Not only is yoga a spiritual discipline that combines movement, breathing and meditation to create harmony between body and mind, its presence has resulted in less office referrals for her young charges, she said. Carney said that it also appears to be helping their stamina.

Before each class is brought in for its session, Carney compiles the lesson, which includes several exercises and stretches as well as deep thought meditations.

For example, while 15 second-grade students and their teacher Sarah Rapp were going through their movements during a recent session, Carney read the following statements: “I have courage and confidence,” then ringing a bell. “It is okay not to know everything.” (Bell chime again). “I believe in my goals and dreams.”

Some of the yoga poses executed include downward dog, which ultimately stretches and widens the hamstrings, the calves and the Achilles tendon; and cat-cow, one of the students’ favorite which is a gentle spinal movement that alternates between rounding and arching the back.

Students in Sarah Rapp’s second-grade class enjoy a biweekly yoga workout with Joshua Dixon Elementary School counselor Cathy Raub Carney. From left, front row, Serayah James, Violet Taylor, Copper Taylor, Gemma Guylitto, Vivian Rudder; back row, Vivian Krzys and Charlotte Bailey. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

Studies also have concluded that yoga is especially beneficial to children with more intense ADHD and autism symptoms, as it encourages more self-awareness.

Carney said she also believes it is another way to get the kids active instead sitting glued to video games or television.