For schools

Why Yoga and Mindfulness in Schools? The simple answer is kids NEED yoga. But why do kids all of the sudden need this?

No matter the demographic, I think we can agree that children are living in a different day and age. Even looking back to when i was young, being a child came with many pressures. I always say, “I really could have really used some yoga and mindfulness when I was coming up”.

Between the demanding and long days of school, running to cheerleading practice, dance class and whatever other extra-curricular I had, not to mention the social pressures, being a kid was pretty tough. Now, throw into the fire the influence of social media, a pandemic (causing isolation), and the Common Core Curriculum in some cases havinG replaced opportunities for natural antidotes to stress like unstructured free play and we have some new concerns. Oh and don’t forget there is more over- processed foods, constant access to media and an increasingly technological world. With few coping mechanisms for managing all that is coming in, children’s minds and bodies can be easily become overwhelmed. Not surprisingly, ever increasing numbers of children are being diagnosed with anxiety, anger issues and attention disorders. I’m going to just throw out a couple statistics that are sadly no longer shocking to me.

According to the CDC children aged 3-17 years, in 2016-19 were given the following diagnosis:

  • ADHD 9.8% (approximately 6.0 million)2

  • Anxiety 9.4% (approximately 5.8 million)2

  • Behavior problems 8.9% (approximately 5.5 million)2 Depression 4.4% (approximately 2.7 million)

According to KidsData.org

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24

for young people ages 15-24 statewide and nationally, behind only unintentional injuries and homicide. And rates of youth suicide and self-injury hospitalization, even among younger adolescents, have risen over the past decade

Reported symptoms of a stressed child may include night terrors, hyperactivity, lethargy, fearfulness, headaches, bed- wetting and emotional problems such as overeating, low self- esteem, lack of compassion, anger, self-medication (use of drugs and alcohol) and perhaps even violence. In addition, numerous studies have illustrated how children are unable to focus and learn when their bodies and minds are in a stressed state.

As the distractions of the external world increase, it can become challenging for many children to connect with their authentic, peaceful selves. To be successful, creative learners and compassionate, respectful and self-aware human beings, children must be given opportunities to draw their awareness back away from what can sometimes be an overwhelming, chaotic world. In doing so, children are brought into the present moment, a place where they can pause, truly hear and feel, reflect and learn – mindfulness. Giving kids the tools to find their center balance are crucial to increased health and well-being. A few deep breaths, physical movement or stretching to reconnect the body/mind, opportunities to connect and share, and moments for quiet introspection, are a quick and easy way to reset the nervous system to calm and focus. Children can be empowered

to go within and know the gifts of inner wisdom: confidence, joy, compassion and contentedness.

Yoga and Mindfulness can give kids the tools they need towards finding positive and constructive outlets to manage stress and other challenges they are facing.

Research suggests that school-based yoga cultivates competencies in mind- body awareness, self-regulation, and physical fitness. Classroom teachers benefit as well. Schools who have integrated yoga and mindfulness into their curriculum report students who are less stressed, better able to focus in the classroom and an environment where teachers can focus on teaching rather than just managing behaviors in the classroom.

What I can offer your school

  • Presentations: Allow me to create a curated powerpoint presentation that directly fits the needs for your school and present it to your educators.This option brings consistency and allows the content to align with your school’s mission as we tackle the areas that need some attention.

    Examples include but are not limited to: Trauma Informed Yoga In The Classroom, Anxiety/Stress Management In The Classroom, Self Management, Social and Self Awareness, Responsible Decision Making, Relationship/Community Awareness. There are mindfulness exercises, breathe work, games, partner/group work, community building activities and meditations/visualizations that support Social Emotional Learning and the ability to focus and learn.

  • Whether during finals or as part of your opening day assembly, I would love to guide your school or group of students through some exercises to use as future tools to help them self-regulate and have some fun.

