Getting Grounded

By Marty Michaels

In an era of ever-present Playstations and harried parents ferrying kids to extracurricular activities, it’s no wonder that children — even kindergarteners — sometimes find life stressful. In response, an increasing number of schools are using private donations to teach the ancient practice of yoga to youngsters as a way to encourage relaxation while building self-esteem.

Classroom yoga can take many forms: Older students may stretch or focus on deep breathing before a test, while younger ones develop their motor and communications skills by balancing on one leg in “tree” pose or working with partners.

Above all, the instructors strive to help children learn to stay focused as they navigate daily tasks. As Claudia Teicher, a former kindergarten teacher who has taught yoga in Westchester County, N.Y., schools for several years, puts it: “The kids develop listening skills, focus, and the ability to go from an active state to a calm one whenever they want.”

Several foundations, including the Grable Foundation, in Pittsburgh, and the Yoga on the Inside Foundation, in Los Angeles, have made grants so that schools can pay for equipment and trained instructors. Parent Teacher Associations and school fund-raising groups have also paid for student yoga programs.

Ms. Teicher says that young children naturally gravitate to poses that mimic the actions of butterflies, snakes, lions, and other creatures. Referring to a pose commonly called “down dog,” she explains that “the kids aren’t concerned with competition or doing the perfect pose. They’re just being dogs. They get what yoga is supposed to be about.”

Here, kindergarten students at Todd Elementary School, in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., demonstrate “warrior” pose, a move that emphasizes strength and balance.