My students need yoga mats and exercise balls to engage them in incremental, physical movements throughout the day-thus supporting their mind/body connection.
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
"Close your eyes, follow your breath.", "We are becoming smarter!", and "You don't know YET!"-phrases that you'll hear everyday in my classroom.
Despite the many challenges many of my students face, they are eager to engage in deep learning, & self-discovery.
My students come from diverse cultural backgrounds with many of them having limited English proficiency and others who have had social/emotional trauma.
Our school sits in a neighborhood that is mostly comprised of Latinos, African-American, & Caribbean-American working families. 84% of our total student population is considered low-income.
My Project
Physical movement is known to increase vitality and focus. Through the practice of yoga and balancing on therapeutic balls, my students will refine their ability to actively engage.
Participating in intentional movement is also a bridge to building community.
It will allow the students to build trust among each other (they will take turns leading the yoga classes), the opportunity to influence each other in healthy ways, and support better decision making.
My students asked for yoga in the classroom after we integrated regular meditation time in our community meetings. We also started to take several 15 minute "stretch" breaks throughout the day. I immediately saw and felt the difference-from their increased concentration to their ability to efficiently problem-solve. As an added bonus, we also saw an increase in test scores!
The yoga mats will be available at all times, so that for example, if a student needs some time to refocus or calm down, they have yoga as a choice. We will also integrate regular yoga classes throughout the learning day. My hope is that through offering this alternative choice of movement, my students will feel more rooted and connected to themselves and their greater community.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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. Valentin and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
