are listed below (Hagen & Nayar, 2014).

• Improved concentration and memory Practicing daily yoga can help children, specifically those with attention issues, have increased focus. As a result, their concentration, memory, and academic performance can improve, as yoga requires you to focus heavily on the moment.
• Respect for peers and others Since yoga requires you to be aware of your surroundings, it can help facilitate respect for others, as everyone’s practice is unique and self-directed.
• Self-regulation Improving self-regulation can help children with their emotions. The pace of yoga allows for children to take the time to identify the emotions they are experiencing and implement strategies to regulate them.
• Self-confidence Since yoga focuses on deep breathing and other breathing exercises, it increases a child’s ability to remain calm by increasing oxygen flow to the brain. This makes it more likely that children can stay calm, which can result in increased self-confidence, since it is less likely they will be dominated by negative emotions .
• Feeling of wellbeing As yoga increases a child’s self-confidence and ability to self-regulate, children are more likely to experience higher levels of general wellbeing.
• Physical fitness Yoga specifically helps improve posture and muscular control. These components help with physical fitness, as it allows children to be more aware of their body and increase physical strength.

Children’s mental health and yoga: 3 Research findings

Several research studies have highlighted the benefits of yoga in improving mental and physical health. Specific improvements that are significant to classroom settings include improved outcomes in behavior, stress reduction, and emotional balance.

To help test outcomes in classroom settings, researchers will often incorporate daily yoga interventions over a period of a few months to a year to study the impact on children’s mental health . Butzer et al. (2015) and Chen and Pauwels (2014) both incorporated 15-minute yoga activities daily.

Butzer et al. (2015) reported improvements in second- and third-graders’ behavior, specifically in attention span and the ability to focus on work and stay on task. They also noted improvements in social-emotional learning .

Chen and Pauwels (2014) implemented the Yoga Ed Tools for Teachers program for a full year for approximately 5–15 minutes per day. Results showed that daily yoga practice improved student mental, social, and physical wellbeing.

These emotional indicators suggest that students who practice yoga may feel less stressed and more resilient when confronted with stressful situations. Overall, yoga was found to be an excellent remedy for reducing negative emotions and distress in children.

Last, Telles et al. (2019) studied adolescents between the ages of 11 and 15 as they engaged in an 18-minute pranayama yoga intervention for three days. Even though the intervention time was short, there was significant improvement noted in attention and general anxiety reduction. These results indicated that yoga helps promote overall emotional balance.

Download 3 Free Positive Psychology Exercises (PDF)

Enhance wellbeing with these free, science-based exercises that draw on the latest insights from positive psychology.

Download 3 Free Positive Psychology Tools Pack (PDF)

By filling out your name and email address below.

Although yoga benefits children, especially in classroom settings, it may be overwhelming for teachers to get started. Integrating a new activity into daily routines and lesson plans can be challenging, especially when there are so many other curricular initiatives that need to be covered.

Similar to planning other lessons, it is important for teachers to lay the groundwork for the lesson. Identifying areas of the curriculum that highlight emotional awareness and then looking at areas where your students would most benefit are good first steps.

Another tactic is to do a stage activity with your students to see if they can identify what situations trigger difficult emotions and what the sensations are. Our My Feelings My Body worksheet is an excellent starting point in helping children identify the sensations in their body and how they are reacting to them.

When making your lesson plans, add in reminders relevant to the pace and students’ ability to engage fully in their practice (Myers, n.d.). Make sure you are starting with easier poses and work your way up to more difficult ones.

Once you’ve decided what kind of yoga practice you are integrating into your classroom, make sure you are making notes where you remind students to breathe or take a break. That way, you can use these cues to help you and your students stay on track and derive the most meaning from classroom yoga.

• Create a space and choose a consistent time to practice Designate a time for yoga practice and add it to your class’s daily schedule. Always begin with a shorter session and move any furniture necessary to allow children to spread out.
• Plan your lessons with intention Teachers should consider the purpose of integrating daily yoga into the classroom. By coming up with a theme or emotional purpose (e.g., having a daily emotional goal), children can work toward something. Including visualization and breathing exercises will also help children work toward the goals you are setting.
• Integrate opportunities for relationship and community building among peers Yoga does not have to be an individual practice all the time. Incorporating cooperative games where children help each other and engage in visualization activities as a group can help with community building and increase trust among classmates.
• Use resources If you’re overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask your colleagues for help. This article will also provide you with several books, online courses, activities, and exercises you can use in your classroom when getting started.

Which yoga is best for mental health?

Although all types of yoga can be beneficial in improving mental health, hatha yoga has been proven to have the most significant impact on reducing anxiety and stress. It improves chronic fatigue, general self-esteem, general wellbeing, and quality of life (Taspinar et al., 2014).

Unlike other types of yoga that are more vigorous, hatha yoga focuses on simple positions with lots of time for breathing and meditation. Due to its simplicity and ease of integration for individuals of all fitness levels, this type of yoga is the easiest type to integrate into different settings.

When practicing hatha yoga with children, there are some non-movement-based strategies that can be integrated into daily practice, such as the following (adapted from Integral Yoga Magazine, n.d.):

• Singing/chanting Students can simply chant ‘ohm’ at the beginning and end of their practice. ‘Ohm’ is a sacred chant of the universe that helps them recognize their connection to other living creatures and the universe. Students should try to make the ‘ohm’ sound from their throat and feel free to say it as loud as they want to.
• Mental body scans Get students to close their eyes and focus on one body part at a time. Start from the top of their head to the tips of their toes and get them to tighten, then relax, every individual part.
• Story telling Reading a story to children at the end of their practice, while they keep their eyes closed and relax, will allow them to reflect on the story being told.
• Brief meditation Teachers can play soothing music or a meditation script for children and allow them to follow the prompts provided or reflect on a central question.

Video one: “four steps to teaching yoga to children”

When integrating yoga in the classroom, there are several activities, poses, and exercises that you can introduce to your students. The activities, poses, and exercises mentioned below are especially easy to integrate into the classroom environment.

When integrating yoga, it is important to have activities that introduce this concept. A good introduction to yoga is by having a “be well” discussion every morning after all the students arrive.

Teachers can choose a central theme for the discussion that focuses on daily routines that help improve health, such as getting enough sleep, drinking water, and having a healthy diet.

The discussion can also be centered on spreading positivity such as gratitude, good citizenship, and being a peacemaker. Having this discussion will help put students in a positive mindset, which makes them more open to the calming mindset that yoga requires.

Take 5–10 minutes throughout the day for self-directed relaxation time. During this time, students can engage in quiet mindfulness and reflection activities, such as journaling, coloring, and listening to a guided meditation story. After doing this self-directed reflection activity, children can start their daily yoga in a good mindset.

It is best to integrate these activities at the beginning of the day or after recess so that students are refreshed and have an empty slate to engage in relaxation and meaningful reflection . After engaging in these activities, teachers should start integrating yoga poses and exercises to keep the practice consistent.

Poses and exercises

The poses and exercises teachers choose to integrate depend on how much space they have in their classroom and the focus they have chosen for their students.

To help teachers get started, we have provided five simple poses for students’ yoga practice. The poses are organized in a flow sequence so students can move easily from one pose to the next.

Teachers should demonstrate the poses in real time or hold up a picture of what they should look like. Make sure children are doing the poses on both sides and holding each pose for at least one minute, focusing on their breathing.

Mountain pose

Instructions : Get children to stand straight with their arms at their sides with their palms facing outward.

Descriptors : Stand tall like a tree with your shoulders back, palms facing up.

Extension : Ask children to raise their hands above their head parallel to their ears with palms open.

Instructions : From the mountain pose, get children to transfer their weight to one side. They will then place the bottom of one foot on the inside of the opposite thigh or calf (avoid the knee). Ask children to place their palms together in a praying position at their chest.

Descriptors : Stand tall like a tree, make a bike stand with one of your feet, and place your hands in a praying position.

Extension : More flexible children can extend their leg up to their thigh and raise their hands above their head (similar to mountain pose extension).

