Children with asthma have unique physical challenges. More and more children are being diagnosed with this respiratory complaint with a 160% increase of asthma cases since 1980. In fact almost 7 million children in the US have asthma . This Blog Talk Radio episode will focus on three types of yoga poses and three breathing exercises which help alleviate symptoms of asthma in children. Please always continue to take perscribed medication and use these exercises in addition to your Doctor’s recommendations.

Original Air Date: 12/15/2009 3:00 PM

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A parachute is an ideal prop to involve a large group of children, teens and adults in cooperative, non-competitive activities and games. These games help reinforce turn-taking and sharing as well as develop listening skills, gross and fine motor skills, and coordination. 

Yoga Poses with Parachute

Space children evenly around the edge of the parachute. Perform various yoga poses while holding on with one or two hands. Some fun poses include: mountain pose, tree pose, warrior I and II, dancer and chair pose.

Popcorn

Place a number of balls (pingpong balls, tennis balls, beach balls, etc.) on top of the parachute. Everyone makes waves with the parachute and bounce the balls like popcorn. See if you can keep them all on the parachute or, alternatively, bounce them all off.

Mushroom

Everyone crouches down on the ground holding the parachute. On the count of three everyone stands up and raises the parachute above their heads. When the instructor says “Go” everyone brings the parachute down behind them to the ground and they sit under the parachute on the edge. You can tell a joke, riddle, or story while under the parachute.

Cat & Mouse

Pick two kids to be cats and two kids to be mice. Cats stay on top of the parachute, crawling trying to find the mice, who are crawling under the parachute. All other children are holding the parachute making waves to conceal the mice. Once the mice are found, it is time for new cats and new mice. Remind the cats that pouncing will end their turn.

Shark Attack

Chose 2-4 lifeguards and 2-4 sharks. Have the remaining children sit on the ground with their legs extended under the parachute and make waves with the parachute. The sharks crawl under the waves and try to drag children into the sea by pulling gently on their feet. When a child feels a shark attack he/she must yell for a lifeguard to save him/her. If the lifeguard gets there in time they can pull them out from under the parachute and they remain shaking and making waves. If the shark is successful the child becomes a shark. Remind children to not pull legs or arms very hard and to be careful under the parachute to avoid crashes.

The Grand Ole Duke of York

A song with actions

The Grand Old Duke of York
He had ten thousand men
He marched them up to the top of the hill (Parachute Up)
And he marched them down again (Parachute down)
And he marched them to the left (Walk to the left)
And he marched them to the right (Walk to the right)
And he marched them up (Parachute Up)
And he marched them down (Parachute Down)
Oh what a silly sight (Shake the parachute really fast)

The Yogainmyschool.com Yoga Games page has a complete listing of fun and interactive games that will take your yoga class from good to great!

Sensory games are a fun way to improve a child’s ability to move the body as a whole and to integrate the senses. They are an enjoyable way to teach necessary social skills like teamwork, turn taking and verbal/non-verbal communication. Ball Pass also develops core and leg strength, balance, and co-ordination. This game is adaptive for children with autism, dyslexia and other SPD’s, as well as children who are considered “neurotypical”. All children enjoy this game and like the challenge of using only their feet.

Ball Pass

You will need a rubber spikey ball, beach ball, basketball-sized Nerf ball, or other soft ball that the feet can grasp.

Have everyone sit in a circle.

Pass the ball from person to person using only your feet! The person receiving the ball has to “catch” it with their feet, and so on around the circle.

Young children and children with adaptive needs may have poor muscle tone and have difficulty with this task. They can play by rolling the ball with their feet to the next person. The idea is to build core & leg strength rather than to pass and catch perfectly.

Encourage the children by saying “Just do your best! Lets have fun!”

Older children can play by “throwing” and “catching” (with feet) to anyone within the circle.

Expand the game (for children 6 and up) by pairing auditory processing with the movement much like musical chairs: play music while the ball is being passed. Randomly stop the music, and when the music stops, everyone has to “freeze” including the person with the ball. Music starts, play continues.

Increase difficulty and sensory processing by adding a second ball, possibly of a different size, weight, colour and texture, to be passed around the circle.

The game is over when time is up or children start getting distratcted.

Thanks to Bodylogique a creative and adaptive yoga program which encourages children and families to stay healthy and have fun.

