What is “Lieblingsfach Matte”?
What is “Lieblingsfach Matte”?
“Lieblingsfach Matte” is an innovative school project that integrates yoga as a permanent subject into the elementary school curriculum—with the goal of sustainably strengthening children’s physical, emotional, and mental health.
What makes it special: Each class is accompanied by a permanent tandem consisting of a class teacher and a children’s yoga teacher. At the start of the project, teachers receive in-depth training in children’s yoga and, over the course of the year, gradually take over leading the yoga sessions themselves. This creates real knowledge, real routine—and real sustainability. By the end of the school year, they will be able to teach yoga themselves—on the mat and in the classroom.
Accompanying this, parents are involved through information events. The project is preventive, empowering, and inclusive—scientifically supported and effective in the long term.
“Lieblingsfach Matte” empowers schools from within. It shows how health promotion can be firmly integrated into everyday school life—without extra effort, but as a natural part of a future-oriented education.
“Lieblingsfach Matte” is implemented by our association Yoku. e.V. and funded by Techniker Krankenkasse. To expand the model to more schools, this flagship project now needs further support.
Why this project is needed
More and more children are tired, restless, or overwhelmed—even as early as elementary school.
Studies show:
- Physical complaints such as headaches or back pain are occurring more and more frequently among elementary school children.
- Almost every second child does not get enough exercise.
- The number of mental illnesses in children has been rising continuously for years.
School stress, lack of exercise, and sensory overload characterize the daily lives of many children. They sleep worse, experience fear of failure early on, or withdraw. At the same time, simple tools for self-regulation, for pausing, or for mindful interaction with oneself and others are often missing.
“Lieblingsfach Matte” addresses exactly this—with a holistic yoga program that is firmly integrated into everyday school life and develops a lasting impact.
The special features
Yoga stays in school
A central element of the project is its sustainability:
Teachers are trained in children’s yoga in a practical training session at the beginning of the school year. During the project, they gradually take over the yoga sessions themselves—initially together with an experienced yoga teacher (“yoga mentor”), and later independently.
The teachers learn to teach yoga exercises not only on the mat but also to integrate them flexibly into everyday teaching—e.g., as a ritual to promote concentration, for emotional regulation, or for physical activation.
In this way, yoga remains anchored in the school in the long term—independent of external support or project durations.
Holistic. Scientifically sound. Inclusive.
“Lieblingsfach Matte” works on several levels
Children
- experience self-efficacy and mindfulness
- improve motor skills, posture, and concentration
- develop emotional stability and body awareness
- learn breathing and relaxation techniques for self-regulation
Teachers
- are qualified as multipliers
- receive comprehensive training & support
- learn to integrate yoga into their daily pedagogical routine
- gain new action and relaxation strategies for their profession
Parents & Families
- are involved through information evenings and materials
- learn simple exercises for stress regulation in everyday family life
- experience the effects of yoga in everyday life through their children
Schools & Co.
- strengthen the resilience and health of their students
- create a mindful school climate conducive to learning
- holistically implement a preventive educational mandate
