The School Yoga Coach podcast

In this interview episode we get a peak into how a great idea turns into a growing business through the ingenuity of an artist, the adaptability of a pandemic, and the application of Instructional Yoga Coach Training.Suzanne Mapes is a former IYC student, and current IYC Certified Coach, as well as the founder of The Feed My Soul Project, a "mobile yoga studio" in Southern California that serves kids through partnerships with her local schools and school districts. This is a 2-part discussion. Episode 25:  Feed My Soul part 1Episode 26: Feed My Soul part 2I hope you'll listen to both episodes to get inspired and encouraged to bring yoga to the students in your life!Follow Suzanne on Instagram @feedmysoulproject.**********************************************************To support your own emotional well-being, grab a FREE   Self Care Checklist here. Explore the Instructional Yoga Coach Training -- or join our next cohort group!Learn more about creating a Mindful School, and the SEL needs of students and staff with the book Mindful Schools from the Bottom Up.Commit to a school year full of self-care and student care with the  Tranquil Teacher Lesson Plan Book.  For more information visit School Yoga Coach at  www.schoolyogacoach.com

When did Social Emotional Learning become such a divisive issue?  As is the case for most controversies, a lot of the SEL backlash is based on misconceptions or misapplications of what SEL is intended to be.  In today's episode we talk about the reasons for this backlash so that you and your school community can evaluate if you are feeding into the fears or building a partnership.  In this case, doing right is more important than being right!  So let's make sure we know how to keep kids and families feeling safe, listened to, and included. Contact me with your questions and feedback HERE.Or send me an email at: schoolyogacoach@gmail.comFor more info:  www.schoolyogacoach.comTo register for upcoming IYC trainings:  Instructional Yoga Coach TrainingPurchase my new book here:Mindful Schools From the Bottom UpMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com 

How can we support the the emotional health of our students when we are facing the horrific events of the past several months, if not years?  Is it overly optimistic to believe we can all heal and feel put-back-together when entire communities are being destroyed?In this episode we examine the reality of society's traumas and a realistic outlook for the future, based on the knowledge we have to raise to calm, kind kids.  To support your own emotional well-being, grab a FREE   Self Care Checklist here. And commit to a school year full of self-care and student care with the  Tranquil Teacher Lesson Plan Book.   Orders placed through this link, by August 1, will be autographed by the author (that's me!)Or order through Amazon -- good for bulk orders!  For more information visit School Yoga Coach at  www.schoolyogacoach.comMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com Stay well, friends. 

Kids are back to school in one way or another in most areas of the country.  In light of these anxious times, we teachers could use little yoga influence as we meet new students and try to connect and ease their anxiousness.   This is a great way to spend just a few minutes to connect with kids AND to teach some self-regulation skills from the Bottom Up!See an example of this activity here: YouTube Meet and Greet MudrasGet the download; join Tranquil Teachers here.  Just mention the Podcast and I'll send you the handout!To register for upcoming IYC trainings:  Instructional Yoga Coach TrainingGet on the Early Release list for Mindful Schools From the Bottom UpYou can also learn more about the book and the Professional Development program  HERE:  Mindful Schools From the Bottom Up I want to hear YOUR ideas and feedback too!  Send me an email at:  peacefulperceptionsconsulting@gmail.comFor more info:  www.schoolyogacoach.comMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com 

Kids learn who they can turn to when they encounter distress through Attachments.  Both parents and teachers can benefit from knowing how to interpret the beliefs and needs of kids with different attachment styles. Add in a School Yoga Coach and you can balance out the internal needs that can go along with these different needs -- so our kids can respond to a calm, available and compassionate caregiver. I go into more details on Attachment Theory in the classroom in my new book Mindful Schools From the Bottom Up. Get on the NOTIFY ME list for Mindful Schools From the Bottom UpYou can also learn more about the book and the Professional Development program  HERE:  Mindful Schools From the Bottom Up I want to hear YOUR ideas and feedback too!  Send me an email at:  peacefulperceptionsconsulting@gmail.comFor more info:  www.schoolyogacoach.comTo register for upcoming IYC trainings:  Instructional Yoga Coach TrainingMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com 

