Bringing Kids Yoga into Your Classroom

SCECA Conference January 2014

The Benefits of Yoga• 1. Yoga Teaches us about our bodies. The postures

help our bodies become strong and flexible.

• 2. Yoga teaches us how to breathe better. When we are able to breathe deeply, we are able to bring more peacefulness and energy to our bodies.

• 3. Yoga teaches us how to use energy more effectively. We learn how to use the energy in our bodies which brings a calmer state during our day.

Benefits of Yoga Cont’d• 4. Yoga teaches us how to quiet the mind. This helps us to

learn how to stay still for a period of time with comfort and less anxiety.

• 5. Yoga teaches us about balance. This helps us become more aware about the balance of active and quiet time in our lives.

• 6. Yoga teaches us to be the “boss” of our bodies. It teaches us to listen to our bodies.

• 7. Yoga teaches us about caring for our bodies. It helps children learn how to take care of themselves.

http://www.pbs.org/parents/food-and-fitness/sport-and-fitness/why-yoga-and-kids-go-together/

Connecting to the Classroom

• A calm, creative force in the classroom- students’ classroom behavior, energy, and attention

• An optimal learning environment-comprehension, assimilation, retention of material and demonstration of knowledge

• Easy integration with core curriculum-teaching tool across all curricula

• Methods for implementing character education-internalization and practical application of character education

• Environmental education and awareness- appreciation and understanding of the environment and connection to nature

• Innovative health and wellness teaching techniques-fitness fun and feeling great!

http://yogakids.com/toolsforschools/tfs-goals.htm

What Yoga Looks Like to Kids!

What Yoga Looks Like to Kids!

What Yoga Looks Like to Kids!

What Yoga Looks Like to Kids!

What Yoga Looks Like to Kids!

When Is Yoga Found in the Classroom?

• 1. Arrival into the classroom for the morning. A morning stretch and partner stretch.

• 2. STOP….Yoga Time! When the children start to get a little too busy or frustrated, a quick 1 minute yoga time helps bring back calmness and thoughtfulness.

• 3. Just before nap time. Helps to soothe and calm children prior to rest. Make sure they have a few minutes to digest lunch before.

• 4. Outside….why not?

• 5. Story time. Yes…..yoga story telling is all the rage! Keeps those busy hands to themselves and helps focus on the story while moving at the same time.

Resources• http://myfirstyoga.com/

• Http://littlefloweryoga.com/programs/the-school-yoga-project

• http://www.yogaforkids.net.au/Resources.htm

• http://www.abcyogaforkids.com/

• http://littleyogastars.blogspot.ca/search/label/preschool%20yoga

• http://www.kidsyogastories.com/winter-activities-yoga/

• https://www.facebook.com/ItsyBitsyYoga.PalmBeaches

Enjoy your down dog day!