Kids Yoga: You really have to be connected to a children?s day care center, private school, or public school, to have large numbers of kids joining your Yoga classes. This may not be the case everywhere, but it reflects the feedback I get from Yoga teachers worldwide.
It is also true for our wellness center in North Providence, RI. Our Kids Yoga class started small but now has a regular following of 20 students per class. To be honest, I brought Yoga into the children?s martial arts classes by integrating Vinyasa Yoga with their regular warm-ups.
The result was children who shed fat, became a bit more muscular, and demonstrated more strength and positive attitudes than ever before. The parents are ecstatic about the results now, but wondered what I was up to, when children in Jujitsu or Karate classes were engaged in Yoga training, as part of the curriculum. The benefits to children who learn Yoga are endless.
This is a non-competitive atmosphere, where a kid can just be a kid. Children, who regularly participate in Yoga classes, do not have to put pressure on themselves, and can learn many life skills, such as enhanced self-appreciation.
If you are going to teach children, make sure you are prepared for them to be your biggest challenge. It is all about keeping their attention span, therefore, split your Yoga class into segments. Classes have to be fun, and you should only address four components such as: posture, breathing, relaxation, and meditation. Keep it simple, and don?t go off into a lecture that will put them to sleep. Kids do not come to Hatha Yoga classes to learn the finer points of Bhakti Yoga.
Always praise each child who participates, as this does help their self-esteem. Many times, Kids Yoga class is similar to a carnival, where every child wins a prize. In this case, always point out the children who try. This atmosphere will create children who follow the best examples; then, praise those children who try to copy. This is a win-win situation for every child in your Yoga class.
If you do not have patience, please do not consider teaching Yoga to children. Teaching a Kids Yoga class is not for every Yoga instructor. You have to be creative, an entertainer, and a guide to become a kids Yoga instructor.
After all, Kids Yoga classes contain aspects of Yoga that many adults have lost track of - from a very silly Lion face, to an extremely serious meditation. When you are giving Yoga instruction to a class full of children, your mind must be as flexible as your body.
? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Showing posts with label Attention Span. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Attention Span. Show all posts
February 25, 2009
February 24, 2009
Yoga for Kids: Building Self-Image, Part 2
There is plenty of competition to go around in this world. If you are a Yoga teacher, you should not encourage competition within a Kids Yoga class. This is not easily done. Each child wants praise, but this can be accomplished by making your Yoga class a nurturing event, where every child who participates, can feel a sense of self-worth.
This atmosphere, which is designed by the Yoga instructor, will develop a child?s character ?from the ground up.? Each child is unique and special in his or her own way. Children have to be taught to appreciate themselves as they are. Self-worth cannot be calculated by the skill of one single activity, and Yoga is the sum of many different activities, within a given class.
When I first started teaching Yoga to children, I began to integrate Vinyasa Yoga into the warm-ups of our children?s martial arts classes; some parents wondered why? Soon, some of the children, who had Attention Deficit Disorder, and other attention span problems, became more focused for the rest of the class. Still, other children, who regularly practiced Vinyasa Yoga warm-ups, started to develop a more pronounced muscular appearance. This may have been due to many factors, such as the cross training involved in practicing Vinyasa Yoga and martial arts, on a regular basis - while many other children, who attended these integrated classes, went home, did their homework, and slept better.
Eventually, we established a pure Kids Yoga class, and it was scheduled between two children?s martial arts classes. The children were enthusiastic and the parents were, and still are, very supportive. In the above-mentioned examples, different children gained different benefits from learning Yoga.
As children continue to learn Yoga, they should also be taught to refrain from comparing themselves to other children in the Yoga class. This is not easy for a Yoga teacher to do, but can be accomplished by teaching children to accept themselves as they are, and that trying their best is really good enough.
Regular attendance to Kids Yoga classes is the key to getting rid of emotional baggage. Children must be taught to appreciate themselves in a positive way, and the study of Yoga can give any child self-empowerment. When children gather and participate in Yoga instruction on a steady basis, they also make new friends. The parents who send their children to study Yoga sincerely care.
Therefore, any child who learns Yoga is surrounded by children of ?like-minded? parents. Yoga training for children is, in essence, a controlled atmosphere - even though the Yoga class setting is relaxed.
? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
This atmosphere, which is designed by the Yoga instructor, will develop a child?s character ?from the ground up.? Each child is unique and special in his or her own way. Children have to be taught to appreciate themselves as they are. Self-worth cannot be calculated by the skill of one single activity, and Yoga is the sum of many different activities, within a given class.
When I first started teaching Yoga to children, I began to integrate Vinyasa Yoga into the warm-ups of our children?s martial arts classes; some parents wondered why? Soon, some of the children, who had Attention Deficit Disorder, and other attention span problems, became more focused for the rest of the class. Still, other children, who regularly practiced Vinyasa Yoga warm-ups, started to develop a more pronounced muscular appearance. This may have been due to many factors, such as the cross training involved in practicing Vinyasa Yoga and martial arts, on a regular basis - while many other children, who attended these integrated classes, went home, did their homework, and slept better.