Warrior pose

Instructions : From the tree pose, move into a lunge position with one foot back and one forward. Get children to bend their front knee and hold their palms in a praying position over their head with their arms straight. They can then look up toward the sky.

Descriptors : Move into a runner’s lunge. Turn your front foot forward like you are running and press both hands together over your head.

Extension : Spread arms parallel at their sides like a plane.

Cat/Cow pose

Instructions : Get children to move onto their hands and knees with their arms straight and legs arm’s length apart. Get them to tuck their head and arch their back.

Descriptors : Get down on all fours like a baby who is learning to crawl. Tuck your head in between your arms and lift your spine up like a cat waiting to pounce.

Extension : Get children to lift their heads and lift their bottom up.

Child’s pose

Instructions : Begin on all fours in a tabletop position. Get children to push their arms forward alongside their torso, palms facing down.

Descriptors : Lower down to the floor and put your arms and legs in a table position. Push your arms forward as far as you can with your arms straight and relax.

Extension : Children can start on their knees and push forward with their arms.

With a growing number of yoga training options for teachers, choosing the right program to suit your classroom is important.

When looking for a training provider, consider the following:

• Is the style of yoga a good fit for your class? There are many styles of yoga that vary in speed, technique, and underlying theory. Be sure to choose to train in a style that will suit the educational aims of your class (e.g., emotion regulation, improving physical strength).
• Is the training suited to your age group? Kids will benefit more from a classroom yoga program when the poses are at a difficulty level suited to their age. Be sure to keep this in mind and select a course that includes the foundational basics.
• Is it formally accredited? To ensure you’re getting the highest quality training, consider looking for a training provider recognized or accredited by a formal association or body, such as Yoga Alliance .

Another tip for finding good in-person training is to take a class with the trainer beforehand. That way, you can see if their teaching style is likely to suit you and the needs of your classroom.

3 Education requirements

Most teacher trainings in yoga do not require any additional requirements except to be a teacher. These depend on where teachers are located and working across the world. At a minimum, teachers are required to have:

• A three or four-year bachelor’s degree
• Training in a teacher education program or a Bachelor of Education
• License or registration with an accredited organization that certifies them to teach in their country of residence

It may also be beneficial for teachers pursuing this pathway to have a health and physical education background, since yoga is rooted in movement and healthy living.

The courses we recommend are delivered in varying formats, ranging from virtual to in-person and group to self-paced.

Yoga 4 Classrooms

The Yoga 4 Classrooms training program is a science-backed yoga and mindfulness curriculum, giving teachers the skills to support their students’ mind–body awareness and social and emotional health (Butzer et al., 2015).

The training offers a holistic solution to supporting the wellbeing of students and teachers through 67 foundational activities (‘mindful moments’) while helping to increase concentration and reduce problem behavior in the classroom.

In addition to yoga, other features of the course include conscious breathing, seated and standing stretches, ‘loosen up’ activities, guided visualizations, and character development.

This training offers continuing education credits and is delivered in a combination of virtual and in-person modes. To learn more, visit the Yoga 4 Classrooms website.

Introduction to Teaching Yoga in PE – Yoga Foster

The four-hour training course offered by Yoga Foster provides a comprehensive introduction to yoga as a form of physical activity, consistent with America’s national standards for student fitness.

The course trains educators to:

• Deliver a week-long yoga unit to their students
• Articulate the benefits of yoga for students pre-K through fifth grade
• Lead a variety of basic yoga-based movements
• Adapt techniques to accommodate different fitness and ability levels

This training offers professional development credits and is delivered entirely online. To learn more, visit the PE Central website.

The Yoga Child Training – Yoga Child

Yoga Child’s in-depth training course out of Philadelphia teaches educators the skills to provide mindfulness-based yoga training to students pre-K through fifth grade.

With the training, you will gain access to the Yoga Child Teacher Training Manual, which includes a range of musical compilations, meditations, and stories recommended by parents.

This training is conducted in person and ranges from 21 to 33 hours. Upon completion, educators will have a complete curriculum in hand to confidently teach yoga that is safe, fun, and developmentally suited to target age groups between 3 and 10 years old.

You can learn more at the Yoga Child website.

Here are some of our favorite books for teaching children the benefits of yoga and principles around mindfulness and wellbeing.

1. Yoga for Kids: Simple First Steps in Yoga and Mindfulness – Susannah Hoffman

This book is an excellent aid for children’s yoga educators, featuring more than 50 poses and activities.

It includes detailed advice on the equipment you’ll need to get started, as well as tips to ensure each pose is done safely.

Vibrant photos and illustrations make this an engaging and handy reference for teachers and parents alike.

Find the book on Amazon .

2. Mindfulness and Yoga in Schools: A Guide for Teachers and Practitioners – Catherine Cook-Cottone

This is among the first research-based resources to help teachers and other educators set up a classroom yoga program.

The book includes detailed evidence for the effectiveness of yoga and mindfulness in improving educational outcomes, as well as photographs, scripts, and figures to help craft a school program suited to your context and grade level.

3. Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses: A Practical Workbook for Integrating Themes, Ideas, and Inspiration into Your Class – Sage Rountree and Alexandra DeSiato

This book provides a detailed look at the philosophical foundations of yoga. It covers 54 complete themes instructors can use to develop their own lessons, where students come away learning not just poses but lessons for better living.

With practice, teachers can adapt these themes to create their own unique lessons using the templates provided.

4. Mindfulness Workbook for Kids: 60+ Activities to Focus, Stay Calm, and Make Good Choices – Hannah Sherman

This book provides a kid-friendly introduction to mindfulness and its benefits for handling tough situations and living happily. It includes over 60 thought-provoking health and wellness activities, including meditation, breathing, and introspection.

Among the many topics covered, this book touches on the themes of worry, decision-making, and kindness.

5. Breathing Is My Superpower: Mindfulness Book for Kids to Feel Calm and Peaceful – Alicia Ortego

This book is an excellent aid for both parents and educators looking to teach children the power of mindful breathing.

It presents different breathing techniques to help children regain control of emotions when faced with challenging situations.

Beautifully illustrated, this book is suited for children up to 12.

Looking for more tools to support your classroom yoga? Take a look at the following free resources from our site:

• Meditation Grounding Scripts for Children This reference sheet includes two guided meditations, useful for helping calm a class of students. Two versions of the meditation are provided to suit different age groups.
• Deep Breathing for Kids This script is a great warm-up to a yoga lesson. Across 11 steps, it teaches children the value of deep, calm breathing for soothing intense emotion and inducing calm.
• Teaching Others About Mindfulness This worksheet helps children plan a lesson to teach their peers about mindfulness. Through the exercise, students will consider how to explain the benefits of mindfulness and recommend techniques and resources to their peers.
• When I’m Scared… This worksheet may be a useful supplement to a lesson about emotions and the body. It helps children explore what it feels like when they are afraid and sets the stage for a discussion about yoga as a tool for emotion regulation.

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others enhance their wellbeing, check out this signature collection of 17 validated positive psychology tools for practitioners. Use them to help others flourish and thrive.

17 Top-Rated Positive Psychology Exercises for Practitioners

Expand your arsenal and impact with these 17 Positive Psychology Exercises [PDF] , scientifically designed to promote human flourishing, meaning, and wellbeing.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

Children are being brought up in an increasingly fast-paced world with new and more complex stressors. Yoga is one avenue for kids to learn to handle such stressors while also being a great form of physical activity.

When taught well, yoga can be a powerful tool to help children discover the interaction between a healthy body and mind. Educators, therefore, have an opportunity in the classroom to introduce kids to one such pathway to wellness – one that also happens to benefit learning and classroom management.

We hope you’ve found the poses and activities explored throughout this post useful or that they’ve inspired you to consider yoga in your classroom.

If you’ve given classroom yoga a try with your students, be sure to tell us about it in the comments.

As always, we’d love to hear from you.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free .

