By Plamena Quintavalla, Bronxville School Reporter for Syntax

Oct. 19, 2016:  Bronxville Elementary School students are practicing mindful listening and basic relaxation techniques as part of the Yoga and Mindfulness program at the school, which is funded through a grant from The Bronxville School Foundation.

Since its introduction last fall, the program has expanded from 15 to all 35 elementary school classrooms.

Students meet with certified yoga and mindfulness instructors from Little Flower Yoga to practice strategies that help them focus; increase attention, physical wellness, and emotional balance; and reduce stress and anxiety. During the 15-minute weekly sessions, they stretch their muscles, close their eyes for a few moments, learn how to regulate their energy levels, and practice basic breathing exercises.

“Mindfulness practice is associated with better frontal lobe functioning in the brain, and research has demonstrated that it improves executive function and enhances children’s socio-emotional, cognitive and academic development,” said school psychologist Dr. Minu Thomas, who spearheaded the initiative and wrote the grant along with Principal Tricia Murray, Assistant Principal Adrienne Laitman, kindergarten teacher Gail Mathais, and parent Mirella Tronco Audi. 

Incorporating the mindfulness activities in the classroom gives students a balanced and healthy experience that keeps them ready to learn and think critically and energized to innovate and engage the world around them. Mindfulness has also been associated with improved self-awareness and sleep among children.   

“We’re very excited to offer this program throughout the school because all students and teachers can implement it very easily into the classroom,” Dr. Thomas said.

Dr. Thomas added that the feedback she’s received since the launch of the program has been overwhelmingly positive from students and teachers. Students said the mindfulness activities, including listening to the singing bowl and stretching, have helped them relax and better prepare for class.

As part of the program, teachers will participate in a training workshop to learn how they can incorporate mindfulness activities into the school day, and students will have the opportunity to participate in an alternative to recess program once a week to practice yoga and mindfulness.

Students will continue to meet with certified yoga and mindfulness instructors from Little Flower Yoga through the end of January.

To watch a video on the program, please visit the district’s website at www.bronxvilleschool.org.

Pictured here: Bronxville Elementary School students practicing mindful listening and basic relaxation techniques.

Photos courtesy The Bronxville School