Yoga Ed. For Teachers and Schools

Benefits Of Tools For Teachers

Integrate the mind-body system and restores balance
Over-ride the stress response and enhances health
Clear the “mind slate” for learning
Develop mental and physical focus, strength, balance and flexibility
Motivate responsible behavior
Build self-respect and self confidence
Teach how to be “in the moment” and non-reactive
Empower students to better manage themselves and feel successful

Yoga Ed Tools for Teachers Manual is indispensable to classroom teachers because it offers activities that not only address the physical needs of students, but also their emotional needs. A calm, focused child is much more ready for learning!

Stela Oliviera, Nutrition Network, Los Angeles , CA

Yoga Tools professional development introduction and workshop schedule!

Yoga Tools professional development in-service menu!

The four kinds of Yoga Ed. Tools for Teachers:

1. Breathing Exercises

To de-stress, release tension, calm and balance the nervous system
To increase intellectual receptivity and well-being

2. Yoga Poses

To integrate, soothe and energize the body and mind
To relieve stress
To activate cognitive coordination and awareness
To stimulate circulation
To engage whole brain participation

3. Games

To energize and integrate mind and body
To release mental tension
To enhance focus and concentration through physical challenges
To have the joy of fun in a non-competitive way
To enhance fitness and health
To develop teamwork skills and creative thinking

4. Time-In

To completely relax and balance the mind-body
To rest and recharge
To activate creativity
To develop awareness and connection to one’s inner life and resources
To integrate and process learning
To enhance the ability to visualize
To reduce stress

Yoga Tools Address The Crisis In Schools:

One in four children do not get PE in school
Obesity rates are at all time high
ADD / ADHD is increasing
Increasing stress and poor health
Decreasing attention span, concentration, and social skills
Low levels of academic achievement
Lack of resources in urban schools
Increased incidences of bullying and violence in schools

YOGA = COST-EFFECTIVE ANTIDOTE TO STRESS:

Stress causes the sympathetic nervous system to secrete - Adrenalin Cortisol.

Adrenalin and Cortisol cause -

Heart rate to increase
Breath to become shallow
Blood to go from brain and organs to large muscles of the arms and legs
Knees to lock and neck and lower back to tighten as well.

Chronic Stress causes -

Inhibited blood flow to the head
Decreased range of movement
Constrained activity of the inner eyes muscles
Poor digestion
Diminished health, clear thinking, creativity and joy

THE BENEFITS OF YOGA BASED ON SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH:

Results addressing ADD / ADHD
Decreased hyperactivity and impulsivity
Increased self control
Increased attention span
Reduced anxiety, therefore higher IQ scores; improved complex learning skills
Increased spatial memory

Results addressing Physical Fitness and Nutrition

Decreased resting heart rate
Increased motor skills performance
Increased pulmonary function and exercise capacity
Increased body / self image satisfaction
Increased muscular fitness
Improved body weight, density, cardiovascular endurance, anaerobic power
Significant improvement for bronchial asthmatics (some ceasing of medication)
Decreased substance abuse by strengthening mental resolve, decreasing anxiety
Improved posture

Results addressing academic performance

Improved decision making skills
Increased attention span
Improved communication skills
Increased IQ and social adaptation
Increased academic achievement

THE SOCIAL BENEFITS OF YOGA:

Yoga is non-competitive.
Everyone can do it and feel good.
Yoga requires staying present.
Kids develop focus, concentration and discipline.
Yoga is practical, low cost preventative medicine
Kids balance and restore with themselves
Yoga serves as the counter pose to the challenges of modern life
Kids de-stress and move from fight or flight to creativity and enjoyment.
Yoga promotes physical, mental and emotional health
Kids develop strength, flexibility, balance, attention and self-esteem.
Yoga expands and enriches awareness and sense of Self
Kids are less reactive, more self-aware and make better choices.
Kids are more creative, communicative and compassionate.
Yoga brings inner harmony through experience and connection
Kids feel the difference in themselves and the group after doing yoga.
They learn how to find PEACE in themselves.