Mudras, the elaborate hand and finger gestures used in many Yoga and Ayurvedic traditions, are effective and simple tools to employ for self-soothing, energizing, settling emotions, and focusing. Like little yoga poses for your hands, mudras make use of the energy,...
As Kids Yoga teachers, we have the amazing responsibility to introduce children to the ideas in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. About 1600 years ago in India, Patanjali condensed two different traditions (Ashtanga Yoga and Karma Yoga) to compose the Yoga Sutras, the...
We all know that yoga works. Here’s your chance to prove it! It’s helpful to have research from other yoga programs. It’s even more beneficial if you have your own research from your teaching. Program evaluation is vital to convincing schools, parents, teachers, and...
What does yoga class look like in my public school? Before Class The children walk in two straight lines giggling and smiling, trying to keep in their excitement. We stop right in front of the “yoga room” and I ask them, “What do we do when we walk into the yoga...
The lymphatic system only makes up 1% of your total body, but it is the powerhouse behind your immune system. Think of it as your immune system’s bodyguard. It is a system similar to the circulatory system where it circulates fluid throughout the body. However, unlike...
Swami Vidyananda said breath control is "your most portable form of stress management." In a yoga practice, the art of controlling your breath is known as pranayama. "Prana" is your energy and life force. "Ayama" simply means control. So Prana +Ayama = controlling our...
Many adults tend to think of yoga as a solitary practice. However, with kids it tends to be very much a social event, so ice-breakers are a very important element. For classes where kids don’t already know each other, we can bring in fun ways to help them learn names;...
Admit it – there are days when your kids are wild with energy. Maybe they’ve been stuck inside, hiding from nasty weather. Or, they spent their entire school day having to sit still. And all you want them to do is calm down before they destroy your house! Tap into...
Teaching teenagers can be difficult but extremely rewarding! The traditional “How was school?” question often results in the typical “fine” answer. How can we connect with teenagers? Utilizing yoga techniques in a fun and engaging way can be a great solution....
We all know that a yoga practice builds strength, flexibility, and co-ordination. Did you know you can also use the ancient practice to build literacy skills for even our youngest yogis? Yoga teaches sequential thinking and planning: Listening to and following...
The Olympics in Japan may be for the athletes, but the Olympic spirit can still be alive and well in your Kids Yoga class. With a mat, some music, and a lot of imagination, your students can all be Olympic medal winners. Musical Mats: Played just like Musical Chairs,...
Recently, I read an NPR article about the judgements parents place on the perceived risks of other peoples' children. Interestingly, situations were perceived as a higher threat to the child if the parent observing had a negative moral judgment about the other parent....
Celebrating holidays and special events with fireworks is a common practice worldwide. Bright colors, loud pops and bangs, excitement, and awe accompany a fireworks display. We can incorporate the fun and festive feelings of fireworks in our children's yoga practices....
NAMASTE! When I took my Kids Yoga teacher training with Kidding Around Yoga, the fun and energetic Sargeant Saluations (their version of Sun Salutations) quickly became a favorite part of the curriculum. And then I attended my first weekend of 200-hour yoga...
Aaaaah..the Summer family road trip. Miles of highway in front of you, countless pit-stops, license plate games and sing-along behind you. Hours (upon hours) of time in the car, sitting. Just sitting. You know what you need right? Some car yoga! Get the peanuts in the...
Watch at your leisure!
Watch at your leisure!
