Downward Facing Dog Pose Sanskrit: “Adho” means Downward, “Mukha” means Face, “Svana” means Dog, and “Asana” means Pose “Downward Doggy” is a call you may hear in one of my children’s yoga classes as they play a game similar to Marco Polo. One child walks around with eyes closed and arms out saying… Read More
Archives for 2016
BOOK OF THE MONTH – SEPTEMBER
“When I feel small in a world so big, I close my eyes and make room in my mind, in my heart, to create and imagine. I am Yoga.” I discovered I Am Yoga recently, and couldn’t wait to share this beautiful, simple yet profound book that encourages self-expression, imagination and creativity, as… Read More
CD CRAFTS FOR ALL AGES
4 perfect crafts for a rainy day project and a great way to reuse old CDs and empty CD jewel cases you may have around your home. Fun for all ages, creating CD Fish, beautiful wind spinners, CD weavings and botanical sun catchers. CD FISH An ideal craft for 5-7 year olds. I have done… Read More
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
The rhythmic, mesmerizing, dynamic, playful and soothing qualities of music, are a natural partner to the movement, games, stories and relaxation that describes children’s yoga classes at all developmental levels. Music and rhyme can elicit such joy and promote parent/child bonding. Research has shown that music is important in forming vital brain connections that are… Read More
CHILD’S POSE (BALASANA)
Child’s Pose (Balasana) is a resting pose resembling the fetal position, usually used to return to normal calm breathing after more challenging yoga poses. In my kids’ yoga classes child’s pose becomes so much more than a quick rest! The children may turn into rocks, sloths, bugs, mice, seeds, benches, or babies, for example, as… Read More
BOOK OF THE MONTH – MAY/JUNE
Light Bulb Brain Monkey Pose Stick Together Lizard on a Rock Spaghetti Test Cricket Pose Go Do Yoga Rap Curious? Look inside: Yoga for Children: 200+Yoga Poses, Breathing Exercises and Meditations for Healthier, Happier, More Resilient Children by Lisa Flynn is the most comprehensive, easy-to-understand, charmingly illustrated… Read More
PAINTED STICKS
Painting sticks is a nature craft for kids and adults of all ages. Children love to explore nature in the woods, on the beach and in their own yards. Spring is the perfect time to discover and collect sticks that have been discarded by winter. As your children explore, have them collect interesting sticks of… Read More
BOOK of the MONTH – APRIL
This trickster tale about a clever monkey shares a valuable life lesson with young children about sharing. The Clever Monkey, told by Rob Cleveland, is a classic West African folktale. The simple, chronological text and vivid illustrations draw children into the story. They can easily identify the moral of this folk tale and love to… Read More
CHANTING OM
“So often in my (yoga) classes we will sound om, letting those three-voiced parts go very consciously through the cathedral of the mouth, and then sit for a moment in that silence after and simply observe what that feels like.” Bhavani Loraine Nelson OM is a mantra (song/vibration) that is traditionally chanted at the beginning… Read More
TREE POSE – VRIKSHASANA (vrik-SHAHS-anna)
Advice From a Tree Stand Tall and Proud Go Out On a Limb Remember Your Roots Drink Plenty of Water Be Content With Your Natural Beauty Enjoy The View Tree pose is a challenging balance pose, but not as rigid as many other yoga poses. With one foot rooted in the ground,… Read More