The focus of September’s yoga and mindfulness practices and resources revolve around the theme of Community.

The mindful breath practice, Take 5 Breath is a simple but effective strategy that students can use to take 5 intentional and full breathes alone or with a friend. The accompanying yoga practice this week, 6 Movements of the Spine, invites students to notice the relationship between movement and their breath and creates an opportunity for students to come together, united by the breath.

Building community is foundational for having a healthy classroom culture and the starting point for building relationships and getting to know students as unique individuals. Strong and consistent structures must be in place for students and adults alike to build strong community, develop and support trust and set the tone for a happy and productive year. It is important to build into these routines, the explicit teaching of coping skills and offer students diverse ways in which they can practice these skills throughout their day.