Changing Yoga to Fit the Needs of Children

By Jenny Park

Changing yoga to fit the needs of children allows them to enjoy the same benefits the adults would at the end of the day. Which methods do you think should be applied in a typical kids’ yoga class? There are many techniques that can be applied in the yoga class, but for children, we need to capture their imaginations by making classes fun. Some yoga schools teach different postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and someplace emphasis on other aspects of yoga training.

Realistic Expectations

One important thing to keep in mind when teaching yoga to children is to have realistic expectations. They are not going to be able to do the same things as an adult. Don’t expect them to be able to hold a pose for a long time or to be able to do complex movements. Keep the poses simple and focus on having them breathe smoothly. Help them to relax and feel comfortable in their bodies.

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Helping Children

As children grow and develop, so too should their yoga practice. What works for a three-year-old likely won’t work for a thirteen-year-old. It’s important to have realistic expectations for what your child can achieve in each stage of development. As a general rule of thumb, younger children will need more assistance and support in poses, while older children will be able to do more on their own.

At-Home Practice

Firstly, children should be supervised when practicing any form of movement. Teachers and parents want to keep children safe. Sometimes, children take what they learn and practice at home. Parents should have realistic expectations when it comes to children and yoga. Children are not going to be able to do complicated poses or hold them for long periods of time. They will also get bored easily if the practice becomes dull. It is important to find a balance between challenging the children and keeping them interested.

Happy and Fit

Reasonable health and happiness are things that every normal human being needs. One may ask what we need to do to make sure that we are happy and fit. This is an interesting subject that needs to be addressed while children are growing up. Yoga is a way of life and a form of exercise that focuses on happiness and the ability to move.

Flexibility and Balance

Everyone needs strength to carry on in their day-to-day activities. This also applies to children. They need to have flexibility and balance. It’s also a way of protecting them from diseases such as type 2 diabetes, depression, heart disease, and many others. Yoga exercises help children to be more lively and healthy. It is then very wise to change traditional yoga to suit the needs of children.

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Reducing Risks

Can yoga cause injuries to the bodies of kids? This is a very important concern, and yes, it can cause injuries by ballistic stretching and forcing. Truly, any form of movement or exercise presents some risks. Therefore, it should be taught by certified instructors who know the safety measures that should be taken when teaching yoga as a form of physical exercise. When kids learn from a certified yoga teacher they are likely to be in an injury-free exercise class. Changing yoga for the purpose of student safety make perfect sense.

Quality of Teaching

It’s the responsibility of the yoga teacher to develop other practices by studying at workshops, from online courses, or through other continuing education sources. A kids yoga teacher is expected to deliver a high standard of instruction. Teachers are also expected to be patient with children and should create a friendly environment for them. They also need to have a caring approach and interest in the kids. It’s important for the teacher to have a first-aid certificate in case of any minor injuries he/she can take care of children.

Results

A yoga teacher has many tasks related to ensuring that the class goes well. Sometimes the tasks are: teaching various types of postures, teaching children about efficient breathing habits, making sure that achievements are encountered, and giving each child life skills for a happy and healthy life. Ultimately, this helps them to pay attention in school and make good decisions in life.

Academic Enhancement

More and more schools are incorporating yoga into their curriculum to help children with their academic performance. A study done by the University of Illinois found that students who participated in yoga for 20-minute sessions improved brain function. Yoga helps children focus and concentrate, while also teaching them how to relax and de-stress. This is especially important in today’s society where kids are under so much pressure to succeed.

Attention Disorders

As a result of attention disorders, many parents are looking for ways to help their children focus and succeed in school. One method that is gaining popularity is changing yoga practice specifically for children. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety. Many schools are now incorporating yoga into their curriculum to help children improve their academic performance.