What does it mean to bring yoga into the schools?Well, for School Yoga coaches it means integrating yoga principles into the learning process.  In this episode I clarify the differences between Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Practice and Yoga Principles, so that we can avoid common misunderstandings.   I think this will help both yoga teachers and educators to see how important it is to bring these principles to the many students and staff who struggle daily with the numerous obstacles in the education system -- and to see how much control we actually have over the way we respond, both mentally and physically, in an academic environment. Contact me with your questions and feedback HERE.Or send me an email at: schoolyogacoach@gmail.comFor more info:  www.schoolyogacoach.comTo register for upcoming IYC trainings:  Instructional Yoga Coach TrainingMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com 

Schools serve the needs of ALL students through a 3 Tier system of supports -- be they academic needs or behavioral needs.  Yoga fits perfectly with this Multi-Tier System of Support, but only when we include a yoga teacher as part of the school community -- and offer yoga both in and out of the classroom, as interventions as well as learning strategies. In this episode I give you a sample plan that I might suggest if I was your School Yoga Coach!  Sound good?   Make sure you partner with a local yoga teacher in your area, help them receive the Instructional Yoga Coach Training, and you'll be one of those schools that takes Social Emotional Learning to a whole new level.  Our next training begins in September 2020 -- and our kids could not be more in need!You can also join some like-minded teachers in my PRIVATE FB group -- free and supportive -- Tranquil Teachers FB Group  Just let me know you heard about the group from my podcast. Contact me with your questions and feedback HERE.Or send me an email at: schoolyogacoach@gmail.comFor more info:  www.schoolyogacoach.comTo register for upcoming IYC trainings:  Instructional Yoga Coach TrainingMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com 

We know how important mental health is.  We know we need to offer more mental health support to our kids and our teachers.  But how do we do that when our world seems to be spinning out of control, when people seem to not care about our health, our schools, our economy, our freedom? Well, if you are listening to this podcast, I imagine you want to use the tools of yoga to help manage emotional overwhelm, but you are likely finding that very difficult right now.  I will talk about four reasons why you might be struggling, and walk us through a "yoga snack" to help ease our nervous system for you to practice. You can also join some like-minded teachers in my PRIVATE FB group -- free and supportive -- Tranquil Teachers FB Group  Just let me know you heard about the group from my podcast. You can also grab a handy download HERE to remind you of how important it is to own your Mental Health Path, and how to do that!Contact me with your questions and feedback HERE.For more info:  www.schoolyogacoach.comTo register for upcoming IYC trainings:  Instructional Yoga Coach TrainingMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com 

This one is for my Yoga Teacher friends out there!You KNOW Yoga is important for schools to embrace.  But why aren't they doing it?  Part of the reason is us -- we don't know the terminology, systems, and supports that teachers and administrators actually NEED -- we think they just need to "destress" and "do yoga" -- but that has nothing to do with their main focus -- Instruction!In this episode I explain why I developed the Instructional Yoga Coach Training, and how it can fit with your needs as a yoga teacher, so that YOU can support schools at a time of unprecedented Social-Emotional Need.Check out the following:IYC Training Registration InformationYogaFit for WarriorKids TrainingI want to hear YOUR ideas too!  Send me an email at:  peacefulperceptionsconsulting@gmail.comFor more info:  www.schoolyogacoach.comTo register for upcoming IYC trainings:  Instructional Yoga Coach TrainingMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com 

BREAKING NEWS!!Mindful Schools From the Bottom Up: A Body-Based Approach to Mindful Students, Staff, and SystemsAfter three years in the making -- including research, training, reading, training, writing, and trial and error -- I have finally finished the book I've always wanted to give to the teachers in my life.  A book that teaches Mindfulness based on movement, polyvagal theory, and integrated systems. A book that supports teachers, instead of overwhelming them.  A book that builds community, instead of exacerbating trauma.  A book that can be covered over the course of a year, in small, manageable steps.  So here it is!!This book speaks to ADMINISTRATORS who create policies and establish school culture; to TEACHERS who are juggling their own need for mindfulness with their students' increasing stress levels; and to STUDENTS who thrive in mindful environments when they are led through authentic and reflective practices. In this Bonus Episode you can listen as I read just a couple pages that seems extra relevant now as our school administrators make decisions about the future wellbeing of kids, teachers, and families. COMING SOON --- so make sure you get on the NOTIFY ME list before AUGUST 1-- you'll save $10 if you do!You can also learn more about the book and the Professional Development program  HERE:  Mindful Schools From the Bottom Up I want to hear YOUR ideas and feedback too!  Send me an email at:  peacefulperceptionsconsulting@gmail.comFor more info:  www.schoolyogacoach.comTo register for upcoming IYC trainings:  Instructional Yoga Coach TrainingMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com 

