YOGA AT ICA
BRINGING CLARITY, STRENGTH, AND MINDFULNESS TO ALL
WHY AN ELECTIVE?
It is no surprise to educators that life
has stressors at every stage. Students
come into the classroom with
problems beyond our control and
teachers are expected to fill their
minds with knowledge.
However, ICA has begun taking steps
to teach our students how to navigate
these stressors through regular
character education instruction.
Students learn about navigating
bullies, making and keeping friends,
nutrition, and much more.
By implementing a full mindfulness
and yoga instruction program in
addition to our character education
program students will be reap many
benefits. By learning and practicing
together students learn how to
concentrate, create their own sense
of calm, relax when chaos is around
them, and build a sense of
community.
FINANCIAL COMMEMENT
 One class set of yoga mats.
 One class set of yoga blocks.
 Yoga mat cleaner or wipes.
 Teacher salary.
STUDENTS AND STAFF.
SCHEDULE
K-3
Students in grades K-3 will have mindfulness instruction in their classes at
a rotation schedule for 15 minutes each time. Student will learn basic
yoga poses, breathing techniques to distress, and participate in
mindfulness activities. Instruction will be delivered in a form of engaging
kid-friendly stories.
4-8
Students in grades 4th-8th will have Yoga as a full elective. In addition to
receiving instruction on the foundations of a yoga practice, students in
the higher grades will complete activities to deepen their
understanding of yoga poses to ensure their safety. Students in the
middle grades will create a 10-minute mini-yoga practice and teach
their peers 1 time per quarter.
Staff
ICA staff members will be offered a 1-hour yoga practice 1 time a
week after school. By practicing together, staff participates create a
deeper sense of community. Staff will leave practice relaxed and
rejuvenated ready to give their best to the students at ICA.
SAMPLE STANDARDS
Y.K-3.1
Identify and demonstrate the two beginning poses (mountain and
seated) of yoga.
Y.K-3.2
Demonstrate belly breathing and explain why is helps calm the body.
Y.4-8.5
Demonstrate three-part yoga breathing and explain why is helps calm
the body.
Y.4-8.7
Apply knowledge of yoga poses and breathing techniques to lead a
10-minute yoga practice.
YOGA IN FACTS
 Learning physical postures builds confidence and strength as
well as the mind-body connection.
 Emerging research studies also suggest that yoga can help
children with ADHD.
 A growing body of research has already shown that yoga can
improve: focus, memory, self-esteem, academic performance,
and classroom behavior, and can even reduce anxiety and
stress in children.
 Yoga improves balance, strength, endurance, and aerobic
capacity in children.