Guest post by Rachel Greb

In recent years Autism has become a much more commonly heard word. The number of children and adults diagnosed has been on the rise and continues to rise each year.

What is Autism

Autism is a Spectrum Disorder, meaning that it is a group of disorders with different features from mild to severe. People with Autism have difficulties with social interaction and communication, cognitive levels vary form very low to genius. Autism can usually first be seen before the age of three and creates delays in all aspects of an individual’s daily life.

Some things that may be present in chilren with Autism include:

• problems in social situations
• issues with sleep
• tantrums
• hyperactivity
• repetitive behavior
• language delays or echolalia (echoing what another person said)

These symptoms can create low self-esteem and low self worth.

Yoga for Autism

With the diagnosis of Autism being on the rise it is very important that we find, research and implement techniques to help these children in their daily lives.  Yoga, including asana (postures)and pranayama (breathing techniques), is a technique that can greatly benefit a child with Autism throughout their entire life. 

Yoga can teach a child to breath and gain back some control over their behavior, helping with self-esteem and self-worth. Breathing skill are wonderful to learn for when children with Autism are anxious in social situations or starting to feel angry.  Yoga can help with balance and focus which can help with concentration and attention and increase cognitive skills. Transitions times are often difficult for a child with Autism and this is a great time to implement yoga and breathing skills. Teaching a child relaxation and how to quiet their minds can help with sleep, stress and an overall feeling of well-being.

When teaching a child with Autism we must first remember that every child is unique and an individual. We need to be sure that when we begin teaching yoga to children with Autism to create a safe space where they are able to explore, and work out a pace that they feel comfortable with.  A teacher may also want to create a ‘peace zone’ or ‘yoga area’  in which children can go and practice yoga or pranayama when needed. 

Sensory issues can also be problematic. Teachers will want to be sure not to over stimulate the child as this can create an outburst. The room should have low lights and not too much on the walls and floors. You need to take the time to get to know each student and if there are other physical disabilities or specific sensory issues. Visual aides are key, as is using short sentences that thoroughly explain directions. Modeling is also a wonderful technique. Steer clear of metaphors as this can be very confusing to a child with Autism because they are usually very literal thinkers.

Often you will come across a pose or breathing technique that a child does not want to do at that time. When this occurs “first, then statements” are very helpful. For example, “First yoga, then you can play blocks.” Come in with a plan but be flexible. Do not forget to make it a fun, non-competitive experience.

Yoga is something that can be done by everyone and is a gift that once it is open can be used throughout a person’s life.

Rachel Greb, YogaSprouts’ owner and founder, completed her undergraduate studies at Tulane University and was awarded a Master of Arts from Piedmont College specializing in educating children with emotional and behavioral disorders such as Autism. During her studies, she came upon the excellent therapeutic benefits of yoga and consequently, became certified in children’s yoga. Since then, she has and continues to study yoga under renowned yoga instructors in several training programs. YogaSprouts’ mission is to help all children and young adults achieve their highest potential and experience enduring health and happiness. For information about Rachel Greb and YogaSprouts please visit www.yogasprouts.com

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Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) will benefit from yoga since it addresses both the physical and emotional symptoms of the disorder.

The typical gross motor delay, low muscle tone and impaired coordination of ASD often result in low self-esteem and lack of confidence which can extend to other areas of life. Yoga is an appropriate and enjoyable physical program which improves strength and tone in the muscles, develops balance, and increases body awareness. Even fine motor skills will be improved as yoga emphasizes being in tune with the entire body, hands and fingers, feet and toes.

Children with ASD may also suffer from sensory issues including sensitivity to light, noise, taste, texture, or smell. Furthermore, they may repeat movements that seem uncontrollable (stim behaviours). Yoga can help with these symptoms by soothing the nervous system and allowing pent-up energy to be released from the body in a non-competitive, peaceful manner. 

The breathing techniques and guided visualization exercises also assist by reducing stress, teaching coping techniques, and providing a sense of calm and acceptance. Once a child has learned some of these exercises they can use them anytime, anywhere.

When teaching yoga, take things slowly, introducing poses incrementally as comfort levels allow. Work on basic poses (Mountain, Tree, Cat, Warrior, etc.) and breathing exercises. Build one pose at a time, gradually adding more options.

To create visual stimulation and connections, line up stuffed animals or pictures of animals at the front of the room. Follow the line of animals, doing the pose for each in turn, creating an effective pattern. A similar exercise is to place the stuffed animals or pictures in a pile and have them picked at random, doing the corresponding pose each time.

