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Teaching Yoga to children, I've
seen how Yoga helps them develop better body
awareness, self-control, flexibility and coordination.
I've also seen how they can carry these skills beyond
class and into their daily routines. For example, one
of my students, Liza, a 10 year old, asked me what to
do when she gets frustrated, like when her computer
doesn't work properly. First, I asked her what she
thought would help.
"Sometimes I do the child's pose when I've had a bad
day" she said. I told her that was an excellent idea.
We then talked about breathing exercises, such as the
three-part breath, that could help her stay centered
and calm in difficult situations throughout the day.
Yoga is an ancient science and philosophy that has
been practiced for thousands of years.The popularity
of Childrens’ Yoga is increasing. It can be found in
after school and lunch time programs, special
education classes, pre-schools, daycares, yoga centers
and dance studios. Yoga 4 Kids combines dynamic
movements, postures, breathing exercises and
meditations of Kundalini yoga and Hatha yoga into an
integrated and holistic program of physical fitness,
education and social and self-awareness.
Yoga has is also a great way to help the hyperactive
and attention-seeking kids. These kids yearn for
movement and sensory/motor stimulus. Yoga poses for
kids will help them in directing their impulses and
energies in a positive way. Some of the Yoga asanas
that appear to work particularly well for kids are the
Warrior Pose and Tree Pose. They help infuse calm,
confidence and balance within children. The point is
to go beyond just "doing" the pose. You ought to try
and get them to understand what the poses mean – even
though it might seem to early or too much. It’s
actually best to encourage them to become like the
postes -- strong and confident as a lion.
Karma Kids Yoga is a fun, creative approach to yoga
that can be very helpful for children whose bodies are
still developing. The use of animated poses and basic
stretching exercises promote strength, flexibility,
coordination and body awareness. Breathing and
visualization techniques teach kids how to focus,
relax and develop self-control. |