FAQ

No, I create sequences for each new group, based on their unique interests and needs. I make sure their age specific developmental needs are met and I also adapt the class according to their abilities and mood.

Mindful exercises are meditation techniques that will expand their attention span and explore internal and external awareness, also helping them cope with different emotions.

I teach them in a way that every kid will enjoy while learning. These are examples of exercises to teach concentration and patience:

1. bell (ring a bell or a gong and be still and quiet while focusing on the sound until it fades away completely)
2. eyes closed (listening to sounds inside our body, noticing heart beating or feeling our breath in our body)

I teach breathing exercises as techniques adapted for kids to learn more about breathing anatomy and how important it is to our health and self-regulation. I am also a professional singer, so I have a long history with breathing 🙂
Breathing exercises also help general physical and emotional health, increase attention span and focus. Examples:

1. deep belly breath (lying down, notice belly raising when breathing in, and falling when breathing out – this releases anxiety, improves health and teaches body awareness)
2. take 5 breaths (deep breathing in using fingers to count until 5 and slow breathing out counting to 5 – this calm kids down and help them focus on the moment = concentration)
3. lion breath (deep belly breath in, and breathing out with a roar, stretching tongue out – helps release tension, frustration)
4. bunny breath (quick breath in through nose to fill the lungs, and release through our mouth – this increases the blood flow and brings more focus)

I make sure my classes are based on an adult curriculum with a variety of warm up, streches, strenghening and balance poses, with relaxation in the end. Below are examples of each section.

Warm ups

Warm ups are usually playful yoga poses to help stretch and warm up the body. Examples:

1. cat and cow (warm up back and increase flexibility)
2. caterpillar toes, fingers, arms etc (helps fine motor skills, and coordination)
3. sun salutation

Balance Poses

Balance poses challenge them to persevere and also know their limitations in that moment. I always remind them that yoga is not a competition, stimulating friendliness and positivity, and that practice will help them achieve what they want. Examples:

1. balance opposite leg and arm (on hands and knees – contralateral movements activate both sides of the neo-cortex, stimulating brain development)
2. balance in 1 leg (airplane or Flamingo poses – bring awareness of body and differences between sides of our body)

Strength Poses

All yoga poses make us stronger, and some are more challenging then others. Examples:

1. down dog (hands and toes, hips up – stretches back and strengthen legs and arms)
2. slide (sitting, legs long in front, hips up – strengthen arms and back, open chest)
3. cobra (back bend, increases flexibility and strong back)
4. roadrunner (lunge with quick switch of legs)

Relaxation Exercises

Guided meditation, such as scanning parts of the body, or deep belly breathing can help them slow down or release tension. Usually kids lay down on their mats and relax for a few moments while checking in how they feel. Sometimes I use sound effects such as gentle rain or calming music. This is their moment to absorb all the new things they learned in the class. They are usually happy to have a quiet moment before they line up for the next activity.

Use of Imagination

Describing their poses and placing the animal/object they represent into a scene or story helps them embody the new concept better and bring more fun to the exercise. It also helps with language development and social skills.

Games

A more interactive class will improve their communication and social skills. I create games that:

1. encourage them to describe their movements and how they feel
2. encourage the use of imagination (stories and characters)
3. learn to follow or give instructions
4. encourage them to express their ideas through movement and stillness
5. help them practice counting and spelling

Use of Props

I bring props to class to help them visualize a new concept. For instance: balloon for breathing visualization, string to talk about our posture and my mascot Sapo, a stuffed frog that loves when kids show him their new yoga poses.

I also love showing them illustrations of animals and nature scenes, bringing dice, magic wands, yoga cards, photographs or balls for yoga games.

I have a masters degree in music and love to sing or make fun sound effects that will accompany yoga movements. I also use great quality kids music and recorded sounds to enhance sequences of poses and playful movements. 
They love it and know by heart some of the sequences I created with yoga poses. 
Music is also very efficient at helping them relax or use their imagination.

Use of Books

Stories can be told through yoga poses and movement. This gives them the opportunity to create their own yoga repertoire outside the classroom. I have a repertoire of books that were not made for yoga, but I make their characters come to life in form of yoga poses and creative movement.

Improvisation

I plan my classes but I also go with the flow and respect their curiosity and time to explore something that is valuable to them at that particular moment.

OMG, kids yoga is so much fun and effective to little bodies and minds!

I am a creative being from age 1 and if you read about my background you will see visual arts, music, math, design, singing, and improvisation all over my life.

I love using my imagination and inviting them to use theirs. I created many of the props we use frequently in the class. I never had a problem with a kid thinking the classes were boring. 

See some examples!

Use of Imagination

Describing their poses and placing the animal/object they represent into a scene or story helps them embody the new concept better and bring more fun to the exercise. It also helps with language development and social skills.

Games

A more interactive class will improve their communication and social skills. I create games that:

1. encourage them to describe their movements and how they feel
2. encourage the use of imagination (stories and characters)
3. learn to follow or give instructions
4. encourage them to express their ideas through movement and stillness
5. help them practice counting and spelling

Use of Props

I bring props to class to help them visualize a new concept. For instance: balloon for breathing visualization, string to talk about our posture and my mascot Sapo, a stuffed frog that loves when kids show him their new yoga poses.

I also love showing them illustrations of animals and nature scenes, bringing dice, magic wands, yoga cards, photographs or balls for yoga games.

I have a masters degree in music and love to sing or make fun sound effects that will accompany yoga movements. I also use great quality kids music and recorded sounds to enhance sequences of poses and playful movements. 
They love it and know by heart some of the sequences I created with yoga poses. 
Music is also very efficient at helping them relax or use their imagination.

Use of Books

Stories can be told through yoga poses and movement. This gives them the opportunity to create their own yoga repertoire outside the classroom. I have a repertoire of books that were not made for yoga, but I make their characters come to life in form of yoga poses and creative movement.

Improvisation

I plan my classes but I also go with the flow and respect their curiosity and time to explore something that is valuable to them at that particular moment.

For 9, 10 and 11 year olds, approximately.

These are 45 to 60 minute classes, without adults. (Stay and watch, if you prefer, but most kids are simply dropped off)
We will practice deep breathing, learn warm ups and sequences adapted for this age group. With this age group we might also explore yoga principles based on Yamas and Niyamas, besides the popular creative games, partner yoga, and relaxation in the end. 

These are 45 to 60 minute classes, without adults. (Stay and watch, if you prefer, but most kids are already ok to be dropped off)
We will check-in with out bodies, practice a breathing and self-regulation activity, learn warm ups and sequences adapted for kids. We will move with creative games, favorite kids songs, partner yoga, and relaxation in the end.

This is a class with a participant adult (18+).
In this playful but complete yoga class I use games, mindfulness exercises and props to explore our own bodies and minds. These 45-minute classes are created for the kids but adults participating will enjoy it too! A great way to connect, relax and have fun doing yoga. Starting with kids-appropriate breathing exercises, fun warm ups, we will sing and move our bodies together with creative games, listening to favorite songs, partner yoga, and finishing with relaxation.