Yoga In My School » teens yoga

Thanksgiving Playlist for Kids & Teens Yoga Class

DonnaKFreeman — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:45:12 +0000

Music to Express Gratitude

Thanksgiving is a special time of year when we focus on our blessings.With that in mind I compiled a kid and teen friendly playlist for yoga class. Some songs are more appropriate for pre-schoolers, others for the teenagers. They all bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart as I focus on the good in my life. I’ve included this playlist in the Thanksgiving Kids & Teens Yoga Class – an 11 page booklet with everything you need to teach living with gratitude to youth.

Thanksgiving Yoga Playlist

Turkey in the Straw
Over the River and Through the Woods
Thanksgiving Day by John McCutcheon
Thank You For the Music by ABBA
Thank You by Dido
Kind & Generous by Natalie Merchant
What a Wonderful World by Louie Armstrong
I Thank You by Sam & Dave
The Thanksgiving Song by Mary Chapin Carpenter
Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole
Thank You, Mom by Good Charlotte
Thanksgiving Theme by Vince Guaraldi from “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”
Beautiful by Marillion
Sanctuary by Donna De Lory

Thanksgiving Kids & Teens Yoga Class

Packed with a ton of Thanksgiving inspired ideas for your kids and teen yoga classes including mindfulness techniques, activities, breathing exercises, asanas for heart opening and detox, flashcards, crafts, coloring pages and much more. Download it here.

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Prison Yoga Project with James Fox

DonnaKFreeman — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:24:43 +0000

San Quentin Prison is not the typical locale for a yoga class. James Fox, founder of the Prison Yoga Project, however teaches three classes a week here in an effort to bring the rehabilitative benefits of yoga to inmates. For the past decade James has dedicated himself to at-risk populations in detention centers, residential treatment facilities and prisons. He is a firm believer in the power of yoga and mindfulness to assist in working with emotional and psychological issues. Incarceration leads to severe mental, emotional and physical distress with many suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Helping prisoners learn non-reactivity, self-control and self acceptance is key. Join James as he shares his extraordinary experiences and compassionate insights. Your yoga practice may never be the same.

Original Air Date: October 28, 2011

Learn more about the Prison Yoga Project on their website, Facebook and Twitter @PrisonYoga.

You can also access a 4 part series of articles regarding yoga for prisoners on Elephant Journal.

Watch for our upcoming interview with Still Quiet Place founder Dr. Amy Saltzman. Download any of our extensive repertoire of interviews from Yoga In My School on iTunes includes conversations with Leslie Kaminoff, Shakta Khalsa, YogaDork, Anna Guest Jelly and more.

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Small Spaces Yoga Card Deck a Winner

DonnaKFreeman — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 12:53:29 +0000

Comment below to enter this giveaway. Contest ends Friday, October 14th at 9:00 pm MDT.

The good folks over at Addriya have done it again. Created another fab yoga card deck, this time with a focus on small spaces.

Yoga for Small Spaces includes 52 large sized (5″x7″), heavy duty cards that can withstand lots of use. Each card features a yoga activity which can be done in a small space such as an office, classroom or airplane. The front of each card has a fun graphic which shows the pose and an object the pose is inspired by. The back is packed with information including step-by-step instructions, benefits, modifications and a positive affirmation.

One of the things I like best about the cards is the color coding system. Each card has a border which defines the health and behavior benefits such as Red: to help ground and support especially good for people that are nervous, anxious or fearful or Yellow to help foster self-esteem, risk-taking and leadership. I find this super helpful as a reference tool when preparing classes.

For years I have taught a popular Yoga with a Chair class in schools and for professional development workshops. Everyone is always amazed at the thorough and fun workout you can get by sitting in a chair. This yoga deck added to my repertoire of poses and is handy for a quick yoga game.

So if you think you can’t do yoga unless you move the furniture or have a yoga mat, block, strap and other props, think again. With Yoga for Small Spaces yoga can be done anywhere and the poses are ideal for all ages and abilities.

You can purchase your own deck for $19.99 from the Addriya on-line store.

