Yoga helped me concentrate on the test a lot. The one that really helped me concentrate was tree pose.
- Tamira, Grade 3
Teachers Forum| November '09
Q "What can I do with a violent student?" - Submitted at the Chicago International Charter Schools Workshop Day
A For any violence prevention initiative in classrooms or schools to be effective, it must help students bridge the gap between self-awareness and self-regulation.
Yoga Emphasizes Self-Awareness
Because of Yoga’s emphasis on self-awareness, it is the perfect tool to empower students to self-regulate. While many violence deterrence strategies are aimed at managing and controlling behavior, try alternative methods like yoga, meditation, journalling and relaxation activities.
Effective Violence Prevention Initiatives Provide Students with Life-long Learning Skills
I strongly believe that violence prevention or peace initiatives need to focus on empowering students with life-long learning skills to handle stress, negativity and anger in healthy, safe ways.
Manage Student Negativity with a Positive Thoughts Double-Entry Journal
A quick and effective activity for dealing with student anger and negativity is a “Positive Thoughts” double-entry journal. First, have your student(s) fold a sheet of loose leaf paper in half length-wise. Then, have them label ‘negative thoughts’ on the left side and ‘positive thoughts’ on the right side. Next, give the students 3 minutes to record any negative thoughts they may be experiencing today like “I’m stupid” or “No body likes me.” Last, give the students 5 minutes to write two positive thoughts (“I am a good sister” or “I did well in math today.”) for each negative thought. Be sure to maintain a 2 positive thoughts to every negative thought ratio.
Once the activity is complete, have the students rip up the journals and throw them in the trash. This protects the students from peer ‘garbage picking,’ but, more importantly, reminds them that they create their reality each day with a fresh, brand new start.
This activity helps students become aware and regulate their negative self-talk. It also helps students unearth the source of their anger or frustration and deal with it positively and proactively.
- 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!