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Calm Breathing Calm Hearts:
Social and Emotional Learning for School and Life
Written by educator and nonprofit founder Kelly Wood, this book shares the tools of the SCHOOL Yoga & Mindfulness program—simple breathing and awareness practices that empower both teachers and students to develop emotional steadiness, focus, and prosocial behaviors. Grounded in over 23 years of experience in public schools, the book provides accessible methods to create peaceful learning environments where academic success and well-being go hand in hand.
Whether you're an educator, parent, or advocate for positive school culture, this book offers a transformative framework for building compassionate, connected communities.
About the Book
If students are unable to pay attention, how can they achieve academic success? Even if students manage to focus, is that enough for optimal learning, or is a particular feeling state needed? Do they know that managing emotions proactively instead of reactively helps them in school and life? Are they aware they have the power to feel, think, and learn better?
These challenges are not unique to students. Kelly Wood asserts that learning can be improved at any age with tools that foster emotional balance, focus, and greater empathetic awareness. These tools are the cornerstone of Wood's innovative yoga mindfulness program, specifically designed for public schools. Wood's unique perspective challenges us to rethink our perception of yoga. She clarifies that her approach is not about mastering complex poses, but rather about nurturing and refreshing an inclusive, peaceful mindset.
This book inspires educators to rejuvenate and reinforce peaceful habits within themselves through SCHOOL Yoga & Mindfulness methods and share these practices with their students. By doing so, they can significantly influence classroom learning and culture. Furthermore, Calm Breathing Calm Hearts details why and how to develop social and emotional learning skills for prosocial changes in our schools, homes, and world. Wood's extensive experience underscores the fact that young people are looking to us, the adults, to equip them with the tools needed for more compassionate communities.
"I initially picked up Kelly’s book with my sister in mind because she’s an elementary school teacher. To my surprise, as I read Calm Breathing Calm Hearts, I realized that the techniques discussed were not just applicable in a classroom, but in all aspects of daily life. Whether you have kids in your life or not, this book will give you the tools to help build self-confidence, navigate anxiety, and stay grounded in this ever-changing world.
–Spencer S.
"I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in ways to help children achieve more peaceful attitudes toward self and others, attain better control of their emotions, and open their hearts and minds to learning."
–Linda M.
Smiling Calm Hearts Open Our Learning, Inc. (SCHOOL, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
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