To enter to win leave a comment below sharing the most unique location you’ve ever done yoga.

Additional Entries:

Follow Addriya Yoga on Facebook and comment back here
Share this review on Facebook with an @yogainmyschool.com mention (multiple entries allowed-max of one per day)
Tweet it including an @DonnaKFreeman mention (multiple entries allowed- max of three per day, one hour apart): “Small Spaces Yoga Cards #giveaway @DonnaKFreeman @addriya“

Addriya generously donated resources for this review and giveaway. The opinions expressed here are completely my own.

Contest ends Friday, October 14th at 9:00 pm MDT. Winners will be contacted by e-mail and will have 48 hours to reply. Winners names will be published here, on Facebook and Twitter.

Update: Congrats to Julie Johnston who was very excited to win the Yoga for Small Spaces card deck.

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Successful Adapted Yoga for Youth with Special Needs

DonnaKFreeman — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:27:27 +0000

Stephanie Gottlob and Yuji Oka are on a mission. These two are the creators of Movement, a physical re-education program for children and teens with special needs. Their unique training program includes an holistic somatic approach including adaptive yoga. Their goal is to teach a core physical vocabulary of 12 movements through creative play. They join us to talk about their innovative approach and its incredible success in helping youth with ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, hyperactivity and emotional disturbances. Youth in their program learn not only physical skills but self-confidence, social skills and control. Based out of the Spiral Movement Centre in Toronto, Canada, Stephanie and Yuji transform lives one spin, hop and breath at at time.

Original Air Date: October 3, 2011

Connect with Stephanie and Yuji at Movement for Kids with Special Needs or the Spiral Movement Center on Facebook

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Yogainmyschool Teacher Training Webinars Now Live

DonnaKFreeman — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:21:42 +0000

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Yogainmyschool Webinar Teacher Training and Professional Development.

Webinar training is a virtual classroom providing access to the skills and expertise of world class training from the comfort of your home, school or work place. Using your computer you are linked to a live webinar presentation where topics relating to teaching yoga to children and teens are explored in depth. Learn from and interact directly with Donna Freeman, the founder of Yogainmyschool.com and author of Once Upon a Pose.

Our training is ideal for teachers, parents, yoga instructors, day-care workers, youth leaders and professionals who want to share the joy and benefits of yoga with children and youth. You will learn tried and true techniques that will impact your life while you make a difference in the lives of children and teenagers.

Our first webinar is: ABCs of Teaching Yoga to Children: Essential Skills, Attitudes & Guidelines for Success

Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM MDT
Cost $39.00 USD

Click HERE to register.

Quality – Convenience – Excellence

Watch for upcoming Yoga for Literacy training. Our three part series includes:

Once Upon a Pose: What, Why & How of Yoga Adventure Stories
Reading Readiness with a Twist: Yoga & the Development of Early Reading Skills
Ohmazing Children’s Literature: Books that Rock in Kids Yoga Class

Please sign up for our newsletter (you’ll even get a Free copy of The Pet Store when you do) so you don’t miss any details and announcements. Sign up form in Right Side Bar.

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YogaSlacker Jason Magness: Extreme Living with Awareness

DonnaKFreeman — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:50:06 +0000

YogaSlacker Jason Magness lives an unconventional life. With no fixed address and a penchant for living life on the edge of adventure racing he knows to expect life to go in unexpected directions. From mountaineering in Alaska and studying physics with his twin brother at the University of Oklahoma to traveling the world giving AcroYoga and YogaSlacker workshops Jason’s life has taken some interesting turns. Join us as he shares the lessons he has learned through his adventures and by combining the dynamics of slacklining with the meditation of yoga.

Original Air Date: August 24, 2011

Connect with Jason through the Team YogaSlackers Blog and Facebook Page.

Mark Your Calendar: Our next interview is Friday, Sept 2nd with Shakta Kaur Khalsa, author of Fly Like a Butterfly and founder of Radiant Child Yoga.

We are beginning to put together the all star line-up for Reflections 2011 which will run throughout December: Amy Ippoliti and Christina Sell already confirmed. Who else would you like to hear from?

