Eyewitness News (WABC) — The new school year means a lot to look forward to for students in the city — not just academically, but mentally.
New York City public schools are opening a new chapter in literacy this year, with students learning through old-fashioned phonics.
Students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in New York City will now engage in a daily mindful breathing exercise.
City leaders launched NYC Reading in May—a renewed focus on reading and learning basic algebra. Educators say the move will simplify and enhance a decades-old curriculum.
The city said it will spend $35 million to train teachers to implement the program nationwide.
New academic changes are also driving student mental health.
SEE ALSO | NYC schools invest in programs for students with special needs and learning disabilities
“We teach them algebra, trigonometry, history, English, all these things that can prepare them for jobs, but we don’t teach them how to be High emotional intelligence.”.
Students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 can practice mindful breathing for two to five minutes each day at school.
Earlier this year, teachers received technical training.
“This pandemic is not the first trauma our children have faced, and news coverage won’t be the last,” said New York City school principal David Banks.
“We no longer have bullets, but we breathe; we no longer have violence, but balance. We have to deal with the pressure our academics are under,” Adams said.
Educators say the mindful breathing initiative is the first yoga and mindfulness program approved by the Yoga Alliance in public schools across the country.
This is just part of the measures the Ministry of Education is taking to prepare students academically and emotionally.
ALSO READ | NYC public schools to create mindful breathing program for all K-12 students
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