Learning Emotional Intelligence, Meditation, and Yoga in Schools

There’s been a lot of research and discussion of late on the state of education in America. Many parents and educators express concerns that students are subjected to too much stress. It’s easy to see how full schedules during and after the school day, combined with frequent SOL tests, limited or nonexistent recess periods, and the absence of “soft” subjects such as music and art could make any student suffer from worry, confusion, and fatigue.That’s why I’m encouraged to see many schools introducing meditation and yoga programs to help children build stronger relationships, do better in school, and manage their emotions. A recent article in Mindful magazine describes some of these programs that are taking place all over the country. For example:

• One curriculum in Harlemhas kids lead each other in meditation and sit for about 10 minutes a day. The teachers have been trained in the RULER program, designed at Yale University, with the goal of helping children develop emotional intelligence. The results of this program reflects the research on emotional intelligence: “They’re doing better in school. They have more positive relationships and on top of that, they have better physical and psychological well-being,” says child development expert Denise Daniels in an article from the Time Warner Cable News.
• Another program similar to the one in Harlem is the program in Baltimore created by the Holistic Life Foundationthat aims to help kids living in some of the toughest parts of the city. The average dropout rate for high school students in Baltimore is 50%, yet 19 of the first 20 boys who participated in the program graduated, and the other got his GED.[1]

I encourage you to read the entire article for yourself. It’s more proof that Mindfulness Practice is for everyone, kids and grownups alike. Peace, Dr. Pamm[1] “Learning Emotional Intelligence, Meditation, and Yoga in Schools,” Mindful, July 6, 2015.