YOGA IN SCHOOLS: A Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum For Adolescents
What HPS School do you work?
HHS
Name:
Rose Papuga
If you are a teacher, what grade level:
9-12
Is this application being submitted on the behalf of a group of teachers or administrators?
No
If yes, list their names:
Grant Description:
Years ago, I believed that we could grow a mindfulness program in the HPS that could make a big impact on how students deal with stress. And over the past two years, I have had the pleasure of completing a 200 hour yoga teacher training, teaching yoga classes to other HPS teachers, developing a yoga class for HHS juniors and seniors, and actually leading students every day in meditation, journaling and a robust yoga practice. Over this time, I continue to learn, grow and refine the curriculum and in ways which I am teaching mindfulness to help students and teachers find stillness and peace in our busy and stressful world.
Now I feel that I am in need of more advanced training and would like more guidance from more experienced practitioners. I applied to a 300 hour Kripalu yoga teacher training program in order to fill gaps in knowledge that I see as essential for being a better teacher and support for my students. Ways in which I could better guide meditations, consider a trauma informed approach and mix up the repertoire of postures will only help HHS students. Furthermore, I would like to start to grow this program in the other schools, potentially starting with after school offerings. I think the best way to begin my new journey is to take a course called KRIPALU YOGA IN SCHOOLS: A Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum For Adolescents.
The following is an explanation of the course from the Kriplau website:
Mental health issues in adolescents are an escalating national crisis and unmanaged stress is linked to a variety of adolescent challenges, specifically depression and anxiety. Research performed by Kripalu, in conjunction with Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, reveals that yoga can be a profound vehicle for cultivating adolescents’ stress resilience, self-acceptance, and their ability to self-regulate. Learning these skills and tools is critical for this generation’s well-being and future.
Join us for this brand new online training which provides
An effective, CASEL-endorsed (2013 Guide) Social and Emotional Learning Program (SEL)
A scientifically validated yoga curriculum appropriate for middle and high school physical education and health classes, extracurricular settings, community centers, yoga studios, and more
Faculty with 40+ years combined experience pioneering the yoga in schools movement
Practical guidance on how to effectively partner with schools, nonprofits, after-school programs, and other organizations serving teens
Developmentally appropriate lesson plans outlining the introduction of postures, breathing and relaxation techniques; and key yoga concepts
An exploration of the teen experience through role-playing, discussion, and lectures on adolescent development
Opportunities for collaborative learning and separate breakouts to hone your skills in the classroom or on the yoga mat
Resources to help you hit the ground running and successfully implement this program in your own community.
In addition to the scheduled online training sessions, each student will be required to complete 3–5 hours of homework assignments each week in between program sessions.
Prerequisites Any 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher Training
Cost of program: $1,134.00
This was the first year that HHS offered Yoga as a semester class. But even in the first year, I have had 30 students! I think the program will only grow in popularity as students hear about it through word of mouth. And I know that it has made an impact in these students’ lives because we communicate through journaling questions and reading reflections each week. If you would like to talk with a couple of students directly, you are welcome to contact Kristi Phillips at 23kphillips@hinghamschools.org or Emily Cusano at 23ecusano@hinghamschools.org. They can better illuminate the impact of a school based yoga and meditation program. Furthermore, over the last two years of running free yoga classes for HPS teachers, I have had over 40 participants. I only teach about 15 classes, each year, but have received lots of positive feedback from educators who also need a space and time to attune to themselves and regulate their nervous system.
In conclusion, I am an educator dedicated to the health and wellbeing of the greater HPS community and feel that ongoing training will only deepen my understanding on how to better teach and practice mindfulness with students. It is important to teach these life long skills and plant seeds that will only help decrease stress and create a more peaceful and compassionate environment. In the words of Dan Siegle when writing about the teenage brain “Without at least some time spent exercising our mindsight circuits focusing on the inner world-of ourselves or others-those circuits won’t remain healthy or strong. To move our lives towards integration, we can’t solely focus on the outside world of physical objects. We need mindsight to develop the integration in our inner lives that cultivates our insight and empathy”
Thank you for your consideration!
How much funding are you seeking?
$1,134.00
Would partial funding of this grant be possible?
No
Is there any other information you would like to provide HEF in consideration for this grant?
I have discussed this with my Principal or Administrator and he/she endorses this request:
Yes, I have secured endorsement from my Principal / Adminstrator
Additional supporting documentation:
https://hinghameducation.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/Think-Kindness-overview.pdf
I agree to provide additional information if requested and make it available prior to grant review:
I agree to these terms
I agree to share progress on this initiative and information on the impact of the funding with HEF as requested.
I agree to these terms