Using Yoga to keep the peace in the classroom

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) - Yoga captured the attention ofJulie Leatherbarrow nearly 18 years ago. Now the Elma resident  is sharing what she’s learned with educators as a way to incorporate the form of meditation into a lesson  of self-control in the classroom.

She’s partnered with the BOCES program and has reached dozens of teachers who deal with students of all ages and learning abilities.

“Students start to correct their own behavior,” Leatherbarrow tells 7 Eyewitness News.

 “They start to think about and care about what they do and how they affect everybody else.”

Each class can fit 20 staff members, and so far, according to Principal of Special Education Programs Lou Fial, the morning and afternoon classes have both been full.

Yoga in the classroom is gaining popularity across the nation. And researchers from Kaplan University have found has shown that school curriculums incorporating stress management programs are experiencing improved academic performance, self-esteem, classroom behaviors, and concentration

Spanish teacher Crystal Klutch attended a session last month and has already incorporated the practice into her classes of elementary age students and the results were instantaneous.

“I would love if it was integrated, honestly if we made time in our school day where we integrated it even just to try it I think we would see the improvement and it would be required,” Klutch says.

Currently, Julie is only holding classes through BOCES. However, she says if a school district is interested, they can contact her through her website here.