Yoga for Children
Why Yoga for Kids?
In our fast paced world today, yoga can provide a lifelong foundation for well-being: physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Yoga breathing informs children of their energy levels and teaches them techniques for both calming and energizing.
Yoga postures build strong, limber, and healthy bodies. Verbal instruction improves body awareness and listening skills.
Yoga is noncompetitive, cultivating a stronger sense of self esteem and self acceptance.
Yoga improves interpersonal skills: social interaction, compassion and empathy.
Yoga provides a quiet space for introspection.
Most important, yoga is fitness fun!
YogaKids
Educating the "Whole Child" through Yoga
Why YogaKids Methodology
YogaKids is the premier children's yoga program. Using yoga as a spring board for education, each class is themed with fun, educational topics infused with yoga for kinesthetic learning. YogaKids is based on the theory of Multiple Intelligence, giving every child an opportunity to shine bright.
YogaKids uses literature (Reading Comes Alive with Yoga) to boost reading readiness or inspire with poetry.
YogaKids uses visual arts as a creative complement for self discovery.
YogaKids uses a variety of music, singing and rhythm to get kids moving and listening.
YogaKids teaches anatomy and yogic benefits in a age appropriate manner for a life time awareness of health.
Yoga means to unite. Each class offers an opportunity to practice social skills and say "Namaste" at the end of class. As Yoga Kim explains, "Namaste means that we salute the things inside each of us, like friendship, kindness and love, that makes us good human beings."
Pre-school children enjoying a geometric visual art project inspired by Lois Ehlert's book "Color Zoo"
YogaKids of Oak Park, 3rd to 5th grade students practicing inversions at Ahimsa Yoga Studio
Yoga benefits every body system for your child’s optimum health.
Circulatory System: Yoga increases blood flow through all areas of the body.
Digestive System: Yoga increases blood flow to improve the function of digestive organs, aiding indigestion and reducing cramping, bloating and constipation. Twisting asanas are especially beneficial in improving digestion.
Endocrine system: increased blood flow to this system improves their function and helps keep hormones balanced. This can lead to many healthy developments, such as better sleep, improved moods, and less stress.
Integumentary System (the skin): The yoga benefits of a healthy digestive system can show up in your face, resulting in clearer skin. (As you can see, the benefits – just like the organ systems – are all connected!)
Lymphatic System: transports lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body and rids the body of toxins and waste. By improving the distribution of lymph, yoga can improve immunity and sustain a feeling of well-being.
Muscular System: Yoga asanas help us strengthen these muscles, while also improving our posture and flexibility.
Nervous System: Calming asanas, meditation, and breathing practices can lower stress, increase mental clarity and aid relaxation.
Reproductive System: The increased blood flow to the reproductive organs brought on by yoga can aid functionality, improving fertility.
Respiratory System: Pranayama(breath techniques) aids in respiratory health by teaching us to breathe properly – providing sufficient oxygen for the efficient functioning of every cell in the body. Before yoga, Kim V had many allergies and lots of congestion. Now she breaths freely!!!!
Skeletal System: Yoga promots the flow of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and allows for smooth painless movement of our bones.
Urinary/Excretory System: Yoga can help stimulate the internal organs of this system, specifically the kidneys. This leads to improved function, helping them to stay healthy and free of disease.