Yoga with Kids

Shores students take yoga to senior center

Posted by llupo Latest News Muskegon Chronicle

Chronicle/Kendra Stanley-MillsManmeet Kaur, 16, helps Ella McKay, 81, in yoga stretching exercises. The Mona Shores student is involved in a "work experience" program, where she learns lifeskills outside of the classroom. Enlarge photo

What began as a pilot project to increase exercise for some special-needs students has netted so many health benefits that it's now part of the special education curriculum at Mona Shores Public Schools.

From pre-K through 12th grade, Mona Shores students are bending, stretching and deep breathing their way to better overall health and fitness.

This is the second year the district's special-needs students have used yoga during the school day for exercise, and parents and teachers are hailing its benefits.

Many of the students -- who range in abilities from cognitively, physically and emotionally impaired -- live with limitations such as poor muscle tone, rigidity in posture or poor balance.

Chronicle/Kendra Stanley-MillsRyan Burns helps lead Seminole Shores Living Center residents through yoga stretches. He said his favorite move is the warrior pose. Enlarge photo

But after using yoga movements, they have experienced a greater range of motion, increased physical strength and better general mobility, according to students, their parents and teachers.

Teachers also found the usually "chatty" students became "centered" and focused during the hour-long exercises. They developed social skills by leading class and helping their peers with moves.

"It's cool. I'm doing more exercise and I can feel stronger," said Manmeet Kaur, a st Mona Shores High School sophomore.

Some of the district's special-education teachers began using yoga last year in a few classes. After seeing the benefits, school officials decided to integrate yoga districtwide for special-needs students, said Penelope Miller-Smith, director of special education for Mona Shores Public Schools.

Another benefit has been increased self-esteem among the students as a result of speaking positively about themselves, or using affirmations at the conclusion of each yoga session, such as: "I am strong. I am fun to be around. I am confident. I am kind to others," Miller-Smith said.

"They are more cognizant of their bodies, but they also recognize their self-value and self-worth. They're saying things that a year ago they wouldn't have believed," she said.

Chronicle/Kendra Stanley-MillsMelissa Richardson, left, leads Seminole Shores Living Center residents and her special-education students in yoga stretching exercises. Enlarge photo

One high school class has taken its yoga moves on the road. Down the street from Mona Shores High School, several elderly residents at Seminole Shores Living Center look forward to Tuesdays and Fridays when roughly six students visit and participate in arts and crafts and yoga with the residents. Together, they gently stretch and bend to music.

Mona Shores junior Caitlin Semelbauer said it was hard touching her hands to her feet when she first began, but it got easier as she did more yoga moves.

She also enjoys visits with the senior citizens at Seminole Shores.

"They need a little help, but they're getting the hang of it," she said.

Kathy Guiles, life enrichment director at Seminole Shores, said she is amazed that some of the residents who live with Alzheimer's and dementia are able to focus on the miniclass for 25 minutes at a time.

Chronicle/Kendra Stanley-MillsNo, it's not the Hokey Pokey. Richard Bell, left, and Ella McKay, right, stretch with Melissa Richardson (leg in center foreground) during a yoga class. Enlarge photo

Either the students or their teacher, Melissa Richardson, lead the class. One recent spring day, Richardson donned a T-shirt and leggings and gently prompted the students and the residents into the warrior, butterfly and prayer poses, many of which were modified so the elderly could stay in their chairs.

Guiles said the residents enjoy contact with the young people.

"The students sit among the residents and encourage them to do the movements, which is how I believe they can do the movements for a longer period of time. They mimic their movements," said Guiles. "The yoga is fantastic. I'm always surprised they can keep them engaged for that length of time."

Carolyn Brown, a physical therapist who has worked 35 years in various schools, is certified in "Yoga for the Special Child." She teaches yoga to pre-kindergarten at Ross Park Elementary.

Teachers don't always like to try new things, but she said yoga has been well received.

"Many of our students don't like gym because they can't keep up, Brown said. "I feel this is a more effective therapy model because they motivate each other, they help each other and they don't feel isolated."