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Back to School Yoga ABCs

DonnaKFreeman — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:21:35 +0000

Yoga Skills For Your Backpack

It’s back to school time and families everywhere are busy buying supplies, sharpening pencils and trying to resume something of a schedule after a summer filled with adventures, sun and free time to explore and grow. Thankfully our summer yoga practice (gotta love yoga in the park and yoga camp) has provided a wonderful foundation for the kids as they head back to school. Here are some yoga ABC’s which will help youth succeed in the classroom as well as in life. Be sure to include them in your child’s backpack along with the books, paper, markers and other essential school supplies.

A is for Attitude

Your attitude will influence every aspect of your life. When you approach your yoga practice with joyful enthusiasm, it is a creative, energetic, fluid experience. If you begrudgingly hit the mat you’re not going to get as much out of it, though you will feel better from moving your body and engaging your mind. Know that how you approach your school day will impact what you get out of it. Be positive. You’ve got to be there anyway, you may as well eek as much joy out of it as possible.

B is for Basics

When learning yoga asanas (poses) you start with beginner poses and work toward a more advanced, subtle expression of the postures. So it is with school work. You’ve got to master addition and subtraction before moving onto algebra. Sometimes we want to rush through the beginning stages to get to the fancy stuff, but the basic work and practice we do lays an important foundation to future growth and learning.

C is for Confidence

Remember how it felt the first time you rocked Half Moon Pose, Crow Pose or another pose you’d been working on? I do! Keep that feeling in mind at school. Be confident that you can meet any challenge. Be your best, giving genuine effort, and you just might surprise yourself. Let go of others opinions. Don’t worry if you are one of the popular crowd or not. Be yourself and know that you are amazing.

D is for Deliberate

When coming into yoga poses you follow specific instructions on where to place your feet, hands and other body parts. As you deliberately follow these instructions you are able to a achieve nuanced, energetic pose which at first glance may have appeared impossible. Be deliberate at school as well. Listen to your teachers. Follow instructions carefully. Proceed one step at at time. For example in yoga we do inward spiral before outward spiral. There is a reason to this. Be deliberate as you engage in school work. The results are well worth it.

E is for Energy

Prana (life force) resides within each one of us. We are able to direct, control and change our energy through breathing, meditation and asana practice. Strive to cultivate a calm, receptive energy. At times you may need to increase your energy through vigorous practice. Other times you may need to become more grounded and centered. Know that you are in charge and can influence your physical, mental and emotional energy.

F is for Focus

Ah, Tree Pose…so many lessons, one of which is single minded focus. Transfer that ability to the classroom and you will be a successful student. Focusing on and completing assignments, homework and other tasks is essential. There are tons of distractions which can interfere with the important work of learning. Focus on what needs to be done, get it done, then enjoy a sense of accomplishment while you indulge in your distraction of choice.

There I’ve got you started. Practicing yoga with kids and teens helps equip them with essential skills which will help them to do their enthusiastic best in and out of the classroom. Remember that what we learn on the mat are lessons for life. What other essential yoga ABC’s can you think of?

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Daily Act of Kindness: Breathe

DonnaKFreeman — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:04:11 +0000

This is an excerpt from Integrity is a Muscle: a program developed to empower children and teens as they connect with themselves developing a firm foundation of skills and attitudes in order to increase identity and understanding and withstand negative forces.

It may seem simple but the greatest act of kindness you can perform is to breathe. Not the everyday, not paying attention to it, kind of breath, but one that is long, slow and deep. Breathe in a way that invites you to slow down, releasing the tension in your body. Turn your awareness inward. Connect with yourself.

As you are breathing listen carefully. Close your eyes if it helps to focus your attention. Don’t force it. Allow the breath to naturally expand the lungs and rib cage, gently finding space. Be relaxed, yet alert. Quiet and still the mind. Allow it to drift with the inhalation and the exhalation like a toy boat floating along a stream. Let go. Tap into your true nature, the inner core of joy, serenity and creative potential which lies inside you. Smile gently from deep inside.

