We know simple, consistent mindfulness exercises can help kids become self-aware, improve their ability to focus, and help them release stress and anxiety, but they’re also an amazing way to teach kids important lessons in kindness, compassion, and empathy. 

Showing…

It’s incredibly valuable to do a quick check-in with students on their emotional state at least once a day. This can take many forms: a series of faces depicting different emotions that young children point to, a chart in the…

Last spring, I led an after-school yoga and mindfulness program with children who were hurricane refugees from Puerto Rico. The elementary school where they landed was working hard to support these kids, and the principal called me and asked if…

Does your principal or school PTA or fellow teacher or mom (or do YOU) need some convincing that mindfulness works with children? I get it--some people just NEED to see the data before they can hop on board. Well…

A few years ago, I did a benefit concert for a local elementary school, and wanted to write a new song for the finale. I asked the principal for an idea, and she immediately said, “We really need to teach…

Joe Raposo was one of the creators of Sesame Street and its first and longtime musical director. He wrote music for Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Dr. Seuss, Barbra Streisand, Kermit the Frog, and Cookie Monster. "Sing," "It's Not Easy Bein'…

"Understanding what’s happening in the brain is the first step to empowering students with tools to respond and function optimally. More often than not, our students can be overwhelmed by their big feelings – anger, fear, sadness – and…

"I’m six weeks into my 20th year of teaching, and if there’s one thing I feel even more strongly about today than the day I began, it’s this: teaching our young students mindfulness, brain science and kindness is absolutely…

"Yoga helps create a safe space for students and teachers. By empowering an individual to feel balanced and strong within his or her own body, yoga enhances resilience. Through these practices many young people develop the capacity to reflect before…

"What really makes a teacher is love for the human child; for it is love that transforms the social duty of the educator into the higher consciousness of a mission.” - Maria Montessori 

I’ve done assemblies in all…

I was recently asked by an elementary school principal to help his teachers create Peace Corners in their classrooms. This entire district had recently undergone training in trauma-informed practices, and there was a new awareness that many children need…

Even really young kids regularly hear about scary things in the world. Having worked with lots of kids who’ve been through very tough experiences, I know one thing for sure—we can’t not talk about it. We have to address…