The 5 elements, EARTH, WATER, FIRE, AIR AND ETHER (SPACE), are found in all aspects of life and in all things. Our connection to these elements becomes evident as we deepen our individual yoga practice. We learn more about ourselves, find balance, strength and better health. These are goals that preteen girls are beginning to become aware… Read More
Asanas (poses)
In Sanskrit asana (Aa-Suh-Na, pronounced with Aa extended and Na shorter), means posture or seat. In yoga, asanas are used to strengthen/heal body and mind.
I usually choose poses that compliment a theme in my yoga classes. For preschool classes, basing a class on one pose and using stories, props and relaxation based on this pose is very successful.
For each pose I discuss, I will indicate one or two affirmations that the children say as they do the pose. Affirmations empower children to focus on the positive and improve self-esteem. Music sets the mood and is a wonderful addition to a children’s’ yoga class. I use all genre’s from classical to rock, and children’s yoga music. A favorite of the elementary school kids in my yoga classes is to do a pose in a “wave”. Try it!
Connect with Partner Poses
Lizard on a Rock, Double Dog, Double Plank, Shoulder Stand on Bridge Pose – are only a few partner poses that are integrated into my children’s yoga classes. Partner poses necessitate connection and teamwork, challenge strength and stability, and guarantee laughter regardless of the outcome. Children are born with the need and desire to… Read More
COBRA POSE-Bhujangasana
COBRA POSE – Bhujangasana (boo-jahn-GAHS-uh-na) In Bhujangasana, the Cobra pose, we fully embody humility as we lay ourselves down on the earth, and reaffirm our kinship with all beings, including those that crawl directly on the ground. Yet as we lift ourselves up in a beautiful arc that opens the heart and raises our sight,… Read More
DOWNWARD-FACING DOG
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
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
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
LION POSE (SIMHASANA)
“A lion sleeps in the heart of every brave man.” -Turkish Proverb Lion Pose (Simhasana) is a favorite of my yoga students of all ages, and helps relieve stress. The term ‘Simhasana’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Simha’ which means ‘lion’ and ‘asana’ which means ‘pose’. Simhasana, lion pose Step by Step: Kneel on the floor… Read More
Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
Mountain pose is the foundation pose for all standing postures. Mountain (tada in sanskrit), pose or posture (asana in sanskrit). It is a great starting position, resting pose, and tool to improve posture. Pose Benefits: calms and clears the mind and nervous system improves posture aligns the spine “Let us be grateful… Read More
Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana)
Butterflies (Mariposa in Spanish, and Titali in Sanskrit) Butterflies go through a metamorphosis, transforming from an egg to a butterfly in a remarkable series of changes. This metamorphosis can correspond to a child developing into an adult, thus the inspiration for butterfly pose. In children’s yoga, the transformation occurs as a child gains strength, confidence… Read More
