Teachers need to prioritize self-awareness, if they expect self-regulation.

- Carla Tantillo, Founder of Mindful Practices

Teachers Forum| September '09

How to Use Yoga to Increase Academic Performance

Q "How can yoga be useful in increasing academic performance, especially on tests?" - Question submitted by a Teacher Candidate from Ireland

A One of my core beliefs is that a calm student is a student ready to learn. In this edition of Teacher Tip I will provide a few ways to use yoga to help increase academic achievement.

Lead Class in Memory Minute to Calm Nerves Before Test Taking

Test taking can be a very stressful situation for students, so before having your students take tests, remove distractions from the classroom by utilizing a breathing exercises like Memory Minute.

Use Positive Visualization Techniques

After Memory Minute, use positive visualization techniques, "Before we conclude Memory Minute today, I want you keep your eyes closed and think of a time in your life when you were proud of yourself. Embrace that feeling of confidence and visualize yourself doing well our upcoming test."

Shake Out Nerves with Yoga

Physical movement is a great way to rid students of the anxiety of test taking. To include a physical movement into the classroom before a test, have students practice Tree, Seated Arm Stretch or Seated Twist for 5-7 breaths before the test begins.

Take a Yoga Break

Any student can tell you testing can be mentally exhausting, so be sure to combat mental fatigue with built in yoga breaks when administering longer tests. For standardized tests, institute a quick 'Yogi Break' during breaks in testing. "OK class, at 9:45a.m. we will take 5 breaths in Seated Arm Stretch for quick brain booster and then resume our test stress free."

- Question Answered By: Carla Tantillo, founder of Mindful Practices

Archive

Check back frequently for newly posted classroom tips!