While it may be difficult to get the little ones sit still, Ryoko Donald is teaching students at Kitchener Elementary yoga and meditation.

"I just love helping children. They're amazing," Donald said. "It's such a pleasure to work with the little kids."

Every Wednesday, Donald holds a drop-in yoga session at Kitchener where her two children attend school.

Usually about 30 to 40 students show up for the half-hour sessions in the gym. Donald said the meditation part can be difficult with kids.

"They smile, they laugh, they try to talk, but I think we just have to keep it short," she said.

The sessions help the students strengthen their muscles while calming their minds, which helps them concentrate better, she added.

Principal Dennis Taylor said the program was important for the kids.

"It provides them with a chance to have a mindful moment and to stop and reflect," he said.

Teacher-librarian Kae Solomon first started the yoga sessions at the school and then Donald offered to take over.

Donald is a certified yoga fitness teacher who teaches at Dance Express, at 4247 Lougheed Hwy. She's offering free classes on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. For more information, see the website at http://befitfirmfab.com.