SYRACUSE, NY, USA, February 28, 2008: New York State’s math testing for 3rd through 8th graders begins next week. Some classrooms have found a way to calm students nerves, and teachers are using yoga moves to reduce stress.
Ms. Cathy Weeks’ class at Wheeler Elementary has her the fifth graders trying to relax by doing asanas, or postures. “If they’re frustrated or upset about something, they can calm themselves down,” the teacher says. When students are caught day dreaming, Ms. Weeks has the whole class do a specific pose to re-focus. To curb sleepiness, she asks the students to get in an energizing downward position.
“When students come back in from recess, I can see them starting to do the yoga poses on their own. They’re starting to realize how it impacts them and how much it helps them re-focus to the point where they want to do it even if not directed to do it,” says another teacher, Kristine Guptill.