Frequently Asked Questions

Why should we introduce yoga to our school?

Yoga develops health and wellness and brings physiological, emotional and educational benefits to teachers, parents and children. Two of the benefits of doing yoga - self awareness and self-care - have been identified by the medical community as key factors in maintaining a lifetime of holistic health and wellness.

How can I possibly add anything else to my teaching curriculum?

Yoga Ed., Tools for Teachers was developed, in part, to help with classroom management and to improve students' learning readiness. The few minutes it takes to practice Yoga Tools can help maximize remaining classroom time. For example, if children are excited, talkative and revved-up, Tools for Teachers exercises can quickly provide the calm and focus needed for a more productive learning environment.

What type of equipment and space do I need?

Yoga can be done without special equipment and with limited space.

What if I've never done yoga?

Tools for Teachers offers simple techniques that take five to fifteen minutes to use. The Tools for Teachers Manual can be used as a convenient reference once teachers and parents have gone through the training.

Who can do yoga?

Anyone can do yoga. There's a saying in yoga, "if you can breathe, you can do yoga." Yoga meets people where they are.

Is yoga a religion?

No. Yoga is a philosophy for living one's life, and practicing yoga enhances whatever belief system one has. Yoga originated in India, and has promoted health and wellness for over 5,000 years.

Who developed Yoga Ed.?

Yoga Ed. was developed by Tara Guber and Leah Kalish in Los Angeles, CA. It was first introduced at The Accelerated School (TAS), a K-8 public charter school, in south central Los Angeles. TAS was named Time Magazine's Elementary School of the Year in 2001. The results of the research assessing the positive impact of Yoga Ed. on TAS students is available at www.yogaed.com.

Since then, Yoga Ed. has been introduced into schools nationwide and is even being incorporated into graduate level teaching programs such as Loyola Marymount University and Syracuse University.