ERIC Number: EJ962388
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 12
Abstractor: ERIC
Reference Count: 9
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1559-663X
Harmonious Learning: Yoga in the English Language Classroom
Morgan, Lisa
English Teaching Forum, v49 n4 p2-13 2011
This article looks at one way for teachers to make classrooms emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy places to learn--places where tensions and stresses are lessened and where teachers and students are concentrating, yet relaxed. "Harmonious language learning classroom" is the term the author coined to describe this kind of language learning environment. In order to create harmonious language learning classrooms, teachers must first reduce anxiety, stress, and negative competition amongst their learners. In addition, teachers need to accept their learners for what and who they are. Teachers who teach in harmonious learning classes respect their students' different language learning styles and emphasize a healthy intellectual and emotional attitude toward one's self and others. One way to promote mentally, emotionally, and physically balanced learners is through the use of yoga. She suggests that by utilizing simple yoga poses in English language lessons, teachers can teach various aspects of the English language in a fun and nonthreatening way. With this approach, learners use their bodies to learn, practice, and anchor the language being taught at the same time as they reduce anxiety and help care for mind, body, and spirit.
Descriptors: English (Second Language), Second Language Instruction, Anxiety, Mental Health, Classroom Environment, Stress Management, Competition, Teacher Student Relationship, Emotional Intelligence, Teacher Characteristics, Metacognition, Physical Activities, Academic Achievement, Learning Theories
US Department of State. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs, SA-5, 2200 C Street NW 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20037. e-mail: etforum@state.gov; Web site: http://www.forum.state.gov
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers
Education Level: Adult Education; Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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