• Action for Healthy Kids. (n.d.). Yoga for children . Retrieved February 1, 2022, from https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/yoga-and-mindfulness/
• American Psychological Association. (2021). Stress in America™ survey . Retrieved February 22, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/index
• Butzer, B., Day, D., Potts, A., Ryan, C., Coulombe, S., Davies, B., Weidknecht, K., Ebert, M., Flynn, L., & Khalsa, S. B. S. (2015). Effects of a classroom-based yoga intervention on cortisol and behavior in second and third grade students: A pilot study. Journal of Evidence Based Contemporary Medicine , 20 (1), 41–49.
• Chen, D. D., & Pauwels, L. (2014). Perceived benefits of incorporating yoga into classroom teaching: Assessment of the effects of “Yoga Tools for Teachers.” Advances in Physical Education , 4 , 138–148.
• Cook-Cottone, C. P. (2017).  Mindfulness and yoga in schools: A guide for teachers and practitioners.  Springer.
• Hagen, I. & Nayar, U. S. (2014). Yoga for children and young people’s mental health and well-being: Research review and reflections on the mental health potentials of yoga. Front Psychiatry , 5(35).
• Hoffman, S. (2018).  Yoga for kids: Simple first steps in yoga and mindfulness. DK Children.
• Integral Yoga Magazine. (n.d.). Integral Yoga hatha class for children (ages 4-12) . Retrieved February 3, 2022, from https://integralyogamagazine.org/integral-yoga-hatha-class-for-children-ages-4-12/
• Myers, J. (n.d.). Yoga lesson plan tips for creating your own . Retrieved February 1, 2022, from https://yoga.lovetoknow.com/How_to_Write_Out_a_Yoga_Lesson
• Ortego, A. (2020).  Breathing is my superpower: Mindfulness book for kids to feel calm and peaceful.  Author.
• Rountree, S., & DeSiato, A. (2019).  Teaching yoga beyond the poses: A practical workbook for integrating themes, ideas, and inspiration into your class.  North Atlantic Books.
• Sherman, H. (2020).  Mindfulness workbook for kids: 60+ Activities to focus, stay calm, and make good choices.  Rockridge Press.
• Taspinar, B., Bas-Aslan, U., Agbuga, B., & Taspinar, F. (2014). A comparison of the effects of hatha yoga and resistance exercise on mental health and well-being in sedentary adults: A pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine , 22 , 433–440.
• Telles, S., Kumar-Gupta, R., Gandharva, K., Vishwakarma, B., Kala, N., & Balkrishna, A. (2019). Immediate effect of a yoga breathing practice on attention and anxiety in pre-teen children. Children (Basel), 6(7), 84-91.
• Thomas, E. M., & Centeio, E. E. (2020). The benefits of yoga in the classroom: A mixed-methods approach to the effects of poses and breathing and relaxation techniques. International Journal of Yoga , 13 (3), 250–254.

Share this article:

Article feedback

What our readers think.

love this article – m teaching a 10 year old online and am exploring different ways to bring about mindfulness for him….

Let us know your thoughts Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related articles

Learning Disabilities: 9 Types, Symptoms & Tests

Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, Sylvester Stalone, Thomas Edison, and Keanu Reeves. What do all of these individuals have in common? They have all been diagnosed [...]

Best Courses for Counselors to Grow & Develop Your Skills

Counselors come from a great variety of backgrounds often with roots in a range of helping professions. Every counselor needs to keep abreast of the [...]

How to Apply Social-Emotional Learning Activities in Education

As a teacher, your training may have focused more on academia than teaching social skills. Now in the classroom, you face the challenge of implementing [...]

Read other articles by their category

• Body & Brain (49)
• Coaching & Application (58)
• Compassion (25)
• Counseling (51)
• Emotional Intelligence (23)
• Gratitude (18)
• Grief & Bereavement (21)
• Happiness & SWB (40)
• Meaning & Values (26)
• Meditation (20)
• Mindfulness (44)
• Motivation & Goals (45)
• Optimism & Mindset (34)
• Positive CBT (30)
• Positive Communication (21)
• Positive Education (47)
• Positive Emotions (32)
• Positive Leadership (19)
• Positive Parenting (15)
• Positive Psychology (34)
• Positive Workplace (37)
• Productivity (17)
• Relationships (44)
• Resilience & Coping (38)
• Self Awareness (21)
• Self Esteem (38)
• Strengths & Virtues (32)
• Stress & Burnout Prevention (34)
• Theory & Books (46)
• Therapy Exercises (37)
• Types of Therapy (64)

3 Positive Psychology Tools (PDF)

School Visits

We have been working with schools around Ireland since 2012 and over 40,000 students have taken part in our courses and workshops.

We come to your school

Óga Yoga has been working with schools since 2012. We offer one day workshops, short courses that last a term and programmes that run over the course of the school year.

All in one Yoga

We provide enjoyable and engaging classes adapted to your needs. We also provide yoga mats and all of the required equipment.

Suitable for all classes

Each lesson is designed specifically with the class dynamic, the age and the school curricula in mind to have a lasting impact in the classroom and everyday life. Contact us today to make a booking.

• Our Mission

There has been an error with the video.

5 Yoga Practices for School-Day Transitions

These simple but effective mindfulness, breathing, and yoga techniques can ease stress at tough times of the day. 

This video was inspired by a downloadable tool kit developed by Yoga Ed , which offers many resources to bring evidence-based yoga programs to schools. To dig deeper into the research cited in the video, check out these studies:

• Alessandra N. Bazanno et al.’s 2018 study on the effects of mindfulness and yoga on quality of life for elementary school students and teachers
• Leslie A. Daly et al.’s 2015 study of yoga and emotion regulation in high school students
• Dessa Bergen-Cico, Rachel Razza, and Amy Timmons’s 2015 study on fostering self-regulation through curriculum infusion of mindful yoga
• Lindy L. Weaver and Amy R. Darragh’s 2015 review of yoga interventions for anxiety reduction among children and adolescents
• Bethany Butzer et al.’s 2014 study on classroom-based yoga interventions on cortisol and behavior
• David Dapeng Chen and Linda Pauwels’s 2014 study on the perceived benefits of incorporating yoga into classroom teaching
• Sat Bir S. Khalsa et al.’s 2012 study on the mental health benefits of yoga in secondary school
• Tamar Mendelson et al.’s 2010 study on school-based mindfulness interventions for urban youth  

5 Tips for Teaching Yoga in Schools From A Superintendent of The Year

Advice for successfully building yoga in schools from Massachusetts 2024 Superintendent of the year Barbara Malkas

The yoga program Dr. Barbara Malkas started a few years ago in North Adams Public Schools has benefited students, faculty, staff, and even the community at large. But Malkas, the Massachusetts district's superintendent, admits her motivations for teaching yoga in schools were more personal. 

“I have to be very honest and say that my bringing forward this as an initiative in the district came from a purely selfish self-care need,” says Malkas who was recently named the Massachusetts Superintendent of the Year . “This was back in 2021. We were just coming out of the pandemic. Stress levels were really high for both the adults in the district as well as for the children.” 

Recognizing that there was a need for social-emotional learning opportunities for herself as well as for students and staff, Malkas became interested in Breathe for Change , an organization dedicated to training educators in yoga, social-emotional learning, and other wellness practices. Through these programs, Malkas became a certified yoga instructor. She then offered a six-week yoga class for teachers and then asked other educators in the district if they would be interested in becoming yoga instructors themselves. Many said yes. 

Today, Malkas continues to conduct yoga classes but she is joined by more than 30 educators — including the football coach — offering classes for students, teachers, and North Adams community members at large. 

Here are Malkas’ tips for conducting a successful yoga program in any school or district. 

1. Teaching Yoga in Schools: Get Creative With Ways to Recruit Students and Staff

To make sure the classes are utilized by as many people as possible, Malkas and her staff offer opportunities during the school day as well as part of after-school classes. While many students and staff are excited to attend these sessions, others need more encouragement. One teacher in the district offers yoga class for students as an alternative to detention. 

“In the beginning, you get some wigglers and squirmers and kids who don’t really think this is serious or for them,” Malkas says. “As time goes by, they start to recognize that, ‘Wait a minute. I see what my neighbor on the mat next to me is doing and they seem to be in a good place. They're smiling afterward. They're enjoying themselves. Well, I want to do that too.’” 

