How might implementing yoga into the classroom impact self-regulation in first grade?

Seminar Title

How might implementing yoga into the classroom impact self-regulation in first grade?

Mindfulness

1st Grade

Elementary

Other

All Disciplines

“My students have so much energy - what can I do?” This is a common thought teacher’s have many times a day. I am looking forward to sharing my research with you on the impact yoga has had on my students and their bodies. There will always be energy in their bodies, but yoga has helped them to release their energy throughout the day that also encourages mindfulness. My research focuses on elementary ages but is applicable to all ages. It touches on how yoga affects social-emotional learning, mental health, physical health and mindfulness.

This review of literature looks at what the benefits and impacts that incorporating yoga into schools has on students. My review of the literature showed me that there are several areas that yoga has an impact on in the classroom including; social-emotional learning, physical health, mental health and mindfulness. The focus of my research was how yoga impacts the self-regulation of my students in our classroom. I began with mindful breathing techniques and simple yoga poses and added more complex techniques throughout the semester. I have implemented different yoga series to help my students self-regulate and focus throughout their day. My students are now able to lead different yoga sequences and breathing techniques on their own. Many of my students have used different breathing techniques throughout the day unprompted. As a result, I have seen an increase in their focus on the instruction in the classroom. It has also created a more positive environment in our classroom in that there has been an increase in focus and kindness observed in our classroom. I have found that if my students are too unregulated, they need support from an adult and yoga is a impactful way to help regulate their bodies. Based on my review of literature and my action research in the classroom, I am hoping to continue incorporating yoga into the classroom and add more opportunities into the day for calming and mindful activities. I am wondering if we continue yoga at school, will students begin to incorporate it at home or outside of school?