1. Mindfulness in a Minute Sarah Jo Heath, MS 2017 Central District TOY
In this session, attendees will:
discover resources and activity ideas to introduce mindfulness and yoga techniques in five minutes or less
leave with a toolbox of technology, literature and activity ideas to incorporate in the gym, classroom, teachers lounge or home
Participate in fun and interactive yoga, mindfulness and growth mindset activities

2. Disclaimer What this session is not What this session is
A comprehensive look at yoga practices
A complete guide to incorporating yoga into the school environment
What this session is
An explanation of what has worked for me in my particular classrooms and schools
An introduction into a wide world of possibilities
If you would like more in depth training in specific yoga practices, mindfulness techniques, and growth mindset, I suggest seeking out specific training from licensed practitioners in those areas.

3. What is Mindfulness?
the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something
a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

4. Yoga Groups and Longer Sessions
I do lead many Yoga groups through out the week that last from minutes.
I structure these visually and make sure to do training with my staff before hand.
Technology is very helpful so that you can worry about students positioning and helping everyone rather than leading the group the whole time. Staff training makes this easier as well

5. Visual Schedule for Yoga
If you are working with students with communication deficits, or who require structured schedules, you can add Yoga poses to a strip schedule easily
You can simply write out the poses and instructions for performing each pose

6. Yoga Stations in the Classroom
Print off cards and laminate
Get one or two yoga mats or even a beach towel and store them in a basket
Change the cards up based on the season or holiday (Pinterest is great for this)
Have this as an alternative activity throughout the day for students who may need some extra movement or a calming break. They can take the basket out to the hall and come back when they’re done

7. Draw a Yoga Pose
Add pictures of a variety of yoga poses glued on to popsicle sticks to a jar
Have students draw a yoga pose and lead the class in that pose
This requires pre-teaching of the poses, which can be done all at once or during the first weeks of school
This can also be an alternate activity for students who need extra movement or calming breaks

8. Pose of the Day/Week
Select one yoga pose per day/week to teach your students. Let parents know which poses their children are learning
Give students individual feedback and time to process how it feels and create muscle memory
Once students have had exposure to multiple poses, say at the end of the month, quarter, etc you can then go through a more in depth yoga practice incorporating all of the poses they already know
This takes the hard work out of a longer yoga session, and gives them something to work towards

9. Class Mantra
Create a classroom Mantra that students will say together at the beginning or end of each day/class period.
Use growth mindset language and positive personal statements
Make it easy to remember and meaningful to the class or subject area
Post it where students will see it regularly
Have different students lead the Mantra for the class

11. Yoga for Teachers
If you don’t have a yoga instructor in your building, or know someone who would be willing to host weekly or monthly classes after school, hook up a projector and use a DVD or Youtube video
The camaraderie and support of doing this together is huge
Incorporate the same stations or draw a pose cards into staff meetings, PLCs or over the intercom at the beginning of the day. Have all staff participate

12. Technology is your best friend
GoNoodle
Cosmic Kids Yoga
Yoga with Adriene

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