Tree Pose is a great pose for improving a child’s balance and focus. In order to stand still on one leg, the child has to use a certain amount of focus. When I work with tree pose and kids, I let them try to copy how I look. In most cases the kids wobble all over the place some of them fall to the ground and others tell me in a defiant voice that they simply can not do tree pose.

I tell the children that I have a secret to share with them, sometimes I get them to move in closer so they can hear me whisper it. I tell them that if they find a spot and concentrate on it really hard they will be able to balance. Some times I find in my basket of goodies a sticker or a stone and put it somewhere for them to look so they have a point to concentrate on.

Usually what happens at this point in the exercise is that the room goes still as each child concentrates on their object. I point out that my trick is working. As they look up at me to listen to what I am talking about they loose concentration and fall over. This enhances my point about the need to find something to focus on.

Focus, concentration and balance don’t come easy for all some kids (usually the kids that find relaxation easy find Tree Pose easiest), that being said, I have had kids with a lot of energy and very little ability to stay with one thing learn to do tree pose properly.

By Bonnie

Forest

Getting all the children to hold hands while in tree pose. - By Shyamala