Tech & Learning Newsletter

Tools and ideas to transform education. Sign up below.

2. Track Data  

A former chemistry teacher, Malkas says she remains a science teacher at heart, which is part of the reason why she believes data is important. To gauge the impact of Breathe for Change yoga programs in North Adams Public Schools, Malkas and other school leaders looked at behavioral incidents and discipline referrals. They also surveyed teachers about what strategies they were using and what outcomes they noticed. 

Predictably, behavioral incidents have gone down and teachers are seeing an impact from the programs. 

“These things do work, having a moment of mindfulness, using some of these strategies just for a movement break or to settle in or to explore creative expression or to think about how to work with others,” she says. “These are all skills that students are learning to use, not just in their own practice in their learning, but in their practice in life.” 

3.  Remember Yoga Isn’t For Everyone 

Malkas advises making yoga and mindfulness programs available for the willing but never forcing it on students or teachers. Because as much as she loves yoga and other mindfulness practices, Malkas gets that others are not as drawn to it. 

“We have some educators who are like, ‘Oh, here comes that superintendent again with her yoga and mindfulness,'" she says. "But we have other opportunities for them. We have online professional development. We invested in an evidence-based curriculum that also had an adult component. So there was a continuum of opportunities for folks to plug into.” 

Malkas adds, “Our goal is to offer. We're going to offer and figure out innovative ways to offer, but we're never going to force. We’re never going to say, ‘This is what you’re going to do.’”

4.  Collaborate and Be Patient  

While someone needs to lead a yoga initiative, Malkas says you don’t want to just prescribe programs for your staff to implement. Instead, encourage them to help shape what your programs look like. “You  want to get to the place where you're implementing and giving opportunities for teachers to do what they do best, which is to innovate through implementation,” she says. 

It’s also important for district leaders to commit to the program for some time. “You have to think about it as a change process,” Malkas says. “You're not going to train a bunch of educators through Breathe for Change and have them come back and have everybody magically wanting to sit in a meditation pose. That's not going to happen. You have to really support it and build the capacity." 

5. Don't Make Assumptions

Even though yoga isn’t for every teacher or student, you might be surprised by how many students and staff members embrace it. 

“Don't make assumptions,” she says. “Because the assumption could have been, 'Oh, my teachers are never going to go for this. This is not going to work in my district.'” 

In addition, remembering just how long yoga and other mindfulness disciplines have existed can also be a helpful recommendation for engagement. “These practices have been around for thousands of years,” she says. 

Malkas adds that yoga and mindfulness have helped people in the past through extremely difficult eras. “We tend to think the times we live in are the most challenging, but the reality is that life is always challenging and these practices have withstood the test of time.” 

• Mindfulness Training Shows Promise for Teachers in New Study
• Smiling Mind: How To Use It to Teach

Erik Ofgang is a Tech & Learning contributor. A journalist,  author  and educator, his work has appeared in The New York Times, the Washington Post, the Smithsonian, The Atlantic, and Associated Press. He currently teaches at Western Connecticut State University’s MFA program. While a staff writer at Connecticut Magazine he won a Society of Professional Journalism Award for his education reporting. He is interested in how humans learn and how technology can make that more effective. 

What Is Scratch And How Does It Work? What's New?

NoRedInk: How to Use It to Teach Writing

Best Apps and Sites for Augmented Reality

Most Popular

Named one of Condé Nast Traveler's Best Yoga Retreats!

Kripalu is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your gift helps create a more awakened, compassionate, and connected world.

Why Give to Kripalu

We can see the path, but we can’t travel it without you.

How to Give to Kripalu

Explore the different ways to support Kripalu.

See Your Gift in Action

• Kripalu By the Numbers
• Your Donation in Action
• Living the Why in Yoga
• Scholarships & Grants

For more than 50 years, Kripalu has been a leader in yoga- and mindfulness-based education. More than just poses on a mat, we believe yoga is an accessible practice that inspires connection, compassion, and joy.

• Employment Opportunities
• Call Registrations at ‭413.448.3500‬ or email at [email protected]
• Monday–Friday 9:00 am–5:00 pm EST

Kripalu Resources

• Meet the Team
• Equity at Kripalu
• Land Acknowledgement
• Our Core Values
• Press Center

Join the Conversation

• Get Kripalu Emails
• Request a Catalog

Join Us On Campus

Come visit the Kripalu campus, nestled in the breathtaking Berkshire mountains, for a nourishing retreat full of yoga, nutritious meals, mindful outdoor experiences, and more.

Plan Your Visit

Retreat & renewal.

• Berkshire-Area Resident Discount

About Your Stay

• Registration & Arrival
• Guest & Student Guide
• Healing Arts
• Accommodations
• Shop & Cafe
• Covid-19 Safety Protocols
• Directions & Transportation
• Retreat & Renewal Schedule
• Call Registrations at 413.448.3500 or email [email protected]

About Our Schools

Now online, Kripalu offers a variety of teacher trainings and certifications to deepen your practice and share your passion with the world.

Our Schools

• School of Yoga
• School of Ayurveda
• School of Integrative Yoga Therapy
• School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership
• Kripalu Schools Accommodations
• Your Donation In Action
• Free Online Info Sessions
• Free Online Schools Affinity Groups

Find Your Center Online

From dynamic presenter programs and workshops to virtual healing arts offerings, explore all Kripalu has to offer you in the comfort of your home.

Kripalu Online

• Kripalu Online Studio
• Online Shop
• Virtual Healing Arts Services

You Might Also Be Interested In

• Online Resources
• Free Affinity Circles

Kripalu Articles

Kripalu experts and visiting faculty share their views on yoga, health and wellness, nutrition, relationships, creativity, and spirituality.

• Meditation & Mindfulness
• Food & Nutrition
• Desktop and Mobile Wallpapers
• Free Coloring Book
• Equity Glossary
• Equity Resources and Bibliography

On Campus & Online Programs

Explore upcoming programs led by Kripalu faculty and expert presenters on topics ranging from yoga to societal and personal transformation.

Kripalu R&R—a self-guided experience—allows you the freedom to choose what you need while you're here.

Kripalu’s evidence-based resilience program, RISE™, is anchored in the science of mindfulness, yoga, and positive psychology.

Kripalu Signature Programs

Scholarships & free programming.

• Sliding Scale Tuition Programs
• Visionaries 2023

It’s All Yoga

Featured program.

Become A Yoga Teacher

Begin the transformation

Explore on campus and online programs led by expert presenters and Kripalu faculty.

RETREAT & RENEWAL

Take time to reflect and rest with our self-guided experience.

SCHOOLS & TRAININGS

Deepen your practice and become a Yoga Alliance certified instructor.

On Campus Programs

• Yoga June 7, 2024 Rodney Yee Colleen Saidman Yee The Full Scope of Yoga
• Self-Discovery June 14, 2024 Miles Borrero Chant Your Way to Freedom
• Yoga June 21, 2024 Jacqui Bonwell The Art of Restoration
• Yoga June 21, 2024 Erica Garcia Abergel Sutras for Daily Life
• Health, Fitness, and Wellness July 5, 2024 Deb Dana Anchored to Calm
• Yoga July 12, 2024 Jillian Pransky Expanding In the Summer Light
• Self-Discovery July 19, 2024 Coby Kozlowski Quarter-Life Calling
• Yoga July 21, 2024 Paris Alexandra Guest Presenter Melba Nicholson Sullivan Vibrant Women of Color

Online Programs

• Spiritual Practice and Meditation May 31, 2024 Alberto Villoldo Marcela Lobos The Shaman's Way of Healing, Living, and Dying
• Self-Discovery June 6, 2024 ​AmarAtma The Grief Compass
• Creative Expression July 1, 2024 Jess Frey 30 Days of Collective Wisdom
• Self-Discovery July 9, 2024 MaryAnn DiMarco Medium Mentor 101
• Spiritual Practice and Meditation July 10, 2024 Aki Hirata Baker Manu River Del Prete Spiritual Alignment for the Healers
• Creative Expression July 18, 2024 Julia Cameron The Artist’s Way
• Self-Discovery August 5, 2024 Anandamai Charlyn Reihman Stephen Cope The Dharma of Difficult Times

Explore our diverse range of free programming and scholarship options.

