“ In yoga practice a child cannot be wrong. The child does not have to worry about being picked last for the team or being ridiculed if she can't 'perform' as well as other children. Children who usually shy away from physical activity suddenly have a physical outlet in which they can succeed and shine.”

LA Parent magazine, A Calming Trend, May, 2003

“ We've seen an improvement in test scores and test-taking skills because their stress level is decreased after yoga.”

School guidance counselor
CNN, Kids use Yoga to learn mythology, fight pre-test jitters

Yoga Classes

TWI programs combine a science-based approach to the body, mind and self with the exploration of yoga, stress reduction and nutrition to support and enhance learning, health and personal responsibility. We use an evidence-based curriculum called Yoga Ed that maps against and satisfies national physical education and health standards. Our programs help children to be learning ready.

Yoga integrates movement with breath to strengthen, align and balance the body, focus the mind and soothe the nervous system. Stress-reduction focuses on utilizing breathing techniques to calm the nervous system. We teach students different breaths so that they can practice being with themselves, self-regulating their energy and behaviors as well as mindfulness. Nutrition education helps students relate their eating habits and consumption choices directly to the way they feel, physically and emotionally. We address whole and locally grown foods, grains, fruits and vegetables and how a healthy diet improves achievement, as well as self-image. The curriculum involves tasting experiences and when appropriate hands-on food preparation.

Our yoga classes are non-competitive, allowing each child to develop his/her own skills and confidence. Progress is measured by greater self-efficacy, a more consistent respect for others, increased concentration, flexibility, endurance and balance. The classes are designed to address the whole child and benefit all children regardless of physical or mental ability. By increasing concentration, flexibility, coordination and teamwork, they help children to further succeed in academics, team sports, relationships and decision-making.

Tools for Teachers

TWI delivers 'Tools for Teachers' workshops, developed by Yoga-Ed, to teach regular classroom teachers and the administrative staff the tools to build on what we are already teaching in our wellness programs in their schools. This affects the school environment on a larger scale, leading to more academic success and healthier student populations overall. 'Tools for Teachers' includes breathing exercises, to teach teachers and students how to de-stress, release tensions and balance their nervous systems. It teaches individual movement exercises that energize, soothe and integrate the body and stimulate circulation and also partner exercises, which enhance fitness, teamwork and creative thinking.