If you have ever watched children move and play, you will notice how different their activity is from an adult's. There are short bursts of energy, followed by a lull, followed by another burst, etc. Traditional classrooms are an unnatural environment for children to be in before a certain age because they need to move. Expecting them to sit still and be quiet for long periods of time is not only futile, but stressful. This is where a well thought out and cleverly implemented yoga program can help them stay engaged in learning and the adults engaged in teaching.
Yoga is a complete holistic health system that has been used for thousands of years. Although we tend to think of yoga as a mysterious exercise that only the flexible can do, this is not true! Yoga exercises are designed to regulate the nervous and glandular systems and is an activity for everyone. Most children take naturally to yoga. It can be adapted to any age or ability, making it accessible to any child (or adult) who wants to try it, even children with adaptive needs. No special skills or equipment is needed, and all participants will derive some benefit from the movement, the breathing, the relaxation as well as the sense of belonging to a part of a group and participating in a community.
By moving, 'posing' & making noises like animals, (or mountains, stars, trees & other natural objects), and by using creative stories, we make yoga fun and dynamic for children so they can better understand their own outer & inner natures, as well as the nature of the people and world around them. In addition, an opportunity is created to meet new friends & move & exercise, grow & build healthy bodies & minds. Yoga gives them the experience of having naturally integrated senses through play, imagination and movement. It calms them and re-focuses their attention on the activity at hand, allowing them to live in the moment.
Yoga is a versatile tool that can be used by children (and grownups) to release frustrated pent-up energy, to self-calm and reduce stress in the classroom (before a test) at home (before bedtime) or anytime & anywhere the need arises. Movement & Sensory games can help release tension, build physical strength, character and confidence & can be done indoors or outside. Yoga can infuse fun into rote or predictable learning.
You do not have to be an experienced yoga teacher to begin exploring movement with children in the classroom. Start slowly and build a sequence. Our Pose Page can help acquaint you with some of the movements and games that are played in a adaptive or non-adaptive yoga group class. Try some of these at home with your child or in the classroom with your students. Have fun with it and try making up your own poses & movements. If you are studying Egypt for example, ask the children: "What would my body look like as a sphinx?" or "Who can be the most strong, steady pyramid?"
If you are studying the Planets, get in your rocket ships (chairs) and blast off into space-go on a space walk-moving very slowly as you explore. See the constellations Leo, Orion, Ursa Major and ask "How would my body look if it was the constellation....." ? You can incorporate flashlights, music, puppets or any other prop as you teach each lesson.
By moving the body, the brain becomes more learning ready and integrates information more quickly and permanently. By making the lesson come alive with a fun story, movement or props, you have now taken learning to another level.
Here are some General Suggestions for introducing Yoga in The Classroom:
- Yoga in The Classroom can be of great benefit to all students & staff! Its best to set up a daily or weekly routine so the children know what to expect.
- In a Yoga studio shoes are off at the door, you get your mat, find your space and sit or lie quietly waiting for class to begin. You can designate a time, area & routine for yoga much in this same manner, using this same procedure as a template.
- Yoga sessions should be of a length to suit the age/ability/attention span you are working with. In general, the younger the children, or for children with sensory/cognitive challenges, the shorter the class.
- For an elementary class 20- 30 minutes is good. For a Middle school child 30-50 minutes and High school an hour is fine for a formal practice. Teaching in a conventional classroom may not allow this duration, so short 5- 15 minute intervals of movement & incorporation of various techniques such as storytelling, breathing & art & imagery can be used effectively to release excess or nervous energy, re-focus, relax and reduce overall stress. Highly effective prior to test-taking!
- Remember that yoga is called a "practice"... it is not called a "perfect" & it does not have to be! Encourage children to do their best! Just watch your students or children have fun & remind yourself to do the same!
Adaptive Yoga
Individualized Yoga Programming
E-Learning
*To contact us regarding program development or consulting, e-mail: barbara@bodylogique.com
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