Yoga Chanting for Kids & Teens

Often when I visit a class for the first time a number of kids come in right away, sit cross legged, hands in the air, thumb and index finger joined, and spontaneously chant “om.” Their natural curiosity and receptivity always makes me smile. They are so adorable in their sweet innocence as they connect with this universal sound and mudra (hand position).

Teaching Om

Now for a little guidance.

One of the easiest, and most approachable, ways to teach “om” is to break it down into A-U-M.

Sit cross-legged, place your hands on your knees in gyan mudra (thumb and index finger forming a circle, other fingers elongated). Aum is generally considered to have 3 1/2 measures: A, U, M and silence. Close your eyes, inhale then exhale as you perform Aum, repeating three times. The sounds ahhhh starts in our chest at the heart center, moves upward with the ooooo sound in the throat center, and ends with the sounds mmmmm, which vibrates the higher centers in the head. (~Once Upon a Pose, p. 4)

It’s fun to play around with variations in volume, pitch and timing. As with any yoga practice, approach “om” with curiosity and openness to see what feels right to you.

Three Symbols of Om

If you’d like to go all Hindu with your students you can explore the symbolism behind the sound. According to the Mandukya Upanishad,

Om is the one eternal syllable of which all that exists is but the development. The past, the present, and the future are all included in this one sound, and all that exists beyond the three forms of time is also implied in it.

Each tone of “om” relates to a time of life, a power and a Hindu deity/philosophy.

A = birth, creative power (Brahma)

U = life, sustaining power (Vishnu)

M = death, destructive power (Shiva)

silence = bliss, pure consciousness (Turiya)

How do you teach “om” to kids and teens?

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The co-author of the must have resource for yoga instructors Yoga Anatomy and founder of The Breathing Project shows how a knowledge of the mechanics of the body leads to a deeper, more profound yoga practice and life experience. Leslie demystifies the complex workings of the body and the breath, putting topics into terms which are refreshingly accessible and applicable. Gain insights which will powerfully shift your personal mind-body experience and the way you teach yoga from how to avoid common stress injuries from yoga to exploring the breathing body.

Original Air Date: September 12, 2011

Connect with Leslie via Facebook, Twitter and The Breathing Project. Check out his training course at YogaAnatomy.net.

Access our extensive library of interviews with leaders in the yoga and mindfulness community on iTunes. Guests include John Friend, Faith Hunter, Waylon Lewis, Dr Daniel Siegel, Sadie Nardini and many more.

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At a recent Teacher In-Service training which I taught one of the participants was looking to collect donated mats in order to have a set for her classroom. I encouraged her to do this as many people don’t know what to do with their gently used mats when they acquire a new one or may have an unused mat at home (gasp, horror!) One of the most important aspects of collecting donated mats is how to clean them. It was especially important in this case seeing as her students have a variety of special needs including compromised immune systems.

Regular yoga mat cleaning needs to be something on your yoga radar – odor, germs, bacteria…need I say more. Unfortunately, many people have no idea how to do this, or even that it needs to be done until the odor becomes rather offensive and child’s pose is no longer a pleasant experience. My favourite explanation is by Eco Yogini because it is eco-friendly and doesn’t involve compromising the yoga mats with detergent or the washing machine.

The recipe is simple.

• one part vinegar
• three parts water
• 10 drops tea tree oil (optional)
• a couple drops lavender oil (optional)

When I do this I simply toss the mat into the tub, just barely cover with warm water, add a couple glugs of vinegar and some dashes of tea tree oil. Swish vigorously for 2-3 minutes. Lift the mat from the resultant brackish water, shake off excess and hang outside on an overcast day.

In a school environment you’ll want to make cleaning yoga mats a regular occurrence as a general public health and wellness practice as well as to preserve the yoga mats for use during the years to come. The easiest way to do this is to have the students spray & wipe after use. Yes, this is an extra step at the end of yoga class, however it will teach respect for the supplies, instill basic cleanliness habits and demonstrate responsibility (you used it, you clean it). You could also make this part of the duties of the school’s Yoga Club which you’ll organize just to get out of having to clean 30 yoga mats all by your lonesome on Saturdays.

Yoga is much more than a number of poses done on a mat. Saucha (one of basic tenets of yoga known as yamas & niyamas) means cleanliness of body, heart, mind and environment. Practice saucha today and clean your yoga mat. Better yet, show a child or teenager how to clean their mat and share this knowledge with the next generation of yogis.

If you enjoyed this post be sure to subscribe (e-mail or RSS) and get tips on yoga for kids and teens delivered directly to you. Also sign up for the YIMS Newsletter and download a copy of our FREE e-book The Pet Store.