The doctors, teachers, parents, and state guidelines all agree -- Mental Health (social-emotional health) for Students AND Staff is a critical priority when we return to school this fall. So -- what do we do about it?   Sure, more mental health professionals are needed, but we are talking about thousands of people with varying levels of need.  If you REALLY want to make Mental Health a priority, then you have to design your school schedules and class routines with that FIRST in mind.   This episode of The School Yoga Coach will give you a practical and specific plan that you can implement whether you are teaching remotely or teaching in the classroom.  The steps in this plan work just as well for TEACHER mental health as it does for STUDENTS -- that is, if you put it into practice.  It doesn't cost anything.It provides continuity in instruction.It attends to the social needs of kids. And anyone can do it.  I want to hear YOUR ideas too!  Send me an email at:  peacefulperceptionsconsulting@gmail.comFor more info:  www.schoolyogacoach.comTo register for upcoming IYC trainings:  Instructional Yoga Coach TrainingMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com 

School Yoga Coach -- that's the name of the podcast -- but what does it mean? and why are they so important?In this episode I explain who a School Yoga Coach is, what their unique skill set is, and why it is so important for SCHOOLS to partner with School Yoga Coaches NOW. In this time of educational confusion, fear, and upheaval, it is more important than ever to be supporting STUDENTS and TEACHERS in their emotional health -- because (to quote Bessel Van der Kolk) our BODIES keep the SCORE -- of all the fear, confusion, pivoting, and questioning that surrounds education during the time of COVID-19.  Educators must think beyond the "old normal" and connect with community experts who are trained to support kids (and adults) IN the classroom!Grab your free checklist HERE to help guide you as you reimagine and regenerate our schools, our relationships, and our systems!I want to hear YOUR ideas too!  Send me an email at:  peacefulperceptionsconsulting@gmail.comFor more info:  www.schoolyogacoach.comTo register for upcoming IYC trainings:  Instructional Yoga Coach TrainingMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com 

Part TwoIf you are a re-imaginer, someone who tries to make lemonade out of lemons and turn crisis into transformation, then this episode (and the previous one -- Episode 10) will start your ideas flowing.  Despite the upheaval our societies are experiencing, we do not have to return to schools (and communities) as normal.  We are living in a time of great destruction, yes, and also amazing opportunities for regeneration!  The question is -- are you brave enough, creative enough, and bold enough to make the necessary changes in the following areas?  1) Learning and Teaching Priorities2) Mental Health3) Community 4) EnvironmentGrab your free checklist HERE to help guide you as you reimagine and regenerate our schools, our relationships, and our systems!I want to hear YOUR ideas too!  Send me an email at:  peacefulperceptionsconsulting@gmail.comFor more info:  www.schoolyogacoach.comTo register for upcoming IYC trainings:  Instructional Yoga Coach TrainingMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com 

While everyone is wondering how to reopen schools in the fall, I thought it would be a good time to revisit some of the systems we have in place that make learning so challenging for many of our kids.  What if we redesigned more than just online-learning supports and social-distancing policies -- but really worked to build a healthy, supportive environment for both kids and teachers?This is dreamy ideal, I admit, but it is not impossible or even impractical.  We have already seen so much innovation to address the needs of kids and families as COVID-19 upset our education system.   It has also become clear how interwoven the education system is in every other aspect of our society.  So let's focus on the four most essential changes that MUST be addressed if we truly want to recover from COVID-19 wiser, stronger, and healthier.  We will do the first two in Part 1;  Part 2 will cover the other areas.  But they are all connected -- just like WE are all connected.1) Learning and Teaching Priorities2) Mental Health3) Community 4) EnvironmentI want to hear YOUR ideas too!  Send me an email at:  peacefulperceptionsconsulting@gmail.comFor more info:  www.schoolyogacoach.comTo register for upcoming IYC trainings:  Instructional Yoga Coach TrainingMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com 

