Aims/Goals
Yoga in schools
The Goals of yoga in schools is to create peaceful, productive learning environments. Through yoga and mindfulness to improve their focus while developing a lifelong awareness of their physical and emotional health.
Yoga in Schools:
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Helps to manage weight
Improves flexibility, balance and posture
Promotes mindfulness
Teaches correct breathing techniques
Reduces bullying
Creates calm and harmonious classrooms
Teachers report that they are finding that children are struggling with the standard school routine as they are unable to sit for the periods of time required in a school day. Sitting at a desk for long periods of the day, then going back home to do homework/study for tests/write pieces of work up, as well as attending dance classes, sports clubs,scouting groups etc. all of this adds up and can cause the body and mind to tense up.
To add to this, there are social and family challenges, anxiety, bullying and emotional challenges that also take their toll on children.
Because children encounter emotional, social and physical challenges and conflicts,a dedicated and intentional yoga practice that includes breathing techniques, behavioural guidelines, and physical postures can be extremely valuable for them.
Using stories, adventures, games and sequencing (age appropriate) to guide the children through the exercises, develops good posture and encourages physical strength.Children can also learn how to be calm and control their emotions, during the day the class they will learn relaxation techniques that can help with self-reliance/soothing and avoid stress and anxiety. These techniques will last them their lifetime.
Liz brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the classes and to the schools and teachers in other supporting roles due to her extensive NHS background as a children's nurse and health visitor prior. As well as taking numerous specialised courses specifically for children's yoga and how to safely teach yoga to children and protect their growing and developing bodies at all stages of development.(including additional courses for teaching yoga and mindfulness for autism and ADHD; and special yoga for special children)
What to expect:
Teachers and School
Learn and utilize simple tools that support classroom, school and education authority wellness objectives for physical and emotional health.
Offer children healthy ways to express and balance their emotions
Promote a more relaxed, comfortable state of "being" - perfect for teaching and learning
Create an atmosphere of confidence, enthusiasm and non-competitiveness, where everyone can succeed.
Empower the children to support their own health and well-being, in and out of the classroom.
Support a school culture that promotes respect for others, the self, and the environment.
Supports anti-bullying
Children
Have opportunities for beneficial motor breaks throughout the day.
Eases anxiety and tension (especially pre-testing/ SATS etc)
Enhances focus, concentration, comprehension and memory.
Improves listening skills.
Enhances mind/body awareness and connection.
Improves self-esteem and confidence
Improved respect for oneself and others
Click for Video on Special yoga technique in schools
Funding
We understand the budget difficulties and are happy to discuss funding ideas. School sport premium, pupil premium and pupil premium plus can all be used to help fund yoga.Some primary schools like to use yoga and mindfulness in Planning, Preparation and Assessment time. Budget which would pay to provide PPA is used to deliver many aspects of the curriculum through yoga.