Frequently Asked Questions

Why add yoga to an already over-scheduled school day?

Simply because relaxed students learn better and relaxed teachers teach better.

How much time does implementation of the Mindful Practices program take each day?

The Mindful Practices Student Wellness Curriculum takes only 8-10 minutes each day.

Can Mindful Practices' programs be modified for special education, ESL (English as a Second Language) or at-risk learning populations?

Absolutely! Carla Tantillo, the founder, was a Curriculum Director and has worked with varying populations to tailor the Yoga-Centered Wellness Curriculum to meet diverse student needs. Mindful Practices also has a licensed Social Worker on staff to address student needs.

Does Mindful Practices only offer programs in the Chicago-land area?

No. Mindful Practices offers teacher training and professional development across the county and is even bringing the Student Wellness in 8-10 Each Day program to the IASE Conference in Spain this summer.

Is wellness education required by the Federal Government?

Yes! Beginning in the fall of 2006, Congress mandated—as part of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004—that every school district (with schools participating in the national school lunch program) develop and implement wellness policies for students, faculty and staff.

What is the best way to bring Mindful Practices wellness programs to my school?

Through professional development for teachers and staff. Mindful Practices provides on-going training and support to give educators the tools to improve student wellness, academic achievement and meet the federally mandated wellness initiative.

Does Mindful Practices connect yoga to religion

No. Yoga is a physical activity that focuses on breathing and bodily awareness. The objective of the Mindful Practices' programs is to motivate students to reflect on the connection between their wellness and their academic achievement. God, deities or religion is not part of the coursework.

How should principals and teachers respond to parents who are concerned Yoga is a religion or has a religious affiliation?

A good first step is to share the Mindful Practices curriculum with the parent, pointing out the academic and physiological focus of the text. If a parent still refuses to allow their student to participate in yoga, simply have the student go to the reading corner or center during the class' designated yoga time. Set measurable reading goals for the student during this time, so they too feel their time is valuable and well spent.

When is the best time to implement the Mindful Practices Yoga-Centered Wellness Curriculum and other wellness programs?

At a consistent time each day or week. After lunch is the time preferred by most teachers, as this is the time they feel their students are the most disorderly and energetically uncontrollable. Principals also report that disciplinary referrals decrease when yoga is practiced in the classroom immediately after recess as a means to calm and reengage the students.

What if my school cannot afford Mindful Practices programs?

To date, Mindful Practices has never turned down a partnership simply because the client could not afford our services. We offer a sliding scale to our clients, co-write grants and host fundraisers as part of our dedication to serve communities from all walks of life.

What is Hip-HopYoga©?

Hip-HopYoga© is a program in which students combine yoga poses and dance sequences to create a collaborative, ensemble performance piece. This program is offered to students ranging in age from pre-k all the way to seniors in high school.

Can the Mindful Practices Wellness Curriculum be applied cross-curricularly?

Yes! Included in our publication, Student Wellness in 8-10 Minutes Each Day, are 75 ISAT Math terms which are infused throughout the content of the book. Also, supplementary literacy and journal activities are included as well.

Do all Mindful Practices programs include yoga?

No. Mindful Practices is an organization dedicated to student and teacher Wellness Education and also offers programs ranging from anger-management exercises to sports and tap dance activities.