I work at a very diverse urban school. In my role as a school counselor, I am astounded by the number of young people dealing with the most adverse situations. Many of our students have experienced and are experiencing extreme trauma as result of poverty, abuse, and violence. I have been a part of a number of professional development training regarding the effects of trauma on our students. As an offshoot of these trainings, and because I’m a certified yoga teacher, I’ve been reading research about the use and positive effects of mindfulness activities such as yoga. I believe mindfulness (yoga included) provides an opportunity for students to take a break and develop coping skills.
As a school counselor and Certified Yoga Instructor, I am often asked to work with students using yoga; however, the problem is always finding the equipment like mats, straps and blocks to do this.
I was given a monetary donation to start a second related project, so here it is. I would like to get yoga blocks so that the yoga instruction can be accessible and adaptable for all.
My Project
In an effort to support my school’s trauma responsive initiative, I am using my experience and certification as a yoga teacher to cultivate opportunities to lead students and staff through mindful activities such as yoga and mediation. I truly believe, as research shows, that this will help children and adults cope with the stressors in their lives, making them better students, teachers, and citizens. In order to teach yoga to our students and staff, we will need yoga equipment.
Mindfulness has been shown to help individuals mentally recover from effects of trauma.
It can increase the ability to empathize, create, and, most importantly, to learn. The yoga blocks will make yoga practice accessible for all body types and levels of ability.
Recently, I reached my fundraising goal to receive mats to use with my students in yoga. In order to make the practice more accessible, it is necessary to have blocks and straps. Right now I ask students to bring in books or other materials to replace blocks. For phase two of my project, I’m seeking donations to purchase blocks so students can comfortably perform poses despite their level of ability.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Walke and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
