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Goal

My goal is to help students have better concentration, focus, and confidence during academic learning in the classroom; and, to better deal with test anxiety and learn stress management techniques that will last a lifetime. 

What will be done with my students

I, the School Counselor (i also have a degree in Health Science), will visit individual classrooms on a regular (scheduled) basis and teach students deep breathing, body movement exercises, and "mindfulness." Each session will be approximately 30 minutes. Students will use an exercise mat that will ensure they have a safe, comfortable, and clean space to practice. If this grant is accepted, the Laurel Oak PTO has agreed to purchase disinfectant wipes to clean the mats after use.
Last year, I piloted a program where i incorporated deep
breathing, body movement exercises, and mindfulness to help students with test taking skills and overall classroom performance. The teachers and i noted a significant improvement in their ability to concentrate and focus after the sessions. We also noticed an improvement in general well-being and social skills. This year, if my grant is accepted, I plan to formally survey before and after the exercise lessons to gather evidence of effectiveness. 

Benefits to my students

Current brain research indicates that deep breathing exercises and performing specific body movements can improve concentration, focus, study skills, anxiety, and overall health. Specific exercises can also help the brain learn math, science, reading, and writing concepts. In addition, "mindfulness" can improve study skills and focus. Mindfulness also helps with stress, anxiety, and emotional problems that can interfere with learning for so many students. Mindfulness is paying attention to one's experiences through the senses and the mind, noticing what is happening now.
I plan to survey teachers and students for effectiveness; and, document the benefits to students of Stretch, Relax, and Breath! 

Budget Narrative

25 Exercise mats at $12 each, which includes tax and shipping. 

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