Read more: Learn more about Resource Education for Calming, Energizing, Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation, or RECESS.

Little lungs can inhale and exhale deep breaths and pint-sized warrior poses build focus and stamina.

Jessica Bond wasn't sure what to expect when she found out a new grant would mean guest yoga instructors once a week in her classroom at Cooper Elementary School, 1808 S. 123rd East Ave.

"It is far better than I ever imagined. My students use the calming techniques they have learned all the time, and we remind them of it sometimes," Bond said.

A nonprofit organization called Resource Education for Calming, Energizing, Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation, or RECESS, sends instructors into a host of local schools to promote health and wellness. It is funded through a grant from the Tulsa Area Community Schools Initiative.

The program is based on the national Yoga Ed model and aims to improve academics through fitness, emotional intelligence, stress management and self-regulation, according to Director Elizabeth Barlow.

Cooper Principal Joy Modenbach said the yoga classes are helpful even for young children because it builds coordination and dexterity and teaches them about organized movement.

Once a week, Bond, the classroom teacher, watches from the sidelines as a yoga instructor comes in and takes over her charges for 30 minutes of age-appropriate yoga.

On a recent morning, Cameron Dennis led a session in which the prekindergarteners learned about the meaning of the word "finesse."

Instead of sticky floor mats, students kept their place by standing or sitting on shiny star cut-outs.

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Pre-K class finds peace, laughs through yoga