Yoga Education for Kids

What is Yoga Ed.?

Currently teaching at Haleakala Waldorf School Grd. 3-5 afterschool program!

Yoga Ed. is an educational program that combines a science-based exploration of the body, mind and self. The program uses the exercise system of yoga to support and enhance learning, health and personal responsibilty.

Yoga Ed. serves to help children be learning ready, physically fit, aware of self and others, and to develop self-confidence. Yoga is a non-competitive sport which allows anyone and everyone to participate!

What does Yoga Ed. believe?

"Yoga Ed. believes physical, mental and emotional health is directly correlated with academic success and fulfillment in life."

The Yoga Ed. Program is designed to playfully build a foundation of self-awareness and to scientifically teach tools for self-care.

Why Yoga?

Yoga, which means union or link, involves linking breath with movement. Hatha yoga is the system of physical exercise which integrates the mind, body and breath. The breathing quiets the mind and soothes the nervous system. The yoga process of linking breath with movement develops FOCUS, CONCENTRATION, CREATIVITY, RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR and ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT. And the best part of all is: IT'S FUN! Kids love it.

"Yoga-education is knowing you have the ability to choose the positive path of health by shifting yourself from imbalance to balance, stressed to centered, angry to calm, anytime you choose." (http://yogaed.com/about.html)

Yoga Ed. models and teaches yoga education that develops what the "medical profession has determined are the two key contributors to lifetime health and wellness:

Self-awareness
Self-management and/or self-care

When students and teachers regularly address the conditions of their mind-body states and know how to implement specific tools to support their health and well being, they create a harmonious inner and outer environment. Numerous scientific studies show that Yoga Ed. enhances: focus, concentration, creativity, responsible behavior and academic achievement." (See http://yogaed.com/research.html)

The Benefits of Yoga:

Yoga is non-competitive
Yoga requires staying present
Yoga is practical, low cost preventative medicine
Yoga serves as the counter pose to the challenges of modern life
Yoga promotes physical, mental and emotional health
Yoga expands and enriches awareness and sense of self
Yoga brings inner harmony through experience and connection
Yoga alleviates STRESS