Hi,

My name is Bonnie, I am an accredited Yoga teacher who is currently teaching classes in and around Melbourne. In my yoga I have have developed a specialty in children’s yoga, with a focus on younger children. I have been teaching children in a number of capacities for over 8 years, having previously taught dance, and seeking out active involvement in the local primary schools.

Yoga is a practice that encourages both a healthy body and mind. When children practice Yoga, it helps them to build an awareness of their developing bodies, promoting a better body image whilst improving co-ordination and confidence.

Having fun is central to all the methods I use to teach Yoga and I encourage the children to join in, and let their imaginations guide them. Yoga assists children’s young minds by providing them with tasks on which to focus, sharpening their concentration and extending their attention span. The alternative outlet for creativity that Yoga provides presents many opportunities for self expression and helps to alleviate stress. In this way, practicing Yoga can lead to better learning in a classroom environment.

To give you an indication of what a typical children’s Yoga class might consist of, I have included the following class plan. The length of each activity would depend solely on the mix of children and their interest in the activity on the day so I have not included any timing.

Warm Up:

To get the children interested and let their minds settle as well as preventing injuries to the body.

Poses:

A series of “themed” poses. Such a theme may be “going to the zoo”; in this case, I would get the children to suggest animal poses to preform.

Games:

A game that focuses on co-ordination or concentration, possibly based on poses that they have previously learnt.

Relaxation:

A body awareness style relaxation, allowing the mind to settle after the poses and activities.

Breath Awareness:

Concentration on the breath and breathing. This may be incorporated into the relaxation or held as a separate activity.

It is my personal belief that the physical and mental benefits that a child gains from participating in Yoga classes helps to prepare them for life. There are more benefits to performing the poses than the obvious ones of increased flexibility and strength. Yoga can provide the self esteem that some of the more unsure children may require as part of their development.

As a physical activity that does not require any additional team members, once a child has began to learn, Yoga can be preformed safely at home, providing similar benefits to those experienced in a class.