A lesson in personal space, body awareness, and self-control in little yogis
As a Kids Yoga teacher, you know that fostering a sense of personal space, body awareness, and self-control in little yogis is essential for their growth and development. But do you struggle with keeping your little yogis on their mats? Are you feeling challenged by little hands reaching out to touch their friends during poses? Or perhaps you find that they love to roll or run onto their friends’ mats, turning your peaceful session into a playful free-for-all? If so, you’re not alone! We are thrilled to release our newest lesson plan, My Mat, My Space – a fun and engaging approach designed to promote personal space, body awareness, and self-control in your young students.
In our increasingly crowded world, understanding and respecting personal space is a crucial life skill for children. Yoga provides an excellent platform for teaching this concept, as it encourages mindfulness and connection with one’s body. We also have a perfect tool to remind children about boundaries – their mat! By creating a dedicated space on their mat and teaching them to respect their mat, they can safely explore their movements, breathe deeply, and learn to be present without the distraction of others encroaching on their space.
To make our class flow smoothly and feel like a success, we need our students to be cooperative and engaged! But here’s the thing: for kids to really pay attention and get involved, they first need to feel safe and secure. When they understand their own boundaries and respect those of their classmates, it sets the stage for a positive environment. This sense of security not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their ability to dive into mindfulness and movement. It’s all about creating a space where everyone feels comfortable to express themselves and fully participate in the fun!
And here’s the best part: this awareness not only enriches their yoga practice but also serves as an essential tool for behavior management! For example, if a child starts to get a bit too close to another during class, instead of simply telling them to stop or threatening punishment, a teacher can remind the students about the importance of their own mat and respecting others’ space. Then, the teacher can gently guide them back to their own mat. This way, it’s not just a correction; it’s a chance to reinforce respect and consideration for others, which helps create a more positive and cooperative atmosphere in the class. No one can enter our space without permission and we’re not allowed to enter others without permission.
After years of teaching and experimenting with various strategies to maintain harmony in my classes and keep my little yogis engaged and respectful of their space and others, I finally put pen to paper and developed this comprehensive lesson plan that incorporates games, activities, and yoga poses to help children grasp the concept of personal space. We start with a meaningful meditation discussions to set a positive vibe, then we explore our mats together. We also play fun games that boost cooperation and communication, along with interactive activities that help kids stay aware of their surroundings – on and off their mats.
The My Mat, My Space lesson plan is designed to create a safe and respectful environment where children can thrive in their yoga practice and can be purchased here or by subscribing to OKAY Plus. By promoting personal space, body awareness, and self-control, you empower your little yogis to become mindful and confident individuals. So, if you’ve been struggling to keep your students on their mats, give this lesson plan a try! Watch as they discover the joy of yoga while learning to respect themselves and each other—one mat at a time.
Love what you see? There’s a whole world of discovery waiting for you at Kidding Around Yoga! Visit our website to dive into a wealth of opportunities, including live and online teacher training programs, specialty courses, original music, and unique merchandise. But that’s not all! KAY offers a transformative 6-hour workshop called EduKAY, designed specifically for educators and homeschooling families who want to seamlessly integrate yoga and meditation into their classrooms. Plus, our Mindful Parenting online course is perfect for families looking to weave mindfulness practices into their daily routines. Join us today and unlock the potential of yoga for you and your loved ones!
