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hvparent.com n Hudson Valley Parent 17 "Yoga lets children do purposeful, controlled movement," says Joy Trapani, director of the school. The classroom also has a "peace corner" which is a place for the children to relax and center. The teachers instruct the students how to use different tools for success including breathing exercises. Trapani feels that yoga is incredibly beneficial for children because it incorporates so many things: mind, body, muscles, and spirit. She sees that her students concentrate significantly better when they are relaxed. "It is so healthy and important for them to destress," Trapani explains. "As a preschool teacher, I'm looking to teach the children skills and habits while they are young that they can carry throughout their life. We all need tools to self sooth whether we're 3 or 63." Release, refocus, recharge Michelle Moroney, a first grade teacher in Wappingers Central School District, agrees. "I think yoga and meditation are useful practices to refocus students between lessons or before starting something new," she says. In Moroney's own classroom, she uses a brain break program called "Go Noodle," which includes different elements such as exercise, dance, yoga, meditation and singing. "I use the yoga and meditation piece at the end of the day to gather our thoughts before heading home," she says. "I see in my classroom that these little people are working so hard all day long, often for longer periods of time and they need a release - a time to stop, focus, laugh, breathe and just recharge." Moroney feels that with a little creative thinking, yoga or meditation could successfully be implemented in classrooms. "I think incorporating it in quick bursts between lessons helps children calm and refocus," she says, "I have a 10 year old son with special needs and in his classroom the teacher uses it to calm the children and help them focus after lots of (Continued on Page 18) Currently enrolling for School Year 2018-2019 130 Dubois Road, New Paltz • 845-255-6668 • Montessoriofnewpaltz.com Hands-on experiential learning for Pre-K to 3 rd grade Summer Camp Registration Begins February 1st! Before and After Care for Pre-K to 5th Enrichment Programs for K-5th 70 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie • 845-471-0895 • WeekdayNurserySchool.org An affordable and caring nursery school is right around the corner! Now Enrolling • Classes for 3s, 4s, and Pre-K • Experienced Staff • Hands-on Learning Call to schedule a tour! • A happy, safe and caring environment encouraging a child's physical, creative, and intellectual growth • Serving children of all abilities • Early and after care hours available Kathy Masloski, Director 845-883-5151 40 Park Lane, Highland, NY 12528 845-293-5600 228 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY 12549 LearningTogetherInc.com AN INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL PROGRAM Learning Together, where children explore the world the way they learn best, through play! Open House February 15 at 9am