Support Our Mission

As an educational nonprofit, our mission to ignite both personal and societal transformation is made possible by donors like you.

FIND YOUR PATH

Immerse yourself in exclusive retreats led by our own faculty with the Kripalu lineage in mind.

EXPERIENCE KRIPALU ONLINE

Dive into Kripalu programs from the comfort of home.

HEALING ARTS

Integrate your experience through massage, consultations, and more.

Online resources

Are You Wanting to Bring Yoga and Mindfulnes s to Schools...

But you don't have the resources and a real plan to confidently implement it school-wide.

Welcome to the School Yoga Program

With this comprehensive 6-week step-by-step course, you will confidently create a customized wellness program for your school community with ease!

Fall Session: October 21st - December 6th, 2024

Children Today Are Struggling With...

• Emotional Dysregulation
• High Levels of Stress and Anxiety
• Lack of Engagement and Motivation in the Classroom
• Challenges with Academics
• Physical Inactivity 
• Behavioral Issues

They often lack basic social-emotional skills and suffer the ill effects of this physically, in school, at home, in relationships, and in their communities.

And Teachers, Counselors, and Staff are Suffering Too With:

• Soaring Levels of Stress and Depression
• Thoughts of Quitting a Profession They Love

You may have taken other yoga or mindfulness programs and walked away unsure how to really implement the ideas into your school....

Or you simply know that mindfulness and yoga is the solution you've been searching for, but you don't know. ...

But with the School Yoga Program ...

You will have a fresh approach, solid implementation strategy, and real support to transform your school through yoga, breathing, and mindfulness, and improve the lives of everyone in your school community.

Learn and Cultivate Fresh SEL Tools

Easily weave yoga, breathing, and mindfulness practices and tools into the school day.

Increase Readiness to Learn

Create engaged classrooms and provide tools to help students be ready-to-learn.

Build Life-Long Skills

Promote real-world tools to help children increase self-regulation, manage emotions, and foster focus and concentration in and out of the classroom.

Enhance Your Personal Well-Being

Support the adults in your school community by empowering them with yoga, breathing, and mindfulness practices.

Meet Your Instructor & Guide

I'm Giselle, Founder of Kids Yoga Stories...

and I totally get it!

I know what it’s like to be a primary school teacher in chaotic classrooms with limited time and loads of curriculum to teach.

I also have a daughter who has additional needs.

In order to help children everywhere, including my daughter, manage the ups and downs of life, I’ve spent the last twelve years creating resources, workbooks, books, and guides for teachers, parents, and anyone wanting to bring yoga and mindfulness to children. 

And, I’m thrilled to finally bring you my biggest, most comprehensive offering yet and help you design your very own tailor-made school yoga program.

I can’t wait to meet you and work together toward a common goal—helping children be active and healthy and to get the most out of life!

Hands Down One of the Best Trainings!

Hands down one of the best trainings I’ve ever done in my 17 years of school counseling! It gave me a starting point in how I wanted to implement yoga / mindfulness into my elementary school. Along the way, the program offered great ideas, input, education, & support from a wonderful community of people who are just trying to make the world & our schools a better place! I continue to build on my school program, but I would’ve never made it (or probably even started it) if it wasn’t for this program! Highly recommend this program! You won’t regret it!

— Amy D. School Counselor

It shouldn't be hard to bring yoga and mindfulness to schools in a meaningful way!

How does it work, three steps to success.

What You Need to Know About the School Yoga Program

Our most comprehensive program for anyone who want to build a successful school-wide wellness program ...

all from the comfort of your own home!

Upcoming Dates:

Be the Grownup Who Finally Brings Yoga & Mindfulness to the Entire School Community

What's Included:

• 12 Video Lessons
• 4 Workbook Guides
• 13 Supplemental Guides and Resources
• Additional checklists, worksheets, templates
• Interviews, real world examples, and case studies
• Yoga & Mindfulness 101 course specifically for you (value $150)
• School Yoga Lesson Planning Course (value $97)
• $50 credit to our store to be used on any digital products
• Everything you need to make your planning super easy!

Support, Guidance, and Expert Instruction

• 4 live group calls with Giselle and Cassandra Troughton (Community Manager for KYS) to bust through any blocks you may have and to help you make your ideas a reality.
• 1 live one-on-one call with Giselle (Founder of Kids Yoga Stories) to get your started on the right track, brainstorm ideas, or review your finished plan.
• Support and community via the virtual group calls and our private Facebook group.
• 10+ interviews from various experts in the field (and growing).

Plus, upon successful completion of the course, you will also receive:

• Status, recognition, and perks joining the ranks of "Kids Yoga Stories School Yoga Ambassador"
• A digital, printable certificate suitable for framing
• Ongoing support and community through Quarterly School Yoga Ambassador group calls
• Submit your 135 hours to Courses4Teachers (or your district, if appropriate) for graduate-level professional development units/semester for a potential salary increase

I Loved the School Yoga Program!

I went into the whole experience overwhelmed and having no idea where to start my school yoga program. I had a ton of resources, but no exact doable, step-by-step plan—and just thinking about it made me anxious! This was the most practical and organized program. The breakdown of the materials made sense and was easy to follow, and I was able to accomplish everything I set out to do in only five days—with no anxiety!!! It was also affordable, the KYS team replied to all my crazy e-mails in a timely manner, and they gave input/suggestions specifically for my school yoga program (not just general statements—input specific to my program). AMAZING! Who even does that?! I've been a school counselor for over fifteen years, and this was one of the best workshops I've ever attended! I plan on being a lifelong member and supporter of Giselle and Kids Yoga Stories! 

—Amy Ketner School Counselor

Kind Words from Teachers & School Counselors

RESOURCES ARE A GREAT FIT!

"Your resources are a great fit. I want the students to learn strength in their bodies and mind—and experience what it feels like to be calm. I can do this by providing tools, games, and techniques. I’m so excited to build a strong yoga program at my school!"

EMPOWERING TEACHERS

"My takeaway is that we’re not doing the yoga activities 'to' them, but rather we are participating in the activities 'with' them. I also never thought of teaching mindfulness through sensory activities. I can see that empowering the teachers because they are probably already doing a lot of mindfulness activities without realizing it!"

BRINGING INTENTIONALITY TO WHAT WE DO

" My takeaway is that I’m already doing all these yoga and mindfulness activities, but now I need to bring the intentionality behind what we do. It will help me be present with the children. I feel more confident going forward, and now I have a workable plan!"

Resources are Invaluable

"I am truly grateful for the wealth of knowledge this course provided! After taking your class, I was able to persuade my school to allow me to teach yoga classes as an elective for my middle school students. This experience gave me the confidence to teach yoga full-time in daycares, schools, studios, and private settings! Your resources and books have been invaluable in that transition! (I also love using them with my young nieces as a way to get them interested in yoga too!). Teaching yoga full-time has been incredibly rewarding."

—Tamar Greengarden Special Education Teacher/Children's Yoga Teacher

Make a Difference in the Lives of Your Students Today

We only offer this course twice a year..

Next Session: October 21st - December 6th, 2024

© 2024 Kids Yoga Stories | Privacy Policy 

SCHOOL  PROGRAM

INVITE US TO YOUR SCHOOL!

Üphoria Yoga empowers children through yoga, movement and mindfulness at your school! 

We will send one of our experienced children’s yoga teachers to your school to engage children in fun, dynamic, and educational yoga classes. Yoga for children encourages the use of mindfulness, self-acceptance and provides them with tools for self-regulation. It supports a child through their formative years so that they can move about the world with increased confidence, resilience and awareness.

WHY YOGA IN SCHOOLS?

