Are We Involved in Our Children's Education?

Recent studies have shown that parents that are more involved in their child's education as well as activities make a positive impact in their lives. This is reflected in the kids' grades, school attendance, attitude and behavior. Of course 'there is always an exception to every rule' but overall parents' involvement result in a happier, healthier and well-adjusted child.

How can we be more involved? With today's busy schedule between home, work and school, this seems like a no-answer question. However, with careful planning and dedication, we can make a positive experience for ourselves and our kids. We can take time to volunteer at school, my kids love to see me at their school helping out. Or be a great supporter of the sports they play. A lot of my friends who hold jobs don't miss a game their kids go to, bringing snacks and their happy faces to cheer them up! Or maybe you want to help in the community or run a marathon, no matter what it is, kids will always be proud of their parents involvement.

But what about at home? We should show our kids that our homes are an involved and active supporter of their learning. I created a private study area where they can concentrate and not been interrupted. Do they need help with homework? I'm there, even though I may not know everything they may be learning at school at any given time; but hey I just browse the web really quick, get updated and pretend I know it all... I even sometimes check the homework once is posted in the school website before given it to them so I'm ready. Any other day while I'm cooking or washing the dishes I will invite my kids to watch me or better yet help me and take that time to ask them about school, their friends and what they learned that day. When they have school projects I'm always available to help and we do it together. Also building a communication bridge with the teachers is very important. I want to know how they are doing and open for suggestions on how I can be of help. It is nice to always be there to encourage and support your child.

I personally try to balance my life every single day, it is funny how sometimes they ask me "Mom, how can you do everything, don't you get tired?" And yes, some days (actually most days) I go to bed late and wake up early, but it's worthy because at the end of the day I feel I am part of my kids' life and I know I'm making a difference!

The Need for Yoga in the Education of Children

Elementary teachers have advocated implementing programs into the curriculum that help children focus. That is why, despite some concerns about the connection of yoga to spiritual growth, yoga has become an accepted practice in physical education classrooms across the United States.

People practice yoga not just for its physical fitness value, but also because, simply put, it gives kids the time to enjoy being a child. Taking time to stretch, breathe deeply and focus not only gets the blood circulating, it also relaxes the body and stimulates the mind.

Yoga curriculum in children's education is important for one primary reason. Many children around the world, particularly those affected by attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorders, have trouble concentrating in class. And since yoga actively practices focus, studies like the one performed in 2003 by researchers at California State University, Los Angeles, indicate a positive correlation between grades, behavior and yoga practice. In other words, children who practice yoga are more likely to be better behaved and to earn higher grades than their peers who do not practice yoga.

Most schools that incorporate yoga into their curriculum do so after stripping it of any religious overtones; for example, meditation time in schools becomes imagination time. Since kids generally take yoga less seriously than adults do, it turns out children can still reap the benefits of focused relaxation from a session of stretches and poses that help train the mind to concentrate.

Another reason that children need yoga is that it is a physical activity where overt competition or athletic skills are not necessary. Even young kids who do not like gym or game time can appreciate an active yoga session they can excel in.

Another added benefit of incorporating yoga into the curriculum is that teachers can utilize the warm-up and stretching poses for story or learning time. For example, an elementary teacher could incorporate a history lesson by walking the kids through stretches while describing a day in the life of a Native American tribal chief or of a young girl in a covered wagon on the Oregon Trail. Combining physical activity with mental stimulation will keep kids engaged with the material even while they release energy and learn to slow down.

Clearly, adding yoga to children's education can help them stay on task, score higher on tests, and remember information longer. And since children need to do well in these areas to be successful in school, incorporating yoga into the curriculum is a no-brainer!