Music is also a powerful tool for children with ASD because it provokes engagement and interest. Drumming, chanting, singing and moving to music are effective ways to engage individuals and helps to stimulate the emotional center of the brain.

A fantastic resource for teachers or parents wanting to use yoga for children with ASD is Yoga For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder by Dion E. Betts. For further information regarding Autism Spectrum Disorders, visit the Autism Society of Canada or Autism Today, which has over 2,500 articles and many resources.

Watch for more articles on this important topic with expert in yoga for children with autism Rachel Greb of Yoga Sprouts. Subscribe through RSS or e-mail today so as not to miss a single one.

Many teachers want to bring yoga into their school. However, they are not sure what steps to take in order to make this desire a reality. Over the course of the next few months I will outline a step by step process which, when followed, will enable teachers to bring the benefits of yoga into their classrooms and schools. For Step 3 we are going to get creative in the possible ways yoga can be incorporated into the school setting. Step 1 – Know the Benefits can be found here. Step 2 – Find Examples can be found here.

Step 3 – Get Creative in How You Will Incorporate Yoga into Your School

Often when people think of practicing yoga with students they think of gym class. This is a wonderful place to begin. However, there are a number of ways to bring yoga into your school with gym class being only one possibility. Here are a few creative suggestions.

Sports Teams

Using yoga as a cross training tool is becoming mainstream. It helps develop core strength, improve pulmonary efficiency, prevent sports injuries, develop balance and focus, increase endurance and flexibility, and relieve stress. For more information visit How Yoga is Used as a Cross Training Tool For Teen Athletes. Encourage coaches throughout your school to access these benefits by incorporating yoga into their training routines. Starting with Sun Salutations and then moving into sport specific stretches is one of the most effective ways to accomplish this.

DPA

The Daily Physical Activity Requirement, standard in schools in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, is a perfect place to incorporate yoga into your school. This educational standard aims at increasing student health and fitness levels with 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Yoga is an easy, economical, non competitive way of meeting this requirement and best of all the kids LOVE it. One of the easiest ways to do this is to download THE PET STORE (see right side bar).

Yoga Club

Start a yoga club which can meet during recess or lunch break. This will require some expertise in yoga on your part or involving a yoga instructor willing to help get the club up and running. Having a standard meeting place and investing in school owned yoga mats simplifies physical requirements. Clubs can be hugely successful and provide an opportunity to work with kids who are keen to learn more than the basics.

Yoga Breaks

Yoga breaks are 5-10 minute stretching and relaxation intervals spaced throughout the school day. They are extremely effective at reducing stress, promoting concentration, and providing balance. I often encourage kids to perform simple twists in their seats if they are feeling sluggish or tired as it will increase their energy level and clear their minds creating a more receptive learning situation.

CALM

Career and Life Management class is a wonderful opportunity to teach healthy living and stress management skills. A Yoga Unit could be taught which employs a more yin style workout and focuses on breathing exercises, affirmations, and guided meditation. You may also want to include Yoga Journal Writing as a means of introspection and personal development.

Character Education

The philosophy behind a yogic life as explained in the yamas and niyamas correspond beautifully to character education initiatives. Bringing yoga into the classroom supports and reinforces these initiatives and teaches basic societal values and virtues. For a number of ways in which yoga teaches specific elements of character education visit the Character Education page.

Special Needs

Yoga is extremely useful as a therapy for special needs individuals. It has been proven successful with ADHD, autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and in many other situations. In addition, yoga benefits children with asthma teaching them their triggers and how to breathing efficiently and effectively.

Gym Class

There are a few options when introducing yoga in gym, PE, or Fit for Life classes. Read Help! My High School PE Class Wants to Do Yoga. One of the most successful ways is to use a 3-5 class Yoga Unit which includes breathing exercises, a variety of poses (standing, balance, forward bend, back bend, twists, inversions, arm balancing), and relaxation techniques.

Yoga Class for Credit

The greatest commitment when bringing yoga to your school is to develop and get accreditation for yoga  in the program of studies. This would involve working with the school administration, school district and local governmental agencies responsible for education. I’m thrilled about this possibility as the students would truly benefit from a more in depth study of a yoga practice and lifestyle but realise it is a huge endeavor.