Hamilton Yoga - Iyengar Yoga School

Why Yoga is important for kids?

While there are enumerable benefits of the yoga exercises like flexibility and strength, it also helps the child to grow up into better individual.
Of the many aspects of yoga, Yama, Niyama and Asana are relevant to kids. Pranayama, bandas and kriyas are not be taught at tender age. The principles of Yama and Niyama reinforce the good values such as cleanliness, self-discipline and non-violence. These principles should be taught and explained to them in Yoga classes in an interesting way. Yoga also helps them develop sense of focus which helps them in studies. By using certain yoga exercises, mental capacity and concentration increases. If they develop deep penchant for yoga then they can be Serious yoga students. Yoga definitely helps them to grow into individuals with clear mind and good thought process; with pure heart and healthy attitude.

How to create interest amongst the children?

Role of a Yoga teacher is very crucial for developing interest among the kids. Children are curious about things. Using metaphors like ‘stretch like dog, bend your legs like frog, stand tall like a tree’ helps in amusing their mind. This also helps to correct the posture in any asana.
Children easily get bored with static poses so it is best to teach them energetic and fast sequence. Sequence like Surya namaskar creates visual in their mind and is easy to remember. Static poses are not suitable in many cases.
To grab their attention you can tell them stories related to name of asana. For eg: Veerbhadrasana ; tell story of great warrior Veerbhadrasana while teaching the pose. Yoga asanas help to explore different range of motions is their bodies which is Fun if taught in interesting Way! Keeping class different and short with variety of poses in each class is the solution. Yoga teacher should inspire the kids by demonstrating some difficult poses and giving them great examples.

How to teach them?

Little children should be taught playfully. They should not be forced to hold a pose because they lack muscular strength. You should do the breath counting with them and speak more often so that they are not distracted.

Ten year old children are co-operative, obedient and they have enough strength. You can teach them all the poses provided you always keep an eye on them. They are fearless at this age and might jerk into pose without being aware of balance. All the poses should be taught under strict supervision. Keep loving attitude and let them explore some easy poses by themselves.
Childhood is all about changes. As children grow, their bodies changes quickly. The approach should vary depending on the age group of children.
How to choose yoga classes?

Yoga should be made part of school curriculum. But it is best to choose professional classes for kids to derive maximum benefits. Yoga class where individual attention is given should be chosen. If the teacher is experienced then it is cheery over cake.

Yoga for childern- Rajev Chanchani and Swati Chanchani

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We find our yoga practices are as important as ever - and coming together in regular classes gives us all a sense of continuity in these changing circumstances. We are hearing from a number of you that the online classes are invaluable. We are still here, doing what we love, doing what we can. #hamiltonyoganewcastle