We always ask our students to "Pay Attention", but have we ever actually taught them how to do that?
Yoga and Mindfulness are shown to have fantastic outcomes in school environments across all year levels, promoting wellbeing and building skills to support learning and growth.
The practices are highly evidence-based, holistic, person-focused, and accessible for students across demographics, abilities, and interests.
Some of the many benefits of yoga and mindfulness for young people include:
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Develops emotional and self-regulation skills, which can also impact behavioural outcomes
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Improves attention skills and can improve academic performance
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Builds self esteem and positive body image
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Shows significant positive impact on mental health, particularly for ages 15-18
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Strengthens interpersonal skills, empathy, and social awareness
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Carsley, D., Khoury, B. & Heath, N.L. Effectiveness of Mindfulness Interventions for Mental Health in Schools: a Comprehensive Meta-analysis. Mindfulness 9, 693–707 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0839-2
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Gulati, K., Sharma, S. K., Telles, S., & Balkrishna, A. (2019). Self-Esteem and Performance in Attentional Tasks in School Children after 4½ Months of Yoga. International journal of yoga, 12(2), 158–161. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoy.IJOY_42_18
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Dunning, D. L., Griffiths, K., Kuyken, W., Crane, C., Foulkes, L., Parker, J., & Dalgleish, T. (2019). Research Review: The effects of mindfulness‐based interventions on cognition and mental health in children and adolescents–a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 60(3), 244-258.
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Renshaw, T. L. (2020). Mindfulness-based intervention in schools. In C. Maykel & M. A. Bray (Eds.), Applying psychology in the schools. Promoting mind–body health in schools: Interventions for mental health professionals (p. 145–160). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000157-010
Yoga, Mindfulness, and the Curriculum
Our programs are designed to be consistent with the Australian Curriculum.
Here are some ways that we do that:
1. Personal and Social Capability
Mindfulness practice develops self-management and
self-awareness by learning to recognise, identify, and
express emotions appropriately. We also work on
resilience and adaptability.
Social awareness and management is also developed
through empathy and relationship building, as we
cultivate loving-kindness and connection to others.
2. Critical and Creative Thinking and Ethical Understanding
In learning about brain, body, and mind function, we practice meta-cognition and develop inquiry skills to think about thoughts and emotions.
We also talk about values, rights, and bodily autonomy, which is related to ethical understanding.
3. Health and Physical Education
Yoga and mindfulness are consistent with both domains of this learning area, which are 'Personal, Social, and Community Health', and 'Movement and Physical Activity'. It also covers several focus areas, including Mental Health and Wellbeing, Fundamental Movement Skills, Benefits of Physical Activity, and Lifelong Physical Activities. The primary aim for this learning area is to
"Protect, enhance and advocate for their own and others’ health, wellbeing, safety and physical activity participation across their lifespan"
In our courses, we have a strong focus on building long term skills and positive attitudes towards healthy minds, bodies, and relationships.
4. Science
In some of our courses we have a 'Brains and Bodies' component, where we talk about how the body's systems respond to stress and mindfulness. This compliments the biological sciences part of the curriculum.
Australiancurriculum.edu.au. 2020. F-10 Curriculum. [online] Available at: <https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum> [Accessed 15 July 2020].
The Programs
Bumblebee Yoga would love to partner with your school to offer yoga and mindfulness sessions to your students!
All of our programs have a focus on growth mindset, body positivity, and kindness to ourselves and others. Some of the sessions we have on offer include:
Yoga Story Time
In these sessions, we use picture books to learn about our brains, feelings, and bodies. Each class involves some stories, yoga poses, games, and some kid-friendly mindfulness activities. This program can be between 1-4 sessions and is suitable for children aged around 4-10 years.
+ Add on some of our mindfulness art activities! Make mindfulness glitter jars, affirmation art, gratitude trees, and more!
Yoga Building Blocks
In this longer course, we go right back to basics with the foundations of mindful movement. Each session has a different focus, including balance, flow, strength, and flexibility. We use games, activities, and group work to learn. Along with the physical movements, we also talk about how our brains and minds work. Ideally, this program runs weekly for 5-10 weeks, and is suitable for all ages.
Mindful Munchkins
In this evidence-based program, we explore what mindfulness is, and how our brains and bodies work. We use books, stories, games, and fun activities to build skills in mindfulness and emotional regulation. The sessions are more classroom-based experiential learning, but some sessions involve mindful movement too. This program works best as an 8-week program and is suitable for all ages. We can also do a one-off workshop-style session.
Sensory and Adaptive Yoga
Specially designed small group classes for children with disabilities or special needs. This can include physical and mobility challenges, neurodiversity, developmental and learning difficulties, or trauma and mental health. Programs are custom built for your students' needs, with accessibility, inclusiveness, and fun in mind.
Tween Yoga and Mindfulness
Year 6s and 7s face really unique challenges as they prepare for high school and the whirlwind of changes that come with being that age. This program is specifically designed to work with young people in this age group to develop skills around emotional regulation, self-efficacy, self-compassion, and empathy. The program involves mental health education, mindfulness skills building, and yoga. Smaller groups are preferred, and the program works well in anywhere from 1-6 sessions.
Caring for Carers
This 4 week program can be delivered to teachers, staff, and/or parents. We focus on the wellbeing and self-care needs of people working in caring roles using evidence-based approaches. It involves some yoga and mindful movement, mindfulness skill building, breathing and meditation, and self-care development. This course also includes a bundle of resources and information for you to keep.
Programs start at around $6 per student per session.
Cost varies depending on what type of sessions are requested, how many students, and how many sessions are booked. We can work with you to build a custom program that fits your needs and budget.
If you'd like to enquire about how we can make yoga work for your school, please click here to get in touch with us for a no-obligation quote.