Jessica Murrman has long been a proponent of yoga, praising its physical and mental benefits. Now, she gets to share that passion with the district’s students.
Murrman, along with Ellie Kyle, began teaching a yoga elective this quarter, offered to the district’s 7th and 8th grade students.
“It’s been going really well,” said Murrman. “I’ve had a lot of engagement. It helps keep the focus on positivity throughout the day.”
Murrman officially became a certified yoga teacher in September. Murrman earned her certification through Open Up Pittsburgh, whose mission is to “teach mindfulness tools through movement and art practices that center people living with disabilities.”
Her certification, which focused on making yoga accessible to all — no matter their limitations — was funded through Project SEEKS SES, a partnership between the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) and the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), ten school districts and three universities to explore a variety of resources to address trauma, behavior and mental health supports for students and staff. Murrman also helps lead an after-school yoga class for staff.
“Yoga has helped me a lot in the past,” said Murrman, who has practiced yoga, off and on, for 15-plus years. “I’ve always wanted to become certified but never had the time or opportunity.”
Throughout a week, students learn about yoga, practice poses, and then cap the week off with a full-on yoga class on Friday. Among subject matter, Murrman said students have learned about the history of yoga, styles of yoga, how yoga can bring up certain emotions, meditation, breath work, and much more.
The class — which occurs during first period — is a great way for students to start the day positively, setting them up for success the rest of the day.
“We have some time to relax, collect our thoughts and put in the past what might’ve happened prior to them coming to school today. It’s a way for them to start their day with a fresh start,” said Murrman. “To see kids really enjoying it has been cool to see.”
Within just a few weeks, Murrman said she’s gotten great engagement, and cited one success story, which involves a student who apathetically joined the class. Within a short period of time, he’s turned into a big proponent of yoga.
“Now that he’s doing it, he’s really enjoying it. He likes that it’s the first part of the day. They have breakfast and then go to yoga at 9 a.m. He said it’s a nice way to start the day and helps him feel calmer throughout the day,” said Murrman.
“I hope it’s something they share at home, so they can continue the practice once the elective ends. Not just the physical aspect, but being able to continue the emotional influences that yoga can have on them throughout the day.”