How the School Yoga Program Helps Educators and Therapists Bring Yoga and Mindfulness to Schools (Interview)
At Kids Yoga Stories, we know that many educators, pediatric therapists, school counselors, and specialists deeply value yoga and mindfulness—but often feel overwhelmed trying to figure out how to bring these practices into their schools or communities.
Recently, Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, sat down with Margaret Rice of Your Therapy Source to share how the School Yoga Program was created and why it’s such a powerful resource for those working with children. Below is a summary of that conversation, filled with inspiration and ideas for anyone wondering how yoga and mindfulness can support both students and staff.
What Inspired the School Yoga Program?
Over the years, our Kids Yoga Stories community members kept telling us the same thing: they’d taken yoga or mindfulness trainings, felt inspired … but then didn’t know how to put it into practice at their school or organization.
Every school, district, and community is different—there’s no cookie-cutter solution. That’s what sparked the creation of the School Yoga Program, a practical step-by-step roadmap designed to help educators, therapists, and caregivers move from overwhelm to action. It’s built to be flexible, realistic, and simple to implement—without adding more to already full plates.
The Impact on Schools and Communities
When implemented, the School Yoga Program helps create space for what really matters: connection.
In today’s fast-paced, overstimulated world, yoga and mindfulness give children (and adults) the tools to slow down, self-regulate, manage big emotions, and build meaningful relationships.
As Giselle shared, “This is ancient wisdom—it’s not a trend. Yoga and mindfulness are proven practices that help us be present, focus on what’s important, and create little miracle moments in our day-to-day work with children.”
Supporting Teachers, Therapists, and Staff
One of the biggest benefits of this program is that it starts with supporting the adults first.
Participants gain access to a bonus Yoga & Mindfulness 101 course designed to help educators and therapists explore what resonates with them personally. When adults model mindfulness and self-regulation, children naturally follow.
It’s not about doing more. It’s about weaving simple, effective practices—like a calming breath or a quick yoga movement—into what you’re already doing.
And those moments of connection? They’re powerful for both students and educators.
What’s Inside the School Yoga Program?
The program is a combination of:
✅ Self-paced modules with videos, PDFs, and expert interviews
✅ Three live coaching calls for personalized support and Q&A
✅ Action steps designed to help you build a working, customized School Yoga Program plan
✅ Bonuses thatinclude a $50 digital gift certificate to the KYS Shop, Yoga and Mindfulness 101 course, and School Yoga Lesson Planning Course
✅ Ongoing support, access to a vibrant community, and optional Kids Yoga Monthly membership for continued growth
Every component is designed to help participants take action immediately. No overwhelm, and no fluff. Just real, practical progress!
Success Stories from the Field
The stories coming out of this program are truly inspiring and impact is widespread:
- A school counselor created “Mindful Monday” school-wide announcements using guided yoga, mindfulness, and breathing exercises to help students regulate emotions.
- A PE teacher wove yoga warm-ups and cool-downs into her classes, improving students’ focus and flexibility, eventually leading to school-wide initiatives and even securing grant funding.
- An OT incorporated yoga and mindfulness into her sessions, leading to increased emotional intelligence, social skills, and body awareness. She also created a family yoga resource for First Nations communities.
These stories show that starting small can create a ripple effect that impacts entire schools and communities.
What About Buy-In Challenges?
Giselle knows one of the toughest parts of any new addition is getting buy-in from administrators, staff, or parents. That’s why the program dedicates an entire module to this exact challenge.
It’s about aligning yoga and mindfulness with your school’s existing goals—like emotional regulation, social skills, or supporting learning. Data collection tools and strategies are included to help track impact and build a case for the program’s value.
Watch the “How the School Yoga Program is Transforming Schools”Interview here
Margaret Rice’s (founder of Your Therapy Source) interview of Giselle Shardlow about the School Yoga Program.
Join us as we dive into the impact of the School Yoga Program with Giselle Shardlow. Discover the benefits and the transformative power of incorporating yoga and mindfulness in schools.
-Learn what inspired the creation of the School Yoga Program.
-Understand the significant impact it has on enhancing students’ social, emotional, and cognitive skills.
-Discover how the program supports educators in implementing yoga and mindfulness practices. -Hear success stories of schools that have benefited from the program.
-Get insights on overcoming challenges and gaining buy-in for the program.
Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Impact
At the heart of the School Yoga Program is the belief that you don’t have to do everything all at once. Small, consistent steps create lasting change. As Giselle shared:
“We’re here to help you create those little miracle moments—where you feel connected, the kids feel seen, and everyone gets to slow down and breathe. Those moments matter, and they add up.”
Our mission is to transform 100,000 classrooms by 2030, because this work is more important now than ever.
Ready to Bring Yoga and Mindfulness to Your School or Community?
If you’re ready to take the next step and create your own customized School Yoga Program, we would love to support you. Join our next session (each spring and fall) and get the tools, guidance, and community you need to make it happen.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SCHOOL YOGA PROGRAM ⬇️
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