Yoga is an exemplary tool to bring mindfulness into the lives of children both in school and out. through learning about the fundamentals of yoga like movement, breath, and awareness, children can begin to learn how they have autonomy over their bodies, minds and actions. yoga gives kids the tools to take charge of their own wellness. yoga has been proven to help with anxiety, self- confidence, focused attention, mental health support, physical health, and an increased overall academic performance..

FIELD  TRIPS

SPEND A DAY AT ÜPHORIA!

Bring your students into our beautiful studio space for a fun day of yoga introductions, dynamic breathwork, group activities, games and time for relaxation. Students will have an opportunity to engage in age appropriate poses, a positive class environment and leave with new skills. This mini yoga session is a fantastic introduction to mindfulness that will lay down the foundation for continued learning.  

WHY FIELD TRIPS? What child doesn't love a good field trip? We see the value in introducing children to an environment such as our studio that serves as a "safe and special space." We always try to invite our students into our yoga studio with the understanding that as soon as they enter the room, they have entered into a safe and special place. This space is distinct from other spaces as it is a judgement-free zone, a place for kids to be themselves, step outside their comfort zones and make leaps towards self discovery and personal refinement. Bring your students to us for a field trip, for all that and more. 

Get in touch

OUTSIDE FESTIVAL JUNE 1-2

Don't miss Thundercat + Fleet Foxes, adventure films, experiences, and more!

GET TICKETS

Powered by Outside

Yoga in Schools

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Although kids’ yoga has been catching on in studios over the past few years, not all families have the means to send their children to classes at $15-$20 a pop. Another venue is growing, however: More and more public and private schools are welcoming yoga and integrating it into the curriculum.

“Most kids don’t have nannies, or parents who aren’t working, who can drive them to yoga class after school,” says Leah Kalish, director of Yoga Ed., a Los Angeles-based yoga-education training company. “When it’s offered at school, it’s a huge relief, even for people of resource. Let it be part of their basic education.”

Yoga isn’t becoming part of the national elementary school curriculum any time soon. But it is showing up in physical education programs, recess and break-period activities, and even classrooms, integrated into topics including mathematics, art, and science.

Three organizations—YogaKids, of Long Beach, Indiana; Yoga Ed., of Los Angeles; and Yoga’d Up, of London—have launched training programs that educate yoga teachers and school teachers in the U.S. and the U.K. on how to adapt their teaching to appeal to the short attention spans and special needs of young children. These programs also help yoga teachers get established in school systems, get funding for their programs, and, in some cases, go on to become educators who train the teachers who will ultimately integrate yoga into the classroom.

Yoga as a Learning Tool

All three programs use movement as an integrative method for learning. “When you give [kids] yoga poses, use visualization, and allow them to move their bodies, their whole learning ability goes up several notches,” says Marsha Wenig, founder of YogaKids. Yoga Ed.’s Kalish agrees that children learn best by doing. “When you teach kids, it’s not about telling them—it’s about creating experiences for them where they connect the dots, and create new dots.”

“The YogaKids program helps children learn how to control their energy so that they can focus and concentrate better,” adds Amy Haysman, coordinator of the program. “It teaches breathing techniques and poses that help them think more clearly.” For example, bunny breath, short inhalations through the nose and a long exhale through the mouth, can energize kids who need to get focused in order to take a test. Haysman has been hired by schools in Georgia to incorporate yoga into academic classes and physical education programs. In one program, called “Reading Comes Alive with Yoga,” teachers take a book, picture, or story and practice yoga poses associated with animals or objects in the story. “It helps the kids feel like they’re not passively listening. It’s interactive,” Haysman says.

The Opportunity: Marketing to School Teachers

The market for teaching yoga to children is largely untapped. As yoga has caught on with adults, the number of yoga teachers has mushroomed. According to Yoga Alliance, there were a few more than 2,000 registered yoga teachers in the U.S. five years ago. Today there are more than 14,000. By contrast, relatively few are trained to teach children’s yoga in schools.

This year, however, YogaKids has trained 51 teacher-educators nationwide, who have taught another 50 teachers in the “Tools for Schools” program, according to Haysman. YogaEd has trained about 200 teachers nationwide, Kalish says. So far, most of Yoga Ed.’s teacher trainees have come through the ranks of the public education system, largely due to a federal Physical Education Program (PEP) grant worth about $750,000. But Kalish believes there is ample opportunity for yoga teachers to become trained and then offer training to school teachers. Yoga’d Up, aimed at 8-12 year olds, has trained about 200 teachers since its May launch, according to founder Fenella Lindsell. Based in the U.K., Yoga’d Up is an offshoot of YogaBugs, a program for children aged 2-7 that has trained 900 teachers in the U.K. and Ireland.

Teaching yoga in schools is a way for yoga teachers to expand their reach—and their income. Pay for these ventures varies widely, and most depend on the initiative of the yoga teacher. Some teachers find funding for their efforts through grants, which they need to write themselves. Others work with parents who donate money to make yoga available in their children’s schools. Some schools, having seen the benefits yoga can offer their students, have raised money to have their teachers trained. One school in Coral Gables, Florida, for example, funded 10 teachers to receive YogaKids training, according to Wenig.

Pay for teaching in schools usually amounts to more than teaching in a studio, according to Haysman, who has taught yoga in schools for five years and codeveloped YogaKids’ “Tools for Schools” program. “In a studio, teachers usually get $40 per class, while in a school I’ve gotten all the way up to $75 for 45 minutes,” she explains. Once the school’s PTA paid her $200 just to participate in a job fair.

“We’re also starting to see after-school yoga clubs popping up,” Haysman says. An Atlanta school is raising money for its after-school club by charging $10 per child, per class. With 30 children participating, the teacher gets paid $150 per class, while the school uses its share of the fees for props and other programs.

Getting Started and Continuing

Wenig started teaching in schools by volunteering at her own children’s school. “I never imagined seeing a training or certification program evolve,” she says. She recommends pro bono work as a way to get a foot in the door. In addition, training gives teachers credibility, as do lesson plans—such measurements of expertise follow a format that makes sense to school administrators.

The business plan based on teacher training for schoolteachers appears to have profit potential as well. Earlier this year, a venture capitalist offered €200,000 to Yoga’d Up founders Fenella Lindsell and Lara Goodbody, in exchange for 30 percent of their business. Lindsell and Goodbody chose not to sell, but they are optimistic that they will find investors to help them to bring their program to the United States.

Modifying Your Methodology

The introduction of yoga into schools has not come without some controversy, however. When Yoga Ed. founder Tara Guber introduced the program to a school in Aspen, Colorado, school officials and fundamentalist parents opposed having yoga in their children’s school, claiming it to be a religion.

As a solution to this potential misunderstanding, Yoga Ed. came up with new terms for concepts their opponents deemed religious— time-in instead of meditation , and oneness instead of samadhi . “We sing, but we don’t chant,” says Yoga Ed.’s Kalish. “We never use the word spirit , we use breath, body, mind, silence, space, understanding . To teach in the school, we have to be very, very careful about not stepping across any lines that make it spiritual in any way.”

Wenig says she has met some resistance (one editorial in the local paper claimed that “Yoga leads children to the devil”), but she can count those instances on one hand. And for Lynda Meeder, a school counselor for the past five years, the YogaKids program has been an invaluable tool. Most children’s first introduction to Meeder is through the yoga she brings to classrooms. Children with problems at school or home come into her office, and they already know her, and already have tools to solve their problems. If they are dealing with anger, for example, she’ll ask how they can calm down. “They know the answer immediately. They’re using yoga at home in conflict resolution with siblings,” Meeder says. “At an early age, kids can develop these skills they’re learning through yoga.”

Meeder isn’t the only one who notices that yoga makes a difference; kids and teachers love it, too. “It brings a sense of calm to the classroom,” Meeder says. “Kids are so stressed out. They tell me this is the one time they have to relax.”

For more information on yoga training for school teachers, visit www.yogakids.com , yogadup.com , and www.yogaed.com .

Jodi Mardesich lives and teaches yoga in Rincón, Puerto Rico.

Popular on Yoga Journal

Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive sequences and other members-only content, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes.