As you breathe deeply and slowly, the chatter in your head will quiet, the fluctuations of the mind still. You will clear your mind, increase healthy and vitality, realize greater understanding and focus, and discover a reservoir of peace.

If you enjoyed this post be sure to sign up for our newsletter to hear more about Integrity is a Muscle as it is released Fall 2011. You’ll also receive a copy of our free e-book The Pet Store.

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Building Self Confidence: 4 Tips for Transforming your Teen into a Healthy and Proud Adult

DonnaKFreeman — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:37:02 +0000

guest post by Barbara Jolie

It can be very difficult for parents to remember what it was like back in the day when they were teens, so if you have a teenager or two in your household, they may seem like aliens from another planet. The biggest problem with teenagers, the problem from which nearly every middle and high school kid issue arise, is their inherent lack of self-confidence. And while self-esteem usually comes with time, it must absolutely be actively built. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to better understand your teenager, and to help her grow into a mature and confident adult.

1. Remind yourself that there is a physiological reason for lack of confidence in teens.

One of the primary problems that causes adults and teens to clash so harshly and so often is that we and our teens are in completely different stages of life, both emotionally and physiologically. Teens so often lack self-confidence because their hormone levels are fluctuating constantly and they are usually going through some physical and psychological growing pains that initiate the proverbial “awkward phase.” As such, it is important to be understanding of this before you try to help your teen build self-confidence.

2. There is a big difference between building self-esteem and over-praising. Do the former.

One big mistake that many parents make is that, in their anxiety to help their teen emotionally develop, they praise every single good deed that their teen accomplishes. While praise is absolutely instrumental in building confidence, when given too much, it completely loses its value. Subsequently, over-praised teens will be the diametrical opposite of self-confident adults. They will never learn to accept criticism, work out their own problems, or deal with failure, all of which are necessary components of healthy self-esteem.

3. Solid diet, hygiene, sleep and exercise habits play a much bigger role in naturally building self-confidence than you think.

If you are a consistent practitioner of yoga, then you probably understand the importance of developing good health-related habits. At the same time, however, teens will often not be as interested in maintaining a good diet, sleeping regularly, and engaging in a consistent exercise routine. As a parent, it is vital that you establish and enforce a daily schedule that emphasizes a holistic and healthy lifestyle. Teens are most able to build their self-confidence when they’ve slept and eaten well. Rigorous exercise is not a must, but engaging in light but, most importantly, consistent exercise, like yoga, swimming, or simply walking, does wonders in regulating mood and performance.

4. A healthy social life is absolutely instrumental. Help your teen build a close-knit network of friends and family.

Especially in modern and developed countries like America, many other things in life take priority over strong social relations. Whether for good or ill, we are an isolated society. Many of the developmental problems that teenagers undergo arise from a sense of isolation. As a parent, you are often charged with the task of guiding your child’s social life. While you can’t necessarily pick your teenagers friends, encourage your child to participate in activities that foster a sense of community and togetherness. Spend quality time with your family, even if your teen doesn’t appreciate it at the moment. They’ll thank you later.

Raising a self-confident teen obviously does not happen overnight. It can be a very exasperating process, but emphasizing the right habits and principles will reap plenty rewards, the dividends of which you will still see once your child becomes a full-fledged adult.

This guest post is contributed by Barbara Jolie, who writes for online classes. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: barbara.jolie876@gmail.com.

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From Monkey Mind to Peace of Mind

DonnaKFreeman — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:51:27 +0000

Psychiatrist & clinical lecturer on pyschiatry at the Univeristy of Alberta, Dr Catherine Phillips is dedicated to bringing the benefits of mindfulness to others. She joins us to discuss how MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) techniques can work equally well with teens as with adults to reduce stress, improve connections with self and others, and lead to greater happiness and contentment. Founder of the Mindfulness Institute.ca and one of the key organziers of the upcoming International Conference on Mindfulness with Youth (July 15-17, 2011), Catherine works tirelessly to promote mindfulness meditation in the areas of education, health care and society at large.

Original Air Date: June 30, 2011

Connect with Catherine on the Mindfulness Institute.ca Facebook page.

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