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Enter to win a copy of Kids Teach Yoga: Flying Eagle DVD by leaving a comment below mentioning one quality of an eagle which you admire.

Yoga Calm’s new DVD entitled Kids Teach Yoga: Flying Eagle is sure to captivate. Inspired by Ryley’s song about eagles (which is used during the guided relaxation at the end of the yoga class) Flying Eagle encourages children to identify with an eagle’s positive traits of vision, strength, freedom and gentleness.

I absolutely love that the entire class is inspired and led by children. Young Haley leads the class with poise, confidence and clarity. She hands off the teacher’s mat to student leaders who take over during various activities and who receive compliments for their efforts and willingness to lead. Haley is matter of fact with her presentation using vocabulary, poses and visualizations appropriate for an elementary aged audience. The children modeling the class represent average children everywhere and help to encourage all to participate and adopt a “can-do attitude.”

The class itself is well thought out and includes breathing exercises with props (hoberman sphere & rock), floor work, standing poses, sun salutations with variations for ability & strength, partner and group poses, reclined twists and a final relaxation. There are 15 different activities in 20 minutes which may feel a little fast but which provides great opportunities to pause and explore at your leisure before pressing play to continue. Other kids will find the pace perfect to keep them engaged and active.

In addition to the yoga class there are also short bonus segments including:

1. a talk about eagles by naturalist Steve Engel of the Audubon Society
2. an interview with Lynea & Jim Gillen, founders of Yoga Calm
3. a Focusing Fun Silent Ball activity with ADHD expert Dr Jeff Sosne to build focus and encourage eye contact.

Enter to win a copy of the DVD by leaving a comment below regarding the admirable qualities of eagles.

For additional entries:

• Visit YogaCalm on Facebook and post on their wall about the giveaway
• Share this review on Facebook with an @yogainmyschool.com mention (multiple entries allowed)
• Tweet about the contest on Twitter with an @DonnaKFreeman mention (multiple entries allowed) “Check it out! Flying Eagle Kids Yoga DVD #giveaway @DonnaKFreeman @yogacalmkids http://bit.ly/iurfve”

This contest ends May 31, 2011 at 9:00 pm MDT. Enter often and share generously! Good-luck.

Visit the Yoga Calm Store if you’d like to purchase a copy of Kids Teach Yoga: Flying Eagle – US$16 +S&H.

I received a copy of Kids Teach Yoga: Flying Eagle and other promotional material from Yoga Calm for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Lisa Kelly, the winner of a copy of Kids Teach Yoga: Flying Eagle DVD from Yoga Calm. Upon learning of her good fortune she said, “Looking forward to drawing inspiration from Flying Eagle! Thank you Donna for your continued hard work in helping other teachers spread the yoga-for-kids love. We are very lucky have you as such an amazing resource.”

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A new super hero is ready to squash harmful stress in Young Yoga Master’s Yoga Man vs The Stressor Sun Salutation Training Package. Taking her cue from comic books superheros Aruna Kathy Humphrys has created a child friendly, adventuresome and entertaining way to help children learn not only the poses which make up Surya Namaskar but also to teach them correct breathing, mental discipline and stress reduction principles.

This extensive package includes 112 pages filled with well prepared, age appropriate information and useful print-ables such as:

• Colouring Book: full page and quarter page versions of each pose
• Handout Activities: matching, fill in the blank, etc.
• Teacher’s Aid: with alignment details to ensure proper execution of each pose
• Pose Manual: detailed instructions including colour photos of boys performing the poses, precautions and super hero verbal cues ex: “Activate your core muscles at your ‘Power Centre’.”
• Games & Activities: 11 games to teach and expand application of Sun Salutations
• Secrets of the Sun Salutation: insight into our relationship with the sun and the light of consciousness

My favourite part of the package is the Games & Activities which provide creative ways to teach children about stress and ways to deal with it in their lives. Varying in duration (15-60 mins) each game is inspired by Sun Salutations, use the pose cards from the Colouring Book, and include reflection questions to deepen and expand the practice. The 11th Bonus Activity encourages groups to perform 108 Sun Salutations and provides instructions and hints on how to successfully hold a yoga fund raiser with kids.

Humphrys has taken a theme and developed it to the hilt. Boys everywhere will connect with Yoga Man in this classic battle of good vs evil. As they learn Sun Salutations children will become superheros and develop the skills to conquer The Stressor in their own lives.

Young Yoga Masters has generously provided a free giveaway of Yoga Man vs The Stressor (value of $39.00) to one lucky Yogainmyschool.com reader.

