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18 Hudson Valley Parent n January 2018 changes or transitions." The class, the gym and beyond Kirschen Jerrick, a mother of two in Wappingers Falls, practices yoga herself and has taught her daughter deep breathing exercises and a few stretching poses to use when she is feeling overwhelmed. "Yoga and meditation allows students to have a daily practice focused on physical discipline and peaceful breaths to clear the mind," she says. Andrea Kozak, a mother of two girls in Wappingers Falls, feels that yoga practice would be a good fit for physical education classes in schools. "If YOGA (Continued from Page 17) yoga or meditation would be beneficial to the stress of the increased workload that we are asking of our children, then it should be something that the physical education department should take on," Kozak insists. "Our children are expected to do so much in the classroom as it is right now, they do not need to add something else to their daily schedule." There is increasing research showing the benefits of yoga in a school setting. Along with calming the mind and body, and alleviating stress, these practices may also help students with their academic studies. A 2015 study determined that fourth and fifth grade students who participated in a four month mindful meditation program showed greater emotional control as well as higher math grades. Does it work? Try for yourself! Armed with this new information, I headed to our local library to check out some books on yoga. During the busiest time of our night - think cranky baby, homework, dinnertime and fights breaking out over the TV remote - we cracked open the books and my kids eagerly tried some of the poses and breathing techniques. I was surprised at how receptive they were and after a few attempts we were all collapsing in a fit of giggles. Here's a list of the books we tried: • Yoga for Children: 200+ Yoga Poses, Breathing Exercises, and Meditations for Healthier, Happier, More Resilient Children by Lisa Flynn, E-RYT, RCYT • Good Night Yoga: A Pose- by-Pose Bedtime Story by Mariam Gates • 100 Yoga Activities for Children: Easy-to Follow Poses and Meditation for the Whole Family by Shobana R. Vinay Caren Bennett is an editorial assistant for the American Payroll Association. She lives with her husband, 3 children and rambunctious Labrador. Tuesday • 4-7PM Happy Meal Discounts 845-457-9581 2083 State Hwy. Rt. 208 S. Montgomery, NY Wednesday • 5-7PM Happy Meal Discounts Ice Cream, Crafts And Kid's Videos 845-446-4935 104 West Point Hwy. Highland Falls, NY Tuesday • 4-7PM Happy Meal Discounts 973-293-3671 13 State Rt. 23 #4 Montague Township, NJ Tuesday • 4-7PM Happy Meal Discounts 845-292-3107 58 Sullivan Ave. Liberty, NY Wednesday • 5-7PM Happy Meal Discounts 845-565-2327 65 N. Plank Road Newburgh, NY