Abstract
Problem. Children are experiencing more stress than ever. Stress in the early formative years of a child's life may have an impact on his/her development, learning, and behavior. Stress management can be learned and yoga encompasses coping techniques that can be taught in schools. School leaders need to advocate for children to learn how to cope with the daily stressors they encounter when lifelong habits are being formed. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to collect, analyze, and report quantitative data that describe the nature and degree of impact that yoga has on students' self-regulation, stress management, and academic engagement. Methodology. For this quantitative descriptive study, 6th-grade parents and teachers in a K-6 school district were surveyed to gather their opinions, perceptions, and observations to help measure the nature and degree of impact the district's yoga program has had on 6th-grade students' self-regulation, stress management, and academic engagement. In addition, secondary data from 2012-2015 were also used. Findings. The survey responses from the parents and teachers indicate that 6th-grade students were often able to self-regulate, manage stress, and be academically engaged in multiple situations and environments. The findings revealed the existence of a relationship between suspension data and the student's ability to self-regulate. There was no relationship with regard to World Trait Ready Skills grades and attendance data. The findings were inconclusive with regard to state test results. Conclusions. Teaching school-age children how to cope with daily stressors should be a priority for educators, parents, and the community. If school-age children are taught and learn techniques, they will be better equipped to manage their stress and anxiety. As a result, they will have a much better chance of growing up to be healthy and productive adults. Yoga is one method that can be incorporated into the school setting. Recommendations. Provide school-age children with a yoga program during the instructional day, provide parents with training and information on yoga programs implemented at their child's school, and provide teachers with professional development and information on yoga programs implemented at their school.