Using Yoga for Concentration and Focus in the Homeschool Classroom

Yoga has long been known for calming and rejuvenating effects. But, did you know that many researchers and scientists agree about the benefits of yoga on memory, concentration, and focus. Because of this, my kids and I start the homeschool day with yoga.

I feel that memory, focus, and concentration poses help to prepare the kids minds for lessons and learning. There are numerous scientific studies that sate these benefits of yoga to the mind, including on Alzheimer's patients. According to Wired Science, yoga can increase GABA levels in the brain. These increased GABA levels can help counteract anxiety and other neuropathy conditions. TheABC-Of-Yoga.com goes into further detail about yoga and the nervous system.

Yoga Poses Beneficial to Memory, Focus, and Concentration
YogaJournal.com gives excellent instructions that include pictures for those not familiar with how to do each pose. I am listing here the poses that are the easiest for the homeschool children to do. If your homeschooled child is at an advanced level in yoga, there are more listed at YogaJournal.com.

Bridge Pose
Cow Pose
Easy Pose
Cat Pose
Downward-Facing Dog
Lotus Pose
Staff Pose

Tips on Using Yoga For Concentration, Memory, and Focus in the Homeschool Classroom
Use Native American Music - We have found that combining yoga with Native American spiritual music adds to the effect of yoga. There are many studies that agree and music has long been practiced by the Native American culture as a way to heal the mind and body.

Do the Yoga Before Other Homeschool Classes - In our experience, we have found that yoga helps to enhance focus, relaxation, memory, and concentration skills. Since these skills will come in handy throughout the homeschool day, it is best to have yoga "class" before other school subjects.

Consider a Private Instructor or a Class at a Gym - Those who have never done yoga before or want to advance to higher levels may consider taking classes at a local gym or through a private instructor. This could be in addition to the yoga done during the homeschool day or the instructor may come during the homeschool session.

Use Yoga in Combination With Positive Discipline - If kids test you during homeschool, use yoga in combination with positive discipline. Click Here to learn about using positive discipline. Yoga is a great exercise to use when a child has lost focus during a homeschool class. Not only can it help the child reflect on any misbehaviors if applicable, but it can also help that child regain focus and relax the nerves to allow for concentration on studies.

Focus Less on How Perfect the Pose is and More on Relaxation - A child may take longer to get the pose right than anticipated. Unless the child is doing the yoga pose in such a way that he or she could get injured, don't worry too much. If the yoga is practiced as a daily homeschool routine, the child will eventually get the pose right. This homeschool time with yoga is more about concentration, memory, focus, and relaxation than skills or abilities.

SOURCES

Personal Experience

http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2007/05/yoga_boosts_bra.html

http://yogajournal.com/poses/finder/anatomical_focus/brain

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/health/nerves.asp

http://www.yogajournal.com/health/2576

http://www.silverbird.at/spiritual%20offerings/Healing.html

http://www.wptv.com/content/segments/smartwomen/story/Healing-Power-Of-Music/klD1aZZyN0SAfUO4rt6hvw.cspx

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1349730/guide_to_positive_discipline_for_children.html