DeKalb teacher uses yoga to calm students

When Joan Ray wants her students to quiet themselves like a tree, she often instructs them to pose like one.

“It grounds them in place and helps them connect with who they are and what they’re doing,” said the Fernbank Elementary School teacher, who incorporates yoga into her lessons. The movements grab their attention and help the students become calmer and more focused, she said.

RICH ADDICKS / raddicks@ajc.com

Cheryl Crawford instructs DeKalb County teachers how to use yoga as a means of calming students. It also helps students with their focus and ability to stay centered during the school day. Crawford, the mother of triplets, provides the lessons for free.

CHERYL CRAWFORD

• Reason nominated: Yoga instruction program for teachers
• Who benefits: Teachers and students
• Lesson learned: "Centered" kids may learn better

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“That’s the best-case scenario for learning, in my book,” said Ray.

Ray and dozens of other DeKalb County teachers have received training in yoga through a program called YogaKids Tools for Schools conducted by Cheryl Crawford, a yoga instructor who provides the instruction free for DeKalb County schools. The Tools for Schools program links movement and creative activities to the subjects taught in the classroom. For instance, a lesson about the solar system may include some “reach for the moon” movements.

The training also equips teachers with management techniques to help students control their energy and stay centered throughout the day. Assessment tools, pose cards, DVDs and music CDs are provided to each volunteer participant, along with ongoing support such as online reference help and teacher forums.

Helping students purge excess energy, get rid of “the sillies” and align their bodies so they can sit for hours better prepares them to learn, said Crawford, a former elementary school teacher. “When you’re asking them to calm down, you’re also showing how to do it with movement and breathing,” she said.

A mother of 10-year-old triplets, Crawford launched the program in 2005 at Fernbank as a service to her children’s school and teachers. She recently expanded the program thanks to a donation of 1,000 mats from Lulemon Athletica, a retailer of athletic apparel and products. Teachers enjoy the program because it allows them to move and have fun, too, she said.

“It’s not making them yoga teachers, but just giving them yoga tools to use,” said Crawford.

Ray agreed.

“It’s really nice to take a moment in your day and get in touch with your body and energize,” Ray said. “You see a different side of the kids, and they see a different side of me. I appreciate that.”

WHO DESERVES A CARROT?

Neighborhood groups, offices, schools, churches — any organized effort bringing people together to promote health and fitness. The Golden Carrot feature recognizes efforts, large and small, that might inspire others to initiate their own programs. We want to hear about yours. Submit nominations to betterhealth@ajc.com.