Mindfulness and Yoga Activities Encourage Academic and Social-emotional Skills in Kindergarteners

In kindergarten, mind-body movement exercises, including mindfulness and yoga, are integrated throughout the day to increase students’ capacity to listen, coordinate movement to instructions, and increase strength and flexibility. “We also hope that this bolsters their concentration, as well as encourage calmness,” explains resident teacher Elizabeth Bowers. These movement breaks support various aspects of success for kindergarteners, both academic and social-emotional. Adds Ms. Bowers, “Physical activity also provides a moment for students to be alone with themselves: to encourage self-confidence as they control the functions of their own bodies, to serve as a creative outlet to express themselves, and to simply let go and lean into spontaneity. We practice these exercises that integrate the brain and body so that our students improve their capacity to regulate emotions and feel ready to learn.” MORE PHOTOS