How do you make a bunch of nine-year-olds improve their grades?

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Meditation: A teacher takes school pupils in Essex through some relaxation techniques, which are said to improve concentration levels


Lying down in a circle may seem like a rather unusual way to run a lesson, but teachers say meditation and yoga has helped hundreds of primary school pupils to improve their grades.

The nine to 11-year-olds are taught to 'channel their energy' once a week in a class that focuses on relaxation and breathing techniques


Standing tall: Teachers say yoga has taught the youngsters body awareness


During the one hour sessions pupils from across Essex are also taught a series of beginner yoga positions designed to improve their mental health and well-being.

Teachers involved in the trial scheme have reported significant improvements in the concentration and grades of their pupils as a result of the classes.

Dave Read, 52, a former history teacher who now travels Britain teaching the session to children, believes yoga and meditation aid education.


Teachers involved in the trial scheme have reported significant improvements in the grades of their pupils


He said: 'The workshops are about emotional literacy and getting pupils to make contact with their feelings.

'The response from the children has been phenomenal. They say they have never felt so relaxed and they want more sessions.

'I teach the children visualisation and breathing techniques. And I train the teachers so they can continue the work - even if it is just for a few minutes each day.

'This is not airy-fairy it is ultimately about improving concentration and grades. Children are under increasing pressures and this gives them support.'


Younger students tackle a simpler yoga pose. The classes have been introduced in a number of schools in Essex


'We do some yoga with the younger children which teaches them how to find their own space. The children think it is fantastic.'

Another part of the programme involves a 'coolfire' session where children are taught how to control their breathing in a bid to calm boisterous classes.


source: dailymail

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