Chapter 4 Mindfulness in the Trauma Informed Classroom
Using Yoga and Meditation to Infuse Classrooms with Coping Skills, Resilience, Self-Expression, and Safety
In: Trauma Informed ClassroomsSearch for other papers by Deryn A. Susman in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Purchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Abstract
American student stress levels are at an all time high, as shown by the correlation between the increase of high stakes testing and the increase of childhood mental illness (). Many members of the American education community are becoming increasingly frustrated with the situation at hand, and their perceived lack of ability to influence impactful change (). However, some educators have begun to utilize the philosophies and practices of Yoga within their classroom and school communities, and have seen incredible results (). In order for Yoga practice to be fully integrated into a classroom setting, especially a public classroom setting, it must be clearly stated that Yoga is not a religion. It is an ancient spiritual and philosophical practice (). This chapter will describe and defend the different possible uses of Yoga within a classroom structure, while listing possible benefits that have been observed as a result of a classroom Yoga practice.