Chandler Oaks Elementary School students stretch their minds and their bodies on Tuesday afternoons as part of an after school enrichment opportunity in Yoga Book Club.
The club, run by Chandler Oaks Librarian Dayna Collings, was inspired by Collings’ love of yoga and passion for reading.
“I’ve been practicing yoga for a few years now,” Collings said. “I find it to be both physically and mentally rewarding. I thought the children might enjoy a club where physical activity and literacy are combined in a fun approach.”
Children in first through fifth grades are invited to participate. At each session, the group practices yoga poses, enjoys a read-aloud story and discuss how students can use yoga in their daily lives to relieve stress and feel strong.
Collings said she hopes students will take the skills they learn in yoga club and use them in their daily lives to find balance between school, extracurricular activities and home responsibilities.
“I decided to join because I really like to read,” said Harper Grace, Chandler Oaks third-grade student. “I had never done yoga and wanted to try it. I really like yoga because it is very relaxing and helps take my mind off of things.”
Collings said most of the students in the club have said yoga helps them focus. She is hoping that not only will students feel stronger and more flexible, but their concentration and sense of calmness will increase.
The club will run through April of this school year.
