BBC News | EDUCATION | Class starts with Tai Chi

Education Contents: Hot Topics | UK Systems | League Tables | Features |

BBC News Online: Education

Monday, 18 September, 2000, 17:46 GMT 18:46 UK

Class starts with Tai Chi

Soldiers in China take part in Tai Chi classes

Teachers at a primary school in Wiltshire have introduced Tai Chi classes to encourage children to concentrate on their lessons.

Forty-eight pupils at Broad Town Church of England School near Swindon take part in the exercise sessions every morning before classes start.

Tai Chi, which is popular in China, is classified as a martial art. It uses slow stretching movements to produce a sense of well being and relaxation.

It really quietens them down - they are more prepared for their work
Anne D'Souza

The idea was the brainchild of teacher Anne D'Souza, 26, who does Tai Chi herself as a hobby.

She said she and her colleagues believe the children respond better in class since they began morning exercises at Easter.

"After doing their Tai Chi the children come into the classroom and it really quietens them down - they are more prepared for their work and it creates a better atmosphere for the school."

Speaking to BBC News Online, she admitted the children, aged five to 11, found the exercise rather amusing to start with.

"They giggled at first - it was all very different for them. But now they've really got into it.

"We had a fete the other day and they were even teaching some of the parents!" she added.

Related to this story:
Jogging 'prolongs life' (08 Sep 00 | Health) 'Couch potato' children risking health (04 Jun 00 | Health) Sport 'squeezed out of schools' (28 Feb 00 | Education) Stressed students turn to bluebells (24 Jun 00 | Education) Massage lessons for stressed pupils (02 Nov 99 | Education) Yoga to calm pupil stress (31 Mar 00 | Education)

Education Contents: Hot Topics | UK Systems | League Tables | Features |