Healthy Living

• Clean Eating
• Vegetarian Times
• Yoga Journal
• Fly Fishing Film Tour
• National Park Trips
• Warren Miller
• Fastest Known Time
• Trail Runner
• Women's Running
• Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
• FinisherPix
• Outside Events Cycling Series
• Outside Shop

© 2024 Outside Interactive, Inc

Get Started

School and school districts.

Are you working to prioritize SEL, mental health prevention, whole-child education, wellness, and teacher well-being in your school? Maybe it’s even part of your school district’s strategic plan? Do you wish there were a simple, cost-effective, sustainable (and enjoyable) way to help create a safe and healthy school or school district? Our founder created the Yoga 4 Classrooms program with exactly the same concerns, goals and intentions in mind.

15 years later, the same program and products are providing an especially timely and critical, yet simple way to support social, emotional, physical well-being, student success, and a positive, inclusive climate.

Steps 1 and 2 of the  School / School District Success Path will provide your school or district  community everything needed to immediately get started integrating simple, impactful “mindful moments” into the class day to nurture whole child development, support educator well-being, and create a culture of compassion and inclusion.

If you’d like to ensure effective, sustainable schoolwide or districtwide implementation, including Step 3 will empower you to achieve that goal!

Let’s get started…

School & School District Success Path

Schedule the foundational training.

In our 6-hour foundational training, “Yoga & Mindfulness in the Classroom: Trauma-Informed Tools to Support SEL, Student Success and Positive Climate,” your school or districtwide staff will learn how integrating “mindful moments” into the class day can be a simple and effective way to enhance the teaching and learning experience while supporting whole child development, teacher well-being, and a positive and inclusive climate. No equipment or experience required. 

Choose from three learning formats for your group: Self-Paced Online, Live Remote, or In Person. Register your group for one of our public offerings, or request a proposal for a private training for your group.

Choose Your Classroom Essentials

Our classroom essentials kits supplement the training and support engaging, effective, sustainable classroom, school or districtwide implementation.

Kit 1 includes our 3 most essential classroom tools including the Yoga 4 Classrooms Activity Cards (boxed set), Focus Chime and Breathing Ball.

Kit 2 is suggested for those educators, counselors and others in your school/district working in contexts where teaching and learning take place with a bit more space than is typically available in a traditional classroom setting. Kit 2 includes the items in Kit 1 PLUS Lisa’s Yoga for Children book, corresponding Yoga for Children-Yoga & Mindfulness Activity Cards, and I Grow With Yoga MP3 Album.

Combined with the foundational training (Step 1), it’s everything your staff will need to teach, engage and support their students (and themselves!) with yoga and mindfulness right away.

Develop an IMPLEMENT Leadership Team

The Y4C IMPLEMENT Leadership Training is our advanced train-the-trainer leadership program for school-based teams and individuals who have been inspired by their experience using the program with their students, and would like to be empowered to launch and lead Yoga 4 Classrooms as a sustainable schoolwide initiative. Though not a requirement, a districtwide implementation plan often involves a team from each school with one or more relevant administrative leaders such as an SEL Director.

Request for Proposal

Contact us to request a proposal and get your school or district started on the Y4C Implementation Success Path!

Privacy Overview

• FREE MASTERCLASS - The 9 dos & don'ts of teaching yoga to kids
• FULL COURSE - Teach Yoga & Mindfulness to Children
• Children's yoga and mindfulness videos
• The Wellbeing in Education Podcast
• Get in touch
• Teacher Training Course
• Teacher Tribe Community

Welcome to Class Yoga! We’re experts at...

training top-class children’s yoga teachers – with authenticity, not stories – helping you make maximum impact with a purposeful, profitable business

enabling schools worldwide to provide excellent children’s yoga and mindfulness – to raise attainment and success through a culture of wellbeing

Get started with these impactful resources

Teachers, get started sharing yoga with your class

Classroom Teachers, get a 14 day free trial of our Well Ed Schools video library

Yogis, start learning more about teaching yoga to kids

Access our free masterclass: 9 Dos and Don’ts of Teaching Yoga to Kids

Welcome to Class Yoga

Founded by Senior Yoga Teacher and Primary School Teacher, Helen Clare, Class Yoga exists to improve young lives – and simultaneously, our own!

Through our celebrated video vault of classes for schools, Well Ed ; and our world-renowned online Teacher Training course ; as well as 100s of free videos and podcast episodes, our goal is to inspire, guide and support you in providing the right type of yoga for your children and students, at the right time.

We know that every child (and adult!) benefits physically and mentally from mindful movement, like yoga, when taught in the best approach for their needs. That’s why the Class Yoga method is based on science, expert experience, evidence and research - not stories and cartoons.

So whether you’re following our video classes, or our training course methods, we aim to give you the confidence to share safe, beneficial yoga for children – raising their wellbeing, and consequently yours.

Helen Clare - Class Yoga Founder

Let's raise child wellbeing together...

Well Ed School - Yoga & Wellbeing Video Vault

The complete Class Yoga video library of yoga, mindfulness and other wellbeing classes for children aged 4 to 12. Designed and taught by an expert, so you don’t have to!

Children Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Training

A unique online course that gives you the certification (and confidence!) to teach real, authentic, children's yoga to ages 4 to 12 – transforming young lives, and your own!

Some of our Well Ed ® Schools

What our graduates are saying...

This course is magic. I signed up not really knowing what to expect or if I would actually feel confident enough to teach children by the end. To the testament of Helen and the way she's designed this course, I absolutely do feel confident enough to share yoga with children and be myself whilst doing it. The method and tools you learn in this course are remarkable. No stone is left unturned. It is thorough and delivered with real clarity and sensitivity. I am a different person and teacher now having completed this course. I can't wait to share what I've learned here with my community.

Sunny-Jade Boddy

I have loved every second. All of the course content was so informative and useful. I also love how it’s all raw teaching – no fluff, or stories, or things like that – and such a focus on good mental health.

I enjoyed this course so much and I feel I’ve learnt so much in how to effectively teach yoga to children. Helen has so much knowledge and experience, and is really good at sharing it – and she’s also really encouraging and kind. I feel really excited now about being able to go out and teach yoga classes for children! I’m so grateful that this course was there for me.

Absolutely amazing course, really informative and introduces you to a unique method which is basically a fail-proof way of teaching yoga to kids! The course material has been put together extremely well, Helen's enthusiasm and knowledge shines through the whole course. I now feel more confident and well equipped to start teaching!

• The Podcast
• Free Videos
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Welcome to School Street Yoga

Since 2009, School Street Yoga is the premier yoga and meditation space serving the communities of Waterville, Augusta, and the Belgrade Lakes region. Come join us and let us build a yoga practice together!

One of our more popular yoga classes, hatha yoga is offered seven times a week, mornings and afternoons.

Yoga for Beginners

School Street offers yoga for all levels, including introductory courses to those unfamiliar with the practice.

Yoga in A Waterville Landmark

The history of the building that houses School Street Yoga extends far back from the beginnings of the studio in 2009.

HELLO YOGIS ,

Happy May, everyone! This month, as nature exuberantly bursts forth with new life, the power, beauty and wonder of prana (life energy) surrounds us.

In the words of Catherine Devrye : 

Like tiny seeds with potent power to push through tough ground and become mighty trees, we hold innate reserves of unimaginable strength. We are resilient.

This spring, let’s share a practice of moving and breathing and embodying the expansive springtime energy of prana , together: our shared capacity for growth, strength, possibility and love of life!

Please see below for the special May events and weekly classes.

Let’s grow a yoga and meditation practice together.

