We are a unique and special school for various reasons, but the biggest reason is the students. Our school is a small and rural school. This means that our students from kindergarten through 8th grade are at a total of about 129 per year. We have one class per grade level and class sizes range from about 9 students to 25 students. Our students are truly some of the most driven and hardworking children I have ever worked with. Most of our students come from ranching families and participate in 4H or rodeos. They also practice Character Counts since kindergarten, and it shows! We rarely have issues of "bullying" or "fighting" at our school (seriously!). Our students are amazing!
Children are always first and foremost in my classroom, and are seen as important for who they are as individuals.
In my class this year I will have 15 unique and amazing students. Of these 15 children, 4 of them are special needs students.
My Project
My 2nd graders have started using yoga and meditation practices to help them calm down, and to energize and focus their brains during transitions between subjects. This afternoon brain break is useful for students who are tired or have too much energy to focus on the academic tasks. Often times, these 7 and 8 year olds' brains are overwhelmed with a long day of educational and emotional challenges as they are learning to be successful citizens of the 21st century.
Yoga enhances their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation.
It also improves students' flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. Even more, it can reduce the children's anxiety and stress.
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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. Mattus and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
