New York City, NY – As a new school year dawns, students in the city have much more to anticipate beyond academics; the spotlight is now on mental health as well.
New York City public schools are ushering in a fresh chapter in literacy education, with students returning to the fundamentals of old-school phonics.
From pre-K to 12th grade, NYC students will now engage in daily mindful breathing practices.
This innovative initiative, known as New York City Reads, was officially launched in May, and it renews the city’s commitment to improving reading proficiency and instilling basic algebra skills. Educators are optimistic that this initiative will modernize and enrich a curriculum that has stood the test of time.
The city has pledged $35 million to train teachers across the nation in implementing this program.
The sweeping academic changes are accompanied by a resolute focus on students’ mental health.
“We teach them algebra, trigonometry, history, English, and all those subjects to prepare them for future employment, but we often neglect their emotional intelligence,” emphasized New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Students from pre-K through 12th grade can now anticipate dedicating two to five minutes daily to mindful breathing exercises within the school environment. Earlier this year, teachers received training on these techniques.
“The pandemic wasn’t the first traumatic experience our kids faced, and it won’t be the last,” noted New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks.
Mayor Adams stressed, “In place of violence, we will have balance, in place of bullets, we will have breath. We must address the stress that our scholars are grappling with.”
Educators laud the mindful breathing initiative as the first Yoga Alliance-approved yoga and mindfulness program implemented in a public school nationwide. It constitutes a vital component of the Department of Education’s comprehensive strategy to prepare students not only academically but also emotionally.