MAY 2024 WEEKLY SCHEDULE

MONDAYS 9:00– 10:15 am Yin Yoga w/ Carol MONDAYS 4:00 – 5:00 pm Hula Hoop for Health w/ Carol     MONDAYS 5:30 – 6:30 pm Yoga for Athletes w/ Carol

TUESDAYS  8:15 – 9:15 am  Vinyasa Yoga w/ Anna TUESDAYS  10:00 – 11:00 am  Vinyasa Yoga w/ Anna TUESDAYS 4:00 – 5:00 pm Hatha Yoga w/  Kim TUESDAYS  5:30 – 6:30 pm  Hatha Yoga w/  Kim

WEDNESDAYS 9:00 – 10:00 am Hatha Yoga w/ Kim WEDNESDAYS 9:00 – 10:00 am Tai Chi & Qigong w/ Audrey WEDNESDAYS 10:30 – 11:30 am Yoga for Beginners w/ Kim WEDNESDAYS  5:30 – 6:30 pm  Vinyasa Yoga w/ Desiree     

THURSDAYS  8:15 – 9:15 am  Hatha Yoga w/  Kim THURSDAYS 10:00 – 11:00 am Hatha Yoga w/  Kim THURSDAYS 4:00 – 5:00 pm Dynamic Vinyasa (online only) w/ Kathleen THURSDAYS 5:30 – 6:30 pm Restorative Yoga w/ Kim

FRIDAYS 9:00 am – 10:15 am Hatha Yoga w/ Kathleen FRIDAYS 11:00 am – 12:00 noon Gentle Yoga w/  Kathleen

SATURDAYS  8:30 – 9:30 am  Hatha Yoga w/  Kim SATURDAYS 8:30 – 9:30 am Yoga for Kids (ages 3-5) w/ Emma SATURDAYS 10:00 – 11:00 am Yoga for Beginners w/ Kim SATURDAYS 10:00 – 11:00 am Yoga for Kids (ages 6-9) w/ Emma

SUNDAYS 8:00 – 9:00 am Meditation (free; donations appreciated) SUNDAYS 9:30 – 10:30 am All Levels Flow Yoga w/ Kathleen

  = Class is available online  = Class requires pre-registration

Note: Check updates to schedule due to weather and holidays. Schedules will be updated with class cancellations at least an hour before class.

NEW! Yoga for Kids

Saturdays, 8:30 – 9:30 am (ages 3-5), saturdays, 10:00 – 11:00 am (ages 6-9).

Emma’s classes provide her young students the skills for mindfully navigating daily life as well as a fun outlet through linked breathing and movement.

Reiki Sessions at School Street Yoga with Certified Reiki Master Jacyln Quiqley

Reiki is a natural healing remedy using life force energy to support a greater sense of peace and wellbeing.

• Relax and reduce stress
• Balance energy in the body
• Enhance spiritual connection
• Foster natural self-healing
• Relieve pain and discomfort

20-minute sessions, Saturdays   10am – 12pm and Sundays 11am-1pm ($20/session; $15 with I 💚 Yoga). Please call or text Jackie Quigley at 207-692-7933 to schedule your session. 60-minute sessions available upon request.

School Street Gift Certificates for Sale!

Yoga classes are a great gift to share with others! Available in any denomination and good for all of our regular class offerings.

We want to thank our students who voted us Best of the Best, Yoga Studio in Central Maine!

We are so happy to be selected as one of the top 10 Yoga studios in the state of Maine, by Best Things Maine!

Special Events & Classes

June 28 2024

Yoga Nidra & Crystal Bowls Sound Bath

A evening of guided meditation.

June 20 2024

Yoga & Drum Meditation

An afternoon yoga class with rhythmic vibrations

May 31 2024

May 16 2024

May 12 2024

Hula Hoop for Your Health in the Park! Outdoors with music and fitness

Community News

SSY Partnership with Children’s Discovery Museum

SSY Partnership with Children’s Discovery Museum Tuesdays, March 7-28, 3:30 - 5:00 pm. In conjunction with CDM's...

SSY’s Yoga Class Raises Money for Humane Society

Instructor Kathleen H.'s Restorative Yoga class on February 26 raised over $400 for the local Waterville Humane...

Namaste away: Rangers bar yoga classes at cliffside San Diego park

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

For three years, Amy Baack has been teaching free yoga classes in the open air at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego every week.

But last Wednesday, she arrived for her 6 p.m. class to find three park ranger trucks parked on the cliffs. Some of her students, who were visibly upset and crying, were talking to the rangers. Because of a new ordinance passed in March, the rangers said, community gatherings of four or more people that could be considered a business weren’t allowed at Sunset Cliffs anymore.

Baack had worked with park rangers in the past, who allowed her and other yoga teachers to hold donation-based classes as long as they included fewer than 50 people and didn’t use any amplified sound.

“This is definitely not where I get my business,” said Baack, who also offers private yoga and meditation classes for a fee. “This is more about community and creating that sense of collective here in San Diego because we get people from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.”

The ordinance specifies the parks where people can hold yoga and fitness classes, as well as other activities, if they get a permit, but Sunset Cliffs isn’t one of them.

Jackie Kowalik also had to cancel the free class she’s been teaching at Sunset Cliffs since 2017. Some of her students who weren’t aware of the new ordinance still showed up last week, only to be met by park rangers.

Climate & Environment

California libraries may lose free passes to state parks as budget deficit mounts

A program that allowed Californians to check out free passes to state parks at their local library is in jeopardy as the state contends with a budget deficit.

Feb. 28, 2024

“This is about our community,” she said. “I think a lot of people think this is two yoga teachers that are angry. You’re taking away joy and comfort and a place for safe mental health being accessed without consulting the citizens.”

Kowalik, who teaches paid classes at fitness studios, said she’s heard of pickup soccer games and volleyball tournaments also being shut down. She and some of the other yoga instructors in the community are hoping they’ll be able to apply for a permit to teach at Sunset Cliffs, and they have reached out to their clients and asked them to let the city know how the free, donation-based yoga classes have helped them out.

“I know these classes mean a lot to people,” she said. “The stories people have been telling about pulling themselves out of depression, moms who bring their families and kids, broke college students and people who are unemployed who can’t afford to take a class at a studio.”

Caleb Olsen, a city spokesperson, said in an email that while a lot of people have expressed opposition to the ordinance online, there is also support from people who use the park, live in the area or are against “unpermitted commercial activity on City land.”

Barbara Keiller, chair of the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Council, said that there have been some concerns about the safety of those participating in yoga and fitness classes, especially in the cliff area. Because it’s long, narrow and susceptible to erosion, she said, there is a risk of the ground giving way and people falling to their deaths.

Keiller said the classes leave less room in the parking lot and block part of the California Coastal Trail.

“We’re realizing it’s inappropriate to have 50 people on a narrow cliff edge, blocking the walkway for other people,” she said.

Residents in wealthy Montecito are using boulders to block hikers’ parking, bringing warnings

Residents of the Santa Barbara County town are facing possible fines and prosecution after placing obstructions near a popular trailhead in the public right-of-way.

April 4, 2024

Keiller herself has participated in outdoor yoga classes and called the activity “very important.”

“There are safe places for people to do that,” she added.

Kowalik and the other instructors have spoken with a civil rights attorney and reached out to city officials, who have agreed to meet with them. In the meantime, Kowalik has rented a private venue for her Sunday class and said she will continue to do so out of her own pocket.

“I’m just trying to teach a yoga class that’s for the community, I’m not trying to make waves,” she added.

More to Read

This Pilates class is harder to get into than the Magic Castle

Feb. 7, 2024

Paddleboarding without water? This new L.A. core workout will help you find balance

Jan. 24, 2024

Need a boost of vitamin D? Here are 9 outdoor yoga classes to try this winter in L.A.

Dec. 8, 2023

Start your day right

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

Summer Lin is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the Los Angeles Times’ breaking news team. Before coming to The Times, she covered breaking news for the Mercury News and national politics and California courts for McClatchy’s publications, including the Miami Herald. An East Coast native, Lin moved to California after graduating from Boston College and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Lin was among The Times’ staff members who covered the Monterey Park mass shooting in 2023, which was recognized by the Pulitzer Board as a finalist in breaking news.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Dozens of shuttered 99 Cents Only stores could reopen under a familiar name: Dollar Tree

May 28, 2024

The 91 Freeway standoff began with a domestic violence investigation, ended in a suicide

Hollywood makeup artist allegedly stabbed multiple times by ex-boyfriend

Woman dies in Compton shooting; police hunt for killer