Little Flower Yoga for Kids: Evaluation of a Yoga and Mindfulness Program for Children With Increased Levels of Emotion Dysregulation and Inattention

The overall aim of this project is to ascertain the effects of Little Flower Yoga for Kids, a promising yoga and mindfulness program for children developed by Jennifer Cohen Harper, MA, E-RCYT, which incorporates five elements (connect, breathe, move, focus, relax) to improve the child's ability to sustain attention and regulate emotions. While research supports that yoga programs and mindfulness programs yield positive outcomes on numerous factors, there are no independent studies presently examining the effects of a combined yoga and mindfulness intervention (like Little Flower Yoga for Kids) on both emotion regulation and sustained attention. The investigators propose conducting an initial evaluation of Little Flower Yoga for Kids in a small sample of 18-30 Kindergarten and First Grade students (3-5 per class) enrolled in Girls Preparatory Charter School of the Bronx. Little Flower Yoga for Kids is currently part of the curriculum at Girls Preparatory Charter School of the Bronx and implemented by Kelli Love, M.Ed., 500 RYT, received her certification from the Little Flower Yoga for Kids Teacher Training Program. Specifically, the investigators will conduct a preliminary trial with a sample of 5-7 year olds (Kindergarten/First Grade), who meet a predetermined threshold of having either emotional regulation and/or attentional difficulties, to determine the effects of Little Flower Yoga for Kids on sustained attention and emotion regulation. Measures of these outcomes will occur at initial participant screener, baseline, mid-treatment (4.5 months after the start of the program), and post-treatment (after 9 months).