Frequently Asked Questions
What is Conscious Classroom?
Conscious Classroom is an Social Emotional Learning curriculum with easy, active techniques that guide teachers and students through the complete system of yoga.
Who is the Founder of Conscious Classroom?
Conscious Classroom is a yoga-in-school’s curriculum created by a Bainbridge Island, Washington parent who saw a need for mindfulness among students in order to open developing minds and build strong bodies. Stacy Hemingway is the founder.
What experience do you have teaching yoga?
Stacy Hemingway, the founder, has been teaching for more than 20 years and has taken countless hours of continuing education to deepen her knowledge of the practice.
What is Yoga?
The yoga of today has been through many changes and looks very different from the yoga of old.
However, at its core, it is still an invitation to open up our bodies and minds. A yoga practice contributes to day-to-day life in a way that deepens our joy of being alive.
Yoga cultivates introspection, empathy, discernment, self-awareness, self-regulation, and a pathway to an ever-evolving consciousness. It is the continual practice of observing and becoming aware of our thoughts and actions, training our minds to reframe or cast out thoughts that don’t serve us. This idea seems so simple, yet the effects of this practice are powerful enough to transform your entire life for the better.
What is mindfulness and why should my child try it?
Mindfulness is being fully present and aware in the moment. That means if you’re in a crowded restaurant and your stomach is starting to tighten, and your thoughts are starting to race, or you’re excited and talking a lot, then you notice it. All of it.
Mindfulness is the practice of expanding your senses and becoming more attuned to your environment.
Regardless of the environment and without judgment or reaction, mindfulness is simply observation.
What is meditation and why should my child try it?
The practice of quieting our busy minds, creating space between our thoughts, and potentially redirecting our thoughts is meditation. It’s watching our thoughts without judgment, opinion, or trying to change them.
It’s about noticing where the mind goes.
What are some benefits of yoga in schools?
Our goal with Conscious Classroom is to help decrease anxiety and depression, and improve student’s Social
Emotional Learning (SEL) skills through breathwork, mindfulness, and meditation. Studies have established that higher levels of SEL are associated with higher levels of academic and behavioral outcomes.
“We found that students’ SBAC math, SBAC ELA, and attendance increase more during years in which students’ SEL shows greater improvement.”
When mental health improves, test scores increase.
Our desired outcome for students using the Conscious Classroom program are that they gain specific SEL skills as follows:
Students will learn mindfulness skills.
Students will learn to self monitor their feelings and develop strategies to change their emotional state.
Students will expand their emotional vocabulary.
Students will build empathy for each other and be able to understand conflicting points of view.
Students will begin to understand who they are and define their values.
Is yoga a religion or religious practice? Does yoga interfere with my family’s religious beliefs?
“Yoga does not adhere to any particular religion, belief system, or community.” Anyone who practices can reap its benefits, “irrespective of one’s faith, ethnicity, or culture.”
How can families benefit from yoga or their kids doing yoga?
Our goal with Conscious Classroom is to help decrease anxiety and depression, and improve a student’s Social
Emotional Learning (SEL) skills through breathwork, mindfulness, and meditation. Studies have established that higher levels of SEL are associated with higher levels of academic and behavioral outcomes.
“We found that students’ SBAC math, SBAC ELA, and attendance increase more during years in which students’ SEL shows greater improvement.”
When mental health improves, test scores increase.
Our desired outcome for students using the Conscious Classroom program are that they gain specific SEL skills as follows:
Students will learn mindfulness skills.
Students will learn to self monitor their feelings and develop strategies to change their emotional state.
Students will expand their emotional vocabulary.
Students will build empathy for each other and be able to understand conflicting points of view.
Students will begin to understand who they are and define their values.
My child has certain learning and/or physical needs. Can he/she do yoga?
Yes. Breathing exercises, mindfulness activities, and many of the yoga poses can be performed from a chair or mat. The program can be taught under the guidance of the student’s teacher, educator or parent to meet the individual’s abilities and needs.
How do I get started?
Sign up here to receive our information packet or request an in-person or video demonstration of our products.
How long is the program?
Anyone using the curriculum can work through the program at their own pace or under the guidance of an educator.
Do the teachers or kids need yoga mats?
Mats are not required. Many of the breathing and yoga postures in the curriculum can be done from the student’s desks.
How do I build a sequence for my students?
Our curriculum offers pre-recorded classes that can be played from your phone or computer and is paired with our guidebooks to help you build a sustainable practice, and find confidence in building your own sequences. We are excited to offer continuing education credits as well as certifications designed to help educators lead their own classes and provide opportunities for their students to learn and grow.
How long does shipping take?
Shipping for all Conscious Classroom gear and guidebooks are shipped Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday’s. It can take 2-12 business days for arrival.
Where can kids do Yoga?
The curriculum is designed to be practiced from your chair or mat at school, and also from the comfort of your own home.
What is the Informed Consent policy?
I agree that participation in Conscious Classroom’s Yoga for Kids program is voluntary and at my/my child’s own risk and hereby absolve, release and hold harmless Conscious Classroom, its agents, or officers, or Instructors from any and all liability for any injuries or damages that my child or I may suffer in connection with the activities sponsored by Conscious Classroom or in which my child or I may participate.
What do the kids or adults need to wear?
All the mindfulness practices, breathing exercises and a majority of the yoga poses can be done wearing any type of clothing, although we recommend comfortable clothing that you feel comfortable stretching in.
What if I am not flexible?
You do not need to be flexible for Conscious Classrooms yoga curriculum.
What ages are the programs and guidebooks for?
Conscious Classroom’s Curriculum is suitable for all levels and ages.
Are there discounts for multiple In School Program purchases?
We offer discounts for bulk purchasing of the curriculum, guidebooks, and gear. You can reach out to us via email. We look forward to hearing from you!
Do you offer a summer program?
Conscious Classrooms curriculum is designed to be used in school or from the comfort of your home at any time.
Do you offer a discount for bulk purchases?
We offer discounts for bulk purchasing of the curriculum, guidebooks, and gear. You can reach out to us via email. We look forward to hearing from you!
Do you offer demonstrations?
We offer in school or Video demonstrations and include a packet of all the information with everything you’ll need to help you make an informed decision before purchasing.
Do I have to know yoga or be a yoga teacher to teach this program?
Our curriculum offers pre-recorded classes that can be played from your phone or computer and is paired with our guidebooks to help you build a sustainable practice, and find confidence in building your own sequences. We are excited to offer continuing education credits as well as certifications designed to help educators lead their own classes and provide opportunities for their students to learn and grow.
Are classes suitable for beginners?
Conscious Classroom’s Curriculum is suitable for all levels and ages.
What size space and equipment do we need?
Many of the breathing exercises, yoga postures and mindfulness activities in the curriculum can be done directly from the student’s desks, on a yoga mat, or from the comfort of your own home.
Can the school teachers or parents join in the classes?
Yes, and we encourage their participation and guidance.
Do you offer continuing education credits for teachers and educators?
We are currently working on applying for the proper credentials and plan on offering continuing education credits for educators in the near future. Sign up for our mailing list to receive alerts.
What is the vison for Conscious Classroom?
The vision for Conscious Classroom is to provide a solution to increasing levels of anxiety. We hope to help students reconnect with their bodies, which is the first step to reconnecting with their family, friends, and more importantly—to gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
