Help support Mrs. Hanza's Classroom

My students start each day with 15 minutes of yoga. This has become their favorite part of our morning routine. The morning before school can be stressful for anyone, but especially for a student with autism, down syndrome etc. Starting the day with yoga helps my students to relax and reset. The poses provide blood flow to their brains while preparing their minds for learning. Certain poses like the "hero" pose allows them to choose whether they can be their own hero or their classmate's hero by thinking positive thoughts. This teaches them compassion for others and themselves. Balancing poses not only helps them with their physical therapy goals, but with a sense of accomplishment when they successfully execute a difficult pose. Balancing poses also teach them that it is better to try and fall, then to never try at all. Meditation poses allow them to think about what they are grateful for and to focus on their breathing. Deep breathing is a powerful way to cope with anxiety and over-stimulation. When a student begins to escalate, deep breathing techniques have shown to be successful in de-escalation. Using a yoga mat, instead of the hard floor, will provide some added comfort, stability and a more enjoyable yoga experience for my students.

About my class

My students start each day with 15 minutes of yoga. This has become their favorite part of our morning routine. The morning before school can be stressful for anyone, but especially for a student with autism, down syndrome etc. Starting the day with yoga helps my students to relax and reset. The poses provide blood flow to their brains while preparing their minds for learning. Certain poses like the "hero" pose allows them to choose whether they can be their own hero or their classmate's hero by thinking positive thoughts. This teaches them compassion for others and themselves. Balancing poses not only helps them with their physical therapy goals, but with a sense of accomplishment when they successfully execute a difficult pose. Balancing poses also teach them that it is better to try and fall, then to never try at all. Meditation poses allow them to think about what they are grateful for and to focus on their breathing. Deep breathing is a powerful way to cope with anxiety and over-stimulation. When a student begins to escalate, deep breathing techniques have shown to be successful in de-escalation. Using a yoga mat, instead of the hard floor, will provide some added comfort, stability and a more enjoyable yoga experience for my students.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mrs. Hanza's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mrs. Hanza's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mrs. Hanza's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mrs. Hanza's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

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Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.