About KidzYoga in Schools!
Using the principles and practices found in yoga, the KidzYoga in Schools! Program is inspired by the Multiple Intelligences Theory of Harvard educator, Howard Gardner, the award winning Yogakids Program of Marsha Wenig, “Grounded” (Yoga, Laughter, Elevation) and the therapeutic approach of Sonia Sumar’s, Yoga for the Special Child. Grace summarized all these magnificent training that she has received and blended into one beautiful KidzYoga in Schools! Program for all school aged children, pre-teens, teens, students with special needs and all school personnel including classroom teachers, nurses, P.E. teachers, child focused specialists, OTs, PTs, etc for their adventures in Health, Harmony and Education using yoga as a pathway.
3 Key Teaching Principles of KidzYoga in Schools!
Health
“When the mind is alert and the body is in synch, the spirit is uplifted… the result – a tremendously boosted self-esteem and a magnificent Being.”
Actively providing instruction and education to students (as part of their daily classroom/school routine) about their bodies and their health, in an invigorating, FUN and participative way through yoga will encourage healthy lifestyle choices.
Yoga is also a great primer before playing any sport! After sport injuries are common in students. In KidzYoga class bodies are warmed up bringing awareness to body and mind connection through breathing for peak athletic performance.
Yoga does not only strengthen the body, it invigorates the mind and empowers the spirit!
Harmony
“OM in the school is about everything working together harmoniously.”
The KidzYoga in Schools! – approach is non-competitive and helps students grow into responsible citizens of the world by first encouraging personal responsibility, respect, cooperation and an awareness of the connection between all living things. It is fun, creative and imaginative and always foster “Win-Win” thinking, where each student shines in his/her way, acknowledging their uniqueness and finding a sense of belongingness in our society.
Making yoga a habit versus just an activity will empower many children, pre-teens and teens to utilize these skills not just at school but also throughout their lives.
Teachers benefit from incorporating yoga into the classroom because this will be managed calmly and creatively by allowing students opportunities for self-discovery, self- control, and self-regulating behaviours at the same time minimize distractions and maximize attention spans by teaching students how to focus and handle their energy. The classroom will be more dynamic yet organic. Extra quality, relaxing time for the teachers is what they deserve to teach subjects to the fullest!
Education
“Breathe life into learning!”
Students learn best when stress is low, self-esteem is high, and the environment is motivating and nurturing.
Yoga becomes a springboard to learning all subject areas in a FUN, stimulating and exciting ways. Their learning is optimum when they are moving and using all their five senses as what Maria Montessori has said.
The breathing exercises oxygenate students and teachers systems with slow, even and deep breaths that promote a relaxed, comfortable state that also balances and coordinate the two hemispheres of the brain and get kids in the school ready to learn and teachers ready to teach.
Everyone experience the joy of yoga, and learn that they can use it anytime, anywhere and continue to see improvement.
Less stress and greater success for both students and teachers!