If your school has been exploring the ways it can incorporate mindfulness, SEL, and body-based movement (yoga) into its curriculum... If your administrators, communities, and BOEs have said that it is a dire need for our kids and teachers... what happens when the crisis gets real?When budgets are slashed, teaching positions cut, and the arts eliminated?In other words, when we need it to follow the PRINCIPLES of mindfulness the most -- do we quit and look for fast, cheap solutions, or do we commit to the WORK it will take-- which by the way, isn't necessarily all that expensive.Here are some QUESTIONS to consider, THREE Detrimental attitudes we often take, along with the THREE Affirmations we can make to counteract those attitudes. Do you have a question or comment?  I'd love to hear them.  Send me an email at:  peacefulperceptionsconsulting@gmail.comFor more info:  www.schoolyogacoach.comTo register for upcoming IYC trainings:  Instructional Yoga Coach TrainingMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com 

Are you worried about the Social-Emotional effects of COVID on your students?  the good news is, lots of districts are planning to support these needs for both teachers and kids.  However, the reality is, YOU can start doing something about it NOW.In this episode I will give you some simple tough work that you can and SHOULD do this summer to prepare yourself for whatever lies ahead this fall. You can also join some like-minded teachers in my PRIVATE FB group -- free and supportive -- Tranquil Teachers FB Group  Just let me know you heard about the group from my podcast. You can also grab a handy download HERE to remind you of how important it is to own you Mental Health Path, and how to do that!Do you have a question or comment?  I'd love to hear them.  Send me an email at:  peacefulperceptionsconsulting@gmail.comFor more info:  www.schoolyogacoach.comTo register for upcoming IYC trainings:  Instructional Yoga Coach TrainingMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com 

Continuing our discussion of the three brains (based on polyvagal theory) that need to be activated and "online", we look at some simple, practical, and powerful actions we can take as teachers and decision-makers as we plan for schools to reopen after COVID-19.The best way to bring mindful awareness into a school culture is to have a School Yoga Coach as part of the instructional team.   These Yoga Teachers are trained in "school-specific" needs, policies, and structures, and they know how to help entire school communities recover from traumas, both big and small.For more info:  www.schoolyogacoach.comTo register for JUNE IYC training:  Instructional Yoga Coach TrainingMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com: 

As school districts make plans to reopen their schools in Phases of Safety, they face uncertainty, pressure, and policies based on protecting their staff, teachers, and students so we can get back to the task of teaching and learning.   Our School Yoga coaches are making plans too -- in order to guide and support school decision makers, with the same goals in mind, but with the understanding of our own 3 "internal" Phases that need to be in place as well. In this episode we look at the body's 3 Brains -- and why it is a HUGE mistake to ignore them when trying to implement a complex structure such as a School Reopen Plan. Check out Part 2 next week to get some simple and practical steps that Teachers and Administrators can take to lead each of our three brains to true recovery!For more information about School Yoga Coaches, contact me at www.schoolyogacoach.comMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

When trauma occurs we know that learning is affected too.As a classroom teacher or as a School Yoga Coach, you are dedicated to helping kids recover from trauma -- especially our current COVID-19 trauma -- but we also want them to keep learning. Visit the School Yoga Coach website here: www.schoolyogacoach.comLet's take a look at the Learning Process -- maybe in a brand new way -- so we have a better understanding of WHAT Learning actually is, and how WE can support the Learning process, especially when our students are struggling with a whole new system of learning.  This is so much ore important than grades and test scores -- this is about RESILIENCE, which is the ultimate outcome of ALL Learning! To grab YOUR copy of the Learning Process Handout, click HERE.Sign up for Instructional Yoga Coach Training HERECONTACT me to learn more about School Yoga Coaches for YOUR school.Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Is your school ready to handle the post-traumatic effects of COVID-19?  Or school violence? Or a tornado?School leaders can do a lot to either help their school organization recover and thrive, or (as often happens) they can unintentionally inhibit post-traumatic recovery.  School Yoga Coaches are trained to help teachers, students, and school leaders integrate Trauma-Informed practices with Academic and Organizational systems.  Integrating these systems is essential in order to learn from the experience and make decisions for growth. For more information, visit www.schoolyogacoach.com Music: https://www.purple-planet.com