Physical activity programs help children develop social skills, improve mental health, and reduce risk-taking behaviors.
- Mr. Kearns, 3rd Grade Teacher
Q "What are some quick and easy yoga poses I can do to relax during a hectic school day?" - Question taken from Kindergarten Teacher, south-side Chicago.
A Teacher self-care is a key element to any productive school day. To simmer down in a hurry, I would recommend 8-10 breaths in the following poses:
- Seated Arm Stretch

- Seated Twist

- Tree

- Standing Forward Fold

Picture your favorite calming place as you deeply inhale and exhale in each pose. Relax and breathe. Take time to remember positive teaching moments experienced with your students throughout the week.
- Question Answered By: Carla Tantillo, founder of Mindful Practices
Archive
- How to be an ISAT Superstar!
March '10 - Three Ways Michelle Obama's Let's Move! Program Parallel Mindful Practices Welness Initiatives
February '10 - Yoga is an Effective Violence Prevention Initiative for Students
November '09 - How to Create Ron Huberman's 'Culture of Calm' through RtI Strategies and Yoga
October '09 - How to Use Yoga to Increase Academic Performance
September '09 - How to Include Hip-HopYoga™ into PE Class
August '09 - Three Yoga Techniques to Promote Positve Student Behavior
July '09 - Using Yoga to Teach Concept of Personal Space
June '09 - Four Yoga Poses to Help Teachers Relax
May '09 - How Yoga Helps with Transitions
April '09 - Mentally Preparing Students for Tests
March '09
Check back each month for a newly posted classroom tip!