Yoga
for Children by Joanna Gardner
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Yoga is
appreciated and enjoyed by children of all ages. However a children's
Yoga session is vastly different to an adults class. The key to
being successful when introducing Yoga to children is in the way
it is presented to them.
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The approach needs
to be fun, fairly dynamic, creative and stimulating to the child's imagination.
You can do this by using songs and threading the many beautiful Yoga
postures of animals and nature based objects together into different
stories. The stories are wonderfully brought to life through the child's
own vivid imagination. Appropriate music and a few simple props help
as well. (eg. Tree branch prunings, animal pictures or felt ears)
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With a group
of children you can play a variety of Yoga games. These may include
the cobra snakes slithering through a dog tunnel, statues, geometric
body shapes, visiting a farm or zoo, Alphabet Yoga or partner Yoga.
Movement or dance also integrate well with Yoga. |
As well as the active
Yoga postures that work on strengthening the physical body it is important
to keep in mind the holistic nature of Yoga which nurtures the body,
mind, emotions and spirit of the child. For a session to be balanced
it is important to introduce calming and focusing techniques to the
child.
Diaphragmatic breathing
can be introduced in a fun way, such as being a balloon filling up with
air then emptying, or watching the chest rise and fall like the waves
of the ocean. Asthmatic children particularly benefit from cleansing
breathing which empty the lungs fully and lengthens the exhale. With
older children Alternate nostril breathing has a wonderful calming effect.
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Premeditative
techniques that help develop concentration and focus can be used
with children from 4 years old. The focus may be a candle flame,
an attractive picture, or beautiful objects from nature such as
a shell, flower or crystal. With younger children it is best to
firstly explore the object with all of the senses, and then to see
it behind the closed eyes. |
Relaxation and a
guided visualization is a beautiful way to complete a Yoga session with
your child, or before bedtime. Create a peaceful atmosphere with ambient
music and incense. Satin eye pillows filled with lavender flowers and
flax seeds are helpful and calming and enjoyed by all ages. Keep the
relaxation fairly short (4 - 7 minutes) for younger children.
In such a fast paced
society, bombarded with television and over stimulation I see there
is a growing need in our children to learn to focus their minds, gradually
developing better concentration skills; to acquire the art of relaxing
the body and learning how to be still and peaceful within themselves.
BENEFITS OF YOGA
The practise of Yoga is holistic and affects all levels of a child's
being. The physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects are subtly
brought into balance.
The benefits to children (& adults) in practising Yoga are numerous.
On a physiological level all muscles of the body are exercised and strengthened,
the spine becomes straighter, stronger and more flexible, posture is
improved, internal organs are massaged, stretched and toned, and full
deep breathing is facilitated. Ultimately this leads to better health
and vitality.
More specifically Yoga can help children.:
Increase their muscle tone and develop muscle co-ordination;
§ Develop both body and spatial awareness;
§ Balances the functions of the right and left hemispheres of the
brain, which helps establish hand dominance;
§ Familiarises younger children with concepts of right and left;
§ Improves balance and concentration;
§ Listening skills and the ability to imitate and follow instructions
are improved;
§ Develops greater awareness of how the body functions (particularly
the lungs); and the difference between relaxation and activity within
the body.
§ Gives them a method for releasing pent up emotional and mental
states of mind.
§ Introduces the ability to focus the mind and improves concentration
and study skills
§ Children with Special needs benefit from regular practise. This
includes Asthmatic children, Cerebral Palsy, and children diagnosed
with Attention Defficient Syndrome.
On a more subtle level 1 have found children to be more aware of the
power of their minds and of positive thinking. Over time this can help
develop a more caring attitude to others.
A little about
myself :
I have a wealth of experience in both Early Childhood and Yoga teaching.
I have practiced and studied Yoga since 1989, and have been teaching
Yoga since 1991. In 1992 I acquired a Certificate in Yoga Teaching and
in 1994 I received my International Yoga Teacher Association Diploma.
I was Director at
Mt. Warning Community Preschool for 14 years and incorporating Yoga
into the daily programme seemed to happen quite gradually and naturally
which I found the children enjoyed.
In 1995, and in
1999, I presented a 2 hour seminar, for Early Childhood staff, at the
Northern Rivers Country Childrens Service Association, to show staff
how to incorporate Yoga into an Early Childhood setting.
Since February 2000
I have visited over 40 Early Childhood Centres and Preschools, from
Tweed Heads to Ballina; some to just try a session with their children,
and many centres and schools as an ongoing programme. In Byron Bay I
am doing classes at both Jonson Street and Cavenbah branches of Byron
Bay Preschool and also at Byron Childrens House. I have had a very enthusiastic
and positive response from the children, parents and staff who have
participated in a Yoga session.
Although my main
emphasis has been with preschool aged children I have also worked with
older children. During term 1, 2000 I taught 3 regular weekly yoga classes
for grade one through to grade 6 at Kangia Steiner School, Murwillumbah.
Throughout this last year, whilst working at Byron Vacation Care, I
have been presenting Yoga classes, on a regular basis, to children attending
aged 6 to 12 years old. As well as children's Yoga classes I have been
teaching adult classes in the Mt. Warning area for 10 years.
"YOGA FOR KIDS" officially came into being on 1st October,
2000 and I hope to see it grow and prosper, as I feel it is a valuable
experience for today's children.
I am now starting weekly Children's Yoga classes outside of school hours
at Byron Bay.
The classes will
be held at the Yoga Arts Studio 2
(Opposite Woolworths) on Wednesday Afternoons
Classes begin on Wednesday 28th February.
3:30 - 4:30pm for 4 to 7 year olds
4:30 - 5:30pm for 8 to 12 year olds
Please contact
me if you are interested.
JOANNA GARDNER
PHONE : 02 66853022
OR
02 66797039
EMAIL :
joanna_gardner@hotmail.com
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