Eventually, we established a pure Kids Yoga class, and it was scheduled between two children?s martial arts classes. The children were enthusiastic and the parents were, and still are, very supportive. In the above-mentioned examples, different children gained different benefits from learning Yoga.
As children continue to learn Yoga, they should also be taught to refrain from comparing themselves to other children in the Yoga class. This is not easy for a Yoga teacher to do, but can be accomplished by teaching children to accept themselves as they are, and that trying their best is really good enough.
Regular attendance to Kids Yoga classes is the key to getting rid of emotional baggage. Children must be taught to appreciate themselves in a positive way, and the study of Yoga can give any child self-empowerment. When children gather and participate in Yoga instruction on a steady basis, they also make new friends. The parents who send their children to study Yoga sincerely care.
Therefore, any child who learns Yoga is surrounded by children of ?like-minded? parents. Yoga training for children is, in essence, a controlled atmosphere - even though the Yoga class setting is relaxed.
? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
February 23, 2009
Yoga For Everyone
Yoga For Women - Yoga can assist in weight loss as well as toning the body, building muscle and
increasing your overall level of general fitness. Yoga can also be practiced during and
after pregnancy. Certain yoga postures can help strengthen the back. Other postures will help to reduce stress
and anxiety. Breathing exercises are always useful in preparing for the birth. Yoga postures
can also help with menstruation and menopausal problems. Always consult a
doctor and qualified yoga practitioner before undertaking any yoga practice.
Yoga For Men - men are often reluctant to start practicing yoga, but when
they realise the huge benefits that regular practice can bring, they soon incorporate
yoga into their daily or weekly exercise routines. Yoga can help men increase their
muscle power, stamina and flexibility. There is no dispute that yoga can help
men physically but it can also be extremely beneficial as a stress reducer. A combination
of deep stretching, meditation and breathing techniques will aid relaxation, reduce stress
and calm the mind.
Yoga For Seniors - the great thing about yoga is that you don’t need any special
equipment, clothing or footwear. Yoga can also be practiced at any time of the day.
If you have never practiced yoga before, then taking things slowly is advisable. Always
seek guidance from your health practitioner and local yoga teacher. There are also many good videos and dvds
on the market with the aim of catering for the older generation. Regular gentle yoga practice will
help to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and contribute to better circulation.
Yoga will also promote improved memory and attention span.
Yoga For Children - Children’s yoga can be great fun as well as being extremely
beneficial to a child’s health and well-being. Stretching will help children
become more flexible as well as strengthening their arms and legs. Yoga will also
improve a child’s breathing and circulation. Regular yoga practice for children will make
them calmer, more relaxed and much happier.
This is just a quick guide to the general benefits that Yoga can bring to people
of all sexes and ages. As you progress with your practice you will also begin to learn
that yoga can also promote healing of the mind and body. Yoga is often used as a complementary
therapy alongside orthodox medicine in the treatment of many common ailments.
Rona Hamilton is the writer and creator of Yoga Review. To read more about yoga
and it’s benefits please visit http://www.yoga-review.com/index.html
increasing your overall level of general fitness. Yoga can also be practiced during and
after pregnancy. Certain yoga postures can help strengthen the back. Other postures will help to reduce stress
and anxiety. Breathing exercises are always useful in preparing for the birth. Yoga postures
can also help with menstruation and menopausal problems. Always consult a
doctor and qualified yoga practitioner before undertaking any yoga practice.
Yoga For Men - men are often reluctant to start practicing yoga, but when
they realise the huge benefits that regular practice can bring, they soon incorporate
yoga into their daily or weekly exercise routines. Yoga can help men increase their
muscle power, stamina and flexibility. There is no dispute that yoga can help
men physically but it can also be extremely beneficial as a stress reducer. A combination
of deep stretching, meditation and breathing techniques will aid relaxation, reduce stress
and calm the mind.
Yoga For Seniors - the great thing about yoga is that you don’t need any special
equipment, clothing or footwear. Yoga can also be practiced at any time of the day.
If you have never practiced yoga before, then taking things slowly is advisable. Always
seek guidance from your health practitioner and local yoga teacher. There are also many good videos and dvds
on the market with the aim of catering for the older generation. Regular gentle yoga practice will
help to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and contribute to better circulation.
Yoga will also promote improved memory and attention span.
Yoga For Children - Children’s yoga can be great fun as well as being extremely
beneficial to a child’s health and well-being. Stretching will help children
become more flexible as well as strengthening their arms and legs. Yoga will also
improve a child’s breathing and circulation. Regular yoga practice for children will make
them calmer, more relaxed and much happier.
This is just a quick guide to the general benefits that Yoga can bring to people
of all sexes and ages. As you progress with your practice you will also begin to learn
that yoga can also promote healing of the mind and body. Yoga is often used as a complementary
therapy alongside orthodox medicine in the treatment of many common ailments.
Rona Hamilton is the writer and creator of Yoga Review. To read more about yoga
and it’s benefits please visit http://www.yoga-review.com/index.html
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