About the Book

In this empowering and practical guide, yoga teacher and educator Kelly Wood shares insights from over two decades of bringing yoga mindfulness into public school classrooms. With warmth, clarity, and grounded wisdom, she introduces the SCHOOL Yoga & Mindfulness program—an inclusive, standards-aligned approach that cultivates focus, peace, and care for all ages.

Unlike traditional yoga books focused on mastering poses, this book fills a crucial gap in education—offering simple, effective ways to help students understand the value of self-discipline and the importance of caring for their own well-being as well as that of others. These heart-centered methods don’t replace what educators already do; they strengthen and sustain the positive behaviors teachers work so hard to foster each day.

Readers will gain a new, accessible perspective on breathing, posture, and social-emotional learning—framed in a way that’s meaningful for students and supportive for teachers.

More than a collection of techniques, this book invites educators to reflect, reframe, and discover how one foundational tool—Calm Breathing Calm Hearts—can shift classroom dynamics in lasting, meaningful ways. It’s an entry point to greater harmony, stronger group focus, and a refreshed approach to classroom well-being.

Inside, you'll learn:
•  How one simple breathing technique—Calm Breathing Calm Hearts—can quietly transform attitudes, attention, and classroom culture
•  What sets SCHOOL Yoga & Mindfulness apart from traditional yoga and mainstream mindfulness programs
•  Ways to help students grow in self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy
•  How to guide students from a “me-first” mindset to one that embraces both individual and collective well-being
•  How the SCHOOL approach builds on educational best practices—like structure, consistency, and inclusivity—to create steadier, more supportive classrooms
•  Tools to nourish not only students, but also the peaceful presence and emotional resilience of educators
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Whether you're new to yoga mindfulness or looking for a more practical, classroom-centered approach, Calm Breathing Calm Hearts offers a fresh and accessible path forward. While grounded in the realities of today’s classrooms, this program returns us to the basics—supporting every student and teacher in their shared wish to connect, grow, and enjoy the journey of learning together.


"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.