OUR CLASSES

Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness

EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS

The Elephant Project empowers children in Washington, DC by teaching yoga and meditation. The practice of yoga and mindfulness can help youth manage stress, heal from trauma and improve wellness. Schools in urban communities that incorporate mindfulness into their curricula often see reduced suspensions, less violence, improvements in academics and overall emotional well-being. In order to make holistic practices more accessible, our volunteers lead classes in under-served Washington, DC communities.

RESEARCH

Mindfulness improves classroom behavior

• Jennings, P. A., Frank, J. L., Snowberg, K. E., Coccia, M. A., & Greenberg, M. T. (2013). Improving Classroom Learning Environments by Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education (CARE): Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. School Psychology Quarterly, 28(4), 374–390.

• Bakosh, L. S., Snow, R. M., Tobias, J. M., Houlihan, J. L., & Barbosa-Leiker, C. (2016). Maximizing Mindful Learning: Mindful Awareness Intervention Improves Elementary School Students’ Quarterly Grades. Mindfulness.

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Mindfulness improves mental health in youth

• Raes, F., Griffith, J. W., Van der Gucht, K., & Williams, J. M. G. (2014). School-­based prevention and reduction of depression in adolescents: A cluster-­randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness group program. Mindfulness, 5(5), 477–486.

• Liehr, P., & Diaz, N. (2010). A Pilot Study Examining the Effect of Mindfulness on Depression and Anxiety for Minority Children. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 24(1), 69–71.