Ilchi Lee

Yoga can help students develop strength and flexibility by incorporating poses and postures that promote body balance. Yoga also helps students with their breathing and has been linked to reducing stress and calming the mind—a nice way for students to begin their often challenging and busy days.

For example, in Jessica Colp’s English classroom in Fairbanks, Alaska, students start their mornings with downward dog and kidney loops, and she incorporates partner yoga that she believes “showcases yoga’s ability to instill self-awareness in her students.” According to Colp, students gain more trust for each other, and they move throughout the remaining school day with less stress.

Primary school teacher Kimberly Nelson claims, “[Brain Gym training and Yoga] promote a peaceful learning environment within the classroom as well as some great strengthening, relaxing and focusing exercises.” Nelson credits her students’ improvements in learning and retention to her introduction of both Brain Gym Training and yoga into the classroom.

According to Ilchi Lee, originator of the Brain Education System Training (BEST) and author of Power Brain Kids, “As children become increasingly sedentary in today’s technological world, it becomes all the more important for them to make exercise a deliberate and regular part of their daily routine.” Practicing yoga-like movements will open joints and promote relaxation, in turn creating a strong, balanced body and mind.

The benefits of yoga are abundant. When implemented in the classroom, teachers rave. But this is only an emerging trend, and if your child doesn’t have a class like this at school, then you should make a commitment to practicing yoga at home. Not only will it benefit your child’s mind and body, your relationship may grow stronger, too.