Teaching children the art of pranayama or Yogic breathing is one of the most effective tools a child gains from the practice of Yoga. Yogic breathing helps to ease stress, anxiety, depression, increase lung capacity, and ameliorate asthma attacks. Pranayama is also a tool that can be accessed anywhere at anytime, which gives children the ability to soothe themselves in times of emotional upset or anxiety.
Yoga may help kids on different levels. Practicing physical postures (asanas) can increase the production of endorphins, which generate feelings of well-being. Breathing techniques (pranayama) help regulate the nervous system by activating parasympathetic (relaxation) neurons and calming sympathetic (flight or fight) neurons. Guided relaxation techniques benefit kids by giving them an alternative way to respond to the stressors in their lives.
Developing classes around a theme is another fun way to keep kids’ interest piqued. An animal theme might include a series of classes focusing on all of the animal poses, telling stories about animals, dressing up like animals, and becoming different animals through visualization exercises. You might even throw in some animal-themed snacks. Nature poses also fall into place nicely, as you talk about the animals’ habitats.
Since children have a shorter attention span than adults, Yoga teachers can incorporate music, songs and games to help children see yoga as a fun activity while engaging in different poses (asanas) that will give them an overall sense of well-being. Yoga can teach children the importance of positive social behavior, such as teamwork and compassion because Yogic methods and philosophy work systematically toward creating happier and healthier children.
Those of us who teach yoga classes on a regular basis know the wonderful side effects it has on our lives. Those who have never practiced before may have heard of the benefits, but they may not necessarily put a lot of stock into them because they haven’t seen firsthand results.
How will Yoga change your child’s life? The difference could be, as simple as, keeping your child away from peer pressure that can lead to drug abuse, joining a gang, or another negative influence. Although, the answer is much deeper, Yoga will give any child the tools necessary to become a success in life.
One of the best ways to address the particular challenge of teaching Yoga to kids is to incorporate stories into the class. Not only does weaving stories into the series engage the attention of children, but it also encourages them to focus their minds on something external, which can naturally help to settle the excess energy of children. Yoga stories are also particularly well-adapted for pose changes within a series and can aid a Yoga instructor in shortening posture holds for children.
Be flexible with the yoga class format while teaching kids. Let the kids have as much fun as they are willing to have. Yoga teachers should keep the class loosely structured, allowing it to flow in any direction the kids take it. For example, if they are super engaged in a silly story, tell another one, even if it doesn’t quite follow your plan.
Simple, age appropriate yoga poses teach young children body awareness, and also improve muscle tone and motor skills. Preschoolers are still learning about balance and what their bodies can and cannot do. Yoga supports this type of learning.
Most yoga classes for kids follow an informal, energetic format that is a bit different from adult classes. Children are naturally flexible, having looser joints than adults. In order to avoid joint injuries and muscle strains from taking a stretch too far, children should be taught to go slowly and recognize when something doesn’t feel right. Instructors should create a comfortable atmosphere, where children aren’t afraid to adjust or come out of poses that feel awkward.