Yoga helped me concentrate on the test a lot. The one that really helped me concentrate was tree pose.
- Tamira, Grade 3
Q "How can yoga help my students with transitions and following directions?" - Question taken from a Professional Development session in Chatham, Illinois.
A When I taught eighth grade, I noticed that my transition times were lengthened because my students were not paying attention when I was reading directions aloud. Then, when it was time to begin an activity, I had 5 students asking "What do I do?"
To decrease your transition times and minimize confusion, introduce a simple yoga pose in between activities. When you are concluding one lesson have the students clear their desks, close their eyes and take 4-6 deep, yoga breaths in Seated Arm Stretch or Seated Twist.
When the pose is complete, then introduce the next activity to a quiet and composed class who is attentive and ready to listen.
- 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!