Students at Merrimac Elementary School in Danielle Gagnon’s third grade class have recently participated in yoga activities to practice essential mindfulness techniques. As part of the activities, students progress through various yoga poses which focus on flexibility and concentration and also increase self-esteem and self-awareness.

“Through 20-plus years of teaching and practicing experience, I have the learned that the mat is a mirror and the mat becomes magical,” Gagnon said. “Once the students become comfortable on the mat, try new poses, breathe and learn to self-regulate, that all transfers into the outside world, the classroom.”