‘Mindful Kids’ resilience program is based on a growth and grit mindset, the ability to manage emotions and practising the art of mindfulness.
As part of our Mindful Kids program, our ‘Dolphin’ friends are soaking up the sunshine of spring with an outdoor yoga session.
The opportunity to earth ourselves on grass in the environmental yard, sets the children up for a calm, focused and flexible state of mind.
Yoga time in the dolphin’s room has been a staple during our daily group time learning throughout the year.
We teach yoga through different avenues including;
- Yoga cards- Exploring different poses through the use of flash cards to give children a visual look into different poses we can practise;
- Baby yoga books- Reading a variety of fun and educational illustrated children’s books to introduce mindfulness and yoga; and
- A special yoga dice- Children love rolling the dice and attempting the pose that has been chosen.
Yoga is non- competitive and honours each child’s unique way of absorbing and integrating information.
The top benefits of practising yoga with children
- Develops sensory awareness– Children learn to notice what’s going on in their body and mind whilst in different poses.
- Develops body awareness and mindfulness- Yoga teaches us to be in the present. Children learn different body parts and discipline through sustaining certain poses. Breathing techniques during yoga, increases energy and decreases anxiety, providing effective coping strategies for stress.
- Builds concentration and memory– Provides techniques to quiet the mind and sharpen focus and concentration, exploring their bodies and connecting to the mind.
- Nurtures self-esteem, confidence and acceptance– Builds a foundation for life-long well-being, allowing children to respect themselves, others and the world around them, and boosts self-esteem though physical achievement.
- Develops children’s strength and flexibility– Improves posture, flexibility, strength, balance, coordination and motor skills.
“Yoga is the perfect past time to reset the mind, body and soul”
Especially in this fast paced world we live in, filled with distractions.
Adults and children alike manage life’s pressures on a daily basis, unless we are recalibrating our nervous systems with intentional movement and breathwork, the imbalance can keep us in a state of fight and flight and in our subconscious head space.
Breathwork allows us to practise the ‘Art of Mindfulness’, a fancy word for being present. Noticing the people and environment around us. To actively listen to others and focus on the task at hand without being distracted. Movement enhances flexibility and harnesses a flexible, growth mindset.
Yoga for beginners
It’s a beautiful practise for the entire family to create time and space to allow mind-body integration and just BE. A state of rest and restore to achieve emotional equilibrium.
Introducing yoga to children can be as simple as watching a yoga video on YouTube and following along in your backyard. Once you are confident with some simple poses you can enjoy it anywhere- The beach, the park or any place of nature!
Remember- Keep It Simple- Fun & Just breath!
That’s all for this month from Miss Lauren, Miss Ruby & the dolphin’s.
Also please follow our Facebook and Instagram Pages and stay up to date.