  • Looking for something a little more robust? Schedule a 3-8 hour, interactive in person training with me for your educators. Expect a comprehensive children’s teacher training program with a focus on ages 3+, providing tools to teach fun, age appropriate, effective tools and techniques in a school setting.

  • Together we can establish a mindfulness program that works for the needs of your particular school system or individual school. Allow my team of established and experienced 200 hour trained yoga and mindfulness teachers to lead classes during or after the school day. There is no project too big or too small.

Why me?

qualifications:

  • ChildLight Education Company Intro To Yoga and Mindfulness

  • ChildLight Education Company Yoga and Mindfulness Advanced Teaching Concepts ChildLight Education Company Yoga and Mindfulness for Athletes

  • ChildLight Education Company Trauma Informed Yoga and Mindfulness

  • ChildLight Education Company Yoga and Mindfulness for Teens and Tweens

  • MiniYogis Teen/Tween Training

  • And have trained 100+ Educators, Therapists, Counselors, Parents and Yoga Teachers as well as taught endless hours of kids yoga

Testimonials

  • I am a child psychologist in private practice. I thought taking a class on how to teach yoga to young children would aid me in helping others in a different way than my psychological training. Halley’s class was a great experience! She made it experiential and accessible to someone like me, who comes from outside the yoga training world. I learned some new ways to incorporate mindfulness into my psychology practice. It was a lot of fun! I would highly recommend this training to other mental health professionals who work with children and families.

    — Melissa Korland, Ph.D.

  • Halley provided extensive examples of age appropriate activities and engaging lessons for our targeted age group. She continues to network and share opportunities within the community after the training. This experience is extremely beneficial for yoga instructors, educators and anyone interested in working with children!

    — Katie Mann, Special Education Teacher, M.Ed.

  • I highly recommend littleOMie Kids Yoga Teacher Training. I have been teaching kids yoga using the method and tools I learned since almost immediately after completing the training. It has allowed me to build classes that are well-rounded, educational and SO MUCH FUN! The kids I teach absolutely love learning about yoga and can't wait to come back. Not only that, Halley continues to stay in touch, offering advice and continued job opportunities.

    — Rebecca Marich, Yoga Instructor 200 E-RYT

  • Halley has encouraged and inspired me to go further in my yoga journey and learn how to teach kids yoga. Her children’s program was insightful and full of rich content. She created an environment where I felt seen and heard and made it fun at the same time. Halley has continued to support me even after my kids yoga certification was complete. I’ve reached out several times since our training with random questions and she’s promptly responded and continued to provide valuable feedback. She’s a wonderful human, teacher, friend and resource!

    — Jaclyn z. Yoga teacher ryt 200

  • I am glad that I have Halley's Kids Yoga Teacher Training in my tool belt. She gave us a lot of great games and activities to engage the kids with, but the things that have stuck with me the most are the rules and guidelines that go along with working with children. This is priceless information that every yoga teacher should be aware of. Halley's training was fun and efficient and two years later she is still available to me if I have any questions or concerns regarding a class.

    Amy Stover, Yoga Instructor 500 E-RYT

  • Halley’s littleOMie trainings were incredibly beneficial to me as a yoga instructor and teacher. I was looking for more age specific activities to utilize and she definitely delivered. I especially appreciated the special needs yoga training. Halley’s knowledge, experience, energy and enthusiasm made the trainings not only informative but fun!

    —Missy Fitzgerald, Yoga Instructor 200 Hour E-RYT

  • Halley F. created a Yoga and Mindfulness Program for CMSD's Early Childhood Development (Ages Pre-K / Kindergarten). This program allowed the children to explore movement and breathe in a fun and supportive environment while implementing strategies to support self-regulation, increased focus and a greater connection to their peers. Halley and her staff were very professional, and our educators were happy to have this yoga program as part of our summer school program.

    -Amy Wollack, Early Childhood Assessment and Accountability Manager for CMSD