How does yoga naturally stimulates all areas of a child’s development?
Physical development
Whilst the postures support physical development by increasing children’s flexibility, strength and posture, breathing exercises encourage children to use their full lung capacity.
Communication and language development
Classes provide us with an opportunity to develop scientific vocabulary when naming our bones and muscles. Open communication is encouraged throughout classes with opportunities for each child to share their thoughts, ideas or emotions.
Knowledge and understanding of the world
All yoga postures are inspired by the natural world around us providing a great opportunity to introduce new facts and ideas about plant life and the animal kingdom.
Emotional development
Breathing exercises give children techniques to increase energy levels as well as decrease anxiety or stress. By breathing out stress or anger and breathing in peace or positivity, children can begin to see the connection between their breath and their mood which encourages ownership of their emotions. All classes include group and partner poses which encourages children’s positive interaction with all peers.
Creative development
Visualisation or stories are read during relaxation time and after some classes, children enjoy creating and writing their own visualisations.
Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy
Throughout the class we observe the shapes and angles our bodies are making and use mathematical vocabulary to describe patterns, sequences, counting and rhythm.