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Andrew Young, a 5th grade teacher, has been implementing Y4C for five years. Learn more about the amazing work Andrew is doing at Crooked River Elementary:
How did your school first learn about Yoga 4 Classrooms?
I was a Resiliency Coordinator in another district and learned of Y4C there while attending a wellness summit. I saw the incredible benefits that this program had to offer and wanted to be sure I educated personnel in my current district about it. Ironically, the district had an SEL goal and Y4C addressed it beautifully.
Have you noticed any positive changes in students since starting the program? Absolutely! It is amazing how quickly students learn to notice how they are feeling and choose a tool to help them get where they need to be to have a successful class. It becomes part of the class culture, where students are comfortable and free to reflect on how the practices make them feel.
What’s one favorite activity or pose that students love? This varies from year to year. Currently, students love Power Breath!
How do students feel about practicing yoga in the classroom? I have had a very positive response from students and parents since starting Y4C. Oftentimes, students will point out when it is time to take a mindful moment. Many are eager to lead the practice and I have even had some write their own Imagination Vacations!
How has the program impacted your teachers and staff? In the fall of 2021, I gave the introduction training during our in-service day and immediately got positive feedback. Shortly thereafter, 95% of our teachers participated in the 6 hour training. All teachers were provided with Y4C Activity Cards, Focus Chimes, and Breathing Balls. They integrated the practices immediately and shared that they noticed a difference in their classroom climate.
Do you have any advice for other schools that are thinking about starting a yoga and mindfulness program? Keep the program alive! Like most things in the world of education, trends and programs come and go. It is so important to keep mindfulness and yoga a priority so that it becomes a part of the school’s culture.
If you could sum up your experience with Yoga 4 Classrooms in one word, what would it be? Rewarding
Thank you for the incredible work you do to support your students and the staff at Crooked River, Andrew! You make a tremendous difference and inspire all of us!
Are you implementing Yoga 4 Classrooms and want your school to be featured? Reply to this newsletter and let us know— maybe your school will be the next Y4C Spotlight School of the Month!
