Y o g a , M i n d f u l n e s s & P o s i t i v e H u m a n D e v e l o p m e n t i n S c h o o l s
These courses would be offered from 6th through 12th grade.
All four areas of focus are woven into each class. Students will be provided opportunities to develop their mindfulness practices including Yoga as mindful movement and meditation. Class themes include: kindness, presence, gratitude, empathy, mindful and respectful listening, mindful conflict resolution, self care, metacognition, self-awareness, emotional regulation, building healthy relationships, and responsible decision making, among others.
Ideally, these courses would meet for one semester every day a course meets in a cycle. Students could take this course multiple times, as advanced options would be offered. This could also be offered as a PE rotation meeting less frequently, if that made sense to the overall Wellness curriculum.
Faculty could also be trained in mindfulness and the social/emotional intelligence curriculum used, so that they may take aspects back to their classrooms, as appropriate.
Yoga and Mindfulness
Yoga and Mindfulness are taught as secular, evidence-based practices for overall well-being. Students will learn meditation techniques, proper alignment, the physical and mental benefits of each pose, the science behind yoga and mindfulness, as well as mind/body connection for self-understanding, growth and maturity. Yoga sequences and meditation practices taught are selected for optimal brain function in academic performance, regulating the nervous system for stress resilience, as well as strength and flexibility for physical and emotional balance. Authenticity and genuine connection with each student is a very important part of my approach and it allows for flexibility and pacing that provides opportunities for vulnerability and meaningful discussions with and among students. Classes are fun, engaging and provide a safe and supportive space to relax, slow down, share, grow and connect. Yoga is a wonderful way to earn P.E. credit while learning invaluable skills and lessons for whole life success.
Social/Emotional Intelligence and Positive Human Development
Themes drawn from social/emotional intelligence and positive human development programs are interwoven into each yoga class. These themes aim to cultivate important skills and ways of being for whole life success:
Healthy coping skills
Gratitude
Self and social awareness
Compassion, empathy, and kindness
Mindful conflict resolution
Ethical awareness
Prosocial behaviors
Mindful and respectful listening
Responsible decision making
Living in alignment with personal values
Emotion regulation
Consciously cultivating positive emotions and preferred states of being through aligned actions building healthy relationships
Learning healthy perspectives on social media
Handling rejection.
Benefits of these programs:
Develops skills for life-long success
Reduces impulsivity, stress and anxiety
Develops healthy coping skills
Increases focus and confidence
Improves sleep quality, optimism and mood
Develops discipline and self regulation
Builds emotional resilience, self-awareness and self-mastery
Increases physical and psychological flexibility
Enhances athletic performance and recovery
Increases focus and concentration
Enhances social and emotional intelligence
Provides a common social/emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and leadership framework and experience for each student
Equips faculty with simple mindfulness training for self-care as well as in the classroom.
Provides a vehicle for each student to live into her/his greatest potential
STUDENT, PARENT, TEACHER, COUNSELOR, AND ADMINISTRATOR TESTIMONIALS:
“Life Coaching is so different from therapy. My son made more progress in three months working with Holly & J.P. than in all the years of therapy combined. He actually looked forward to his sessions, and a year later, still implements the work into his daily life. He has a 4.0 in school, has kept a steady job, and just starred in the school musical.”
- Parent of 12th grader in Nashville, TN
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve never felt calm or was ever able to really take a deep breath. Anxiety and depression had been a constant unpleasant companion in my life inside and outside of school, until I took Ms. Holly’s yoga class. Thanks to Ms. Holly’s class I understand myself better and to have more compassion for myself. I knew coming to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays when I have yoga class that I was going to be able to have a moment to breathe and hang out with the dogs. My favorite thing was being able to have small chats about random things that just help me forget about the stresses of my day.”
-11th grade student
“Ms. Holly’s yoga class brings many benefits both mentally and physically. Doing yoga and practicing mindfulness has made me a less anxious person and has helped me feel better physically. I don’t feel as tired anymore. Ms. Holly is a wonderful teacher, she is positive and demonstrates mindfulness in everything she does.”
-12th grade student
“Words cannot express how much I’ve enjoyed this class. I have never been in an environment where so many nervous and skittish kids end up thriving in. Coming to class in the morning, practicing yoga and meditation on top of having fun and joking conversations help me to clear my mind for the rest of the day. Not have you improved me overall, but you have improved everyone in the room with your positive influence and mind body meditation experience. When I had my back surgery, the doctors said I might not be able to play football again. You helped me with careful poses to stretch and strengthen my back. Your yoga class made my playing abilities possible. Not only did I play football, but I was MVP and we won the championship. When you see our trophy in the gym, know that you were involved with that. And I love your dogs.
-12th grade student
“Thank you for a wonderful semester. (Student) had to put off PE his whole high school because he dreaded it and it couldn’t have worked out better that yoga counts as a PE credit. I have seen so many positive changes in him, much around self-awareness and self-confidence and I am sure that this comes from a better appreciation for his mind and body which comes from your class.”
-Parent
“(Student) had their best year at this school and we know it was because of your class (and your dogs). You may have had the biggest impact on him in all eight years here.”
-Parent
“(Student) has had her best semester yet at this school I truly think it is because of your class. I can’t pinpoint exactly, but she seems less anxious this year. I will need to find some local yoga to keep her going over the summer.”
-Parent
“(Student) has absolutely loved your class. I asked him about his experience and he said it changed his life. He has even started meditating before bed. He says it helps him focus and to be less angry. Thank you for everything you have taught him this semester. You have given him tools that he will be able to use for the rest of his life.”
-Parent
“I can absolutely tell which students take your class and which ones don’t.”
-Upper School teacher
“We have needed a program like this for years and it truly is making such a huge difference for these kids.”
-Middle School Principal
“We are so grateful to you and the amazing job you are doing. You took a kernel of an idea and made it into a dream come true. You are the best. I can’t express my gratitude for the amazing job you do with our mindfulness program. You made the vision a reality.”
-Head of School
MEET RAYNA AND ZEO - MY TEACHING ASSISTANTS!
These two deserve a shout out on our website! They have been coming to school with me everyday for the past four years and are absolutely magical in the classroom. They bring such joy, healing and comfort to our students. Just like me, they prefer to have a life of meaning and purpose and would rather be at school with all the kids than anywhere else!
CONTACT:
uncommoneducationcompany@gmail.com
