Relaxation opens the mind and provides opportunities for all learners to be successful. Through the practice of yoga, students will learn to quiet the inner noise and focus on the task at hand. I am a self-contained sixth grade teacher in a small rural school in central Maine. It is a K-6 school with 200 students. The focus of social studies is ancient civilizations. Yoga is an ancient art of India and is a part of the curriculum. As a yoga student myself, I have learned the power of yoga practice.
Three years ago a local yoga instructor did a twelve week session with one class in our building through a grant offered by a local business that has since left the area. We found that our students were using the breathing techniques on their own during times of stress. The teacher was able to incorporate yoga stretches and poses during the day to aid concentration and renew focus. When the funding was gone, the instruction ended and the mats were returned to the studio. The next year's group of students was disappointed that the eagerly anticipated opportunity was no longer available to them. The staff has been looking for new funding sources ever since. In this small rural community there are only small family owned businesses who are unable to fund such a large request. Our PTO funds all our field trips and their budget is limited.
We need a class set of yoga mats for our students to use for practice. These mats will enable our students to practice yoga safely without slipping. The yoga mats are specially designed of no-slip foam that enables you to hold a pose without sliding. It also cushions the body against the floor surface. There are several staff members who regularly practice yoga and until an instructor can be funded, they will share their knowledge.
The benefits of yoga are increased focus, concentration, balance, and strength. The awareness of these techniques and continued practice will serve them for the rest of their lives.
You will expose a new generation of learners to the ancient art of yoga. Through this art form they will develop healthy life-long habits. Through yoga they will be better able to handle the stress they will face. Gentle people make a gentle world.
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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. R. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.