To enter leave a comment below telling of what Sun Salutations mean to you or some insight you gain when contemplating the sun (warmth, light, etc.)

For additional entries:

• Visit Young Yoga Masters on Facebook and post on their wall about the giveaway
• Share this review on Facebook with an @yogainmyschool.com mention (multiple entries allowed)
• Tweet about the contest on Twitter with an @DonnaKFreeman mention (multiple entries allowed) “Yoga Man teaching resource #giveaway rocks @DonnaKFreeman http://bit.ly/gYPXrg”

Contest closes on May 2nd, 2011 at 9:00 pm MDT. Winner will be chosen at random and their name will be posted here, on Facebook and Twitter.

To purchase a copy of this downloadable kids yoga teaching resource visit Young Yoga Masters.

For more information on how to encourage boys to do yoga check out the Yoga for Boys Interview.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Sara Guenther who won our giveaway of Yoga Man vs. The Stressor. Thanks to all who entered. Watch for our next giveaway – a copy of Flying Eagle: Kids Teach Yoga DVD by Yoga Calm.

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Original Air Date: April 21, 2011

Connect with Lynn on Facebook or Twitter and be sure to check out all the inspiring eco-loving products on myEARTH360.com. The wildflower notecards are my fave!

Coming on May 4th our next interview will feature blissologist Eoin Finn. Don’t miss his 5 Big Easys to discovering bliss.

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Connect with Donna on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and join the YIMS community for amazing tips and techniques on teaching yoga to children and teens.

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There are dozens of potential uses for a singing bowl in a children’s yoga class, but the one that is the most potent is also the absolute simplest. The activity described below has a unique way of engaging children’s cooperation in the exact manner that you hope, while at the same time showing a profound respect for their independence.

At the beginning of every class, no matter how many routines you develop or guidelines you give your kids, there is a certain amount of noise, movement, conversation and other distraction that is a natural part of the transitions that children go through during their day. Sometimes there is complete chaos that threatens your ability to start your class in the peaceful, centered and happy state of mind that every yoga instructor hopes for.

This point of transition, where you set the tone for the entire experience that both you and your students are about to have, is a particularly challenging one to navigate. You must bring all of your students attention together at the same time, there is often noise so if the kids are going to hear you it might mean raising your voice, and all of the conversation that your students are having with each other are compelling to them and they are going to need some pretty good motivation to wrap them up. This can lead to frustration on the part of the teacher, and a gradual escalation of your voice until you are actually yelling at your students before you have even started your class.

There is a better way. When I begin a children’s yoga class, my goal is fro the children to turn their attention to me naturally, because they are interested in what is about to happen. I also want to respect that all of the conversations they are having are important to them. They are not doing anything wrong by having these social interactions during a lull in their very managed day, and I do not want to make them feel as through they are in some way bad because they are communicating with each other.

Rather then say anything at all, I recommend using a singing bowl in a very deliberate way to let the students know that you are about to start class. The following steps are so simple, but the honor the students by giving them time to transition gently, wrapping up whatever they are saying and doing with no abrupt shift, no implication that they are doing something wrong, no order, no anger and no raised voices. If is important to follow these steps slowly and remember your intention – a group of children who feel respected, engaged and happy to be in your presence.

Singing Bowl Opening Ritual

1. Enter your classroom with a relaxed, happy attitude. Smile at your students and allow them to adjust to your presence in the room before asking them to do anything at all.
2. Go to where you are setting up your space. Put your things down in a slow and deliberate manner, keeping any clutter to a minimum. Place a singing bowl next to you. Always handle the singing bowl with gentle respect. You want to create a sense in the children that the singing bowl is something very special and something to be treated with care. This naturally make is more interesting to them.
3. Settle onto your mat and model for the children a grounded and mindful seat. Take a few deep breaths. Pick up the singing bowl, and hold is at heart height. Make sure you are treating the bowl with reverence, and that you are directing your gaze and energy at it, rather than looking around at the kids. As the students notice what you are doing, they will look where you look.
4. After a few moments and a few breaths, gently ring the singing bowl. Keep your gaze fixed on the bowl until the sound completely dies away.
5. After the sound of the bowl is gone, look around at your students and make eye contact. If many of the kids are still not with you after the sound of the bowl is finished, take several breaths and then ring it again. Be careful not to show any frustration or annoyance. This ringing of the bowl is an invitation to your students, not a command or a reprimand.
6. There will be a moment of quiet after the sound finishes, when the children’s attention is turned to the bowl and to you. Take advantage of that moment (and it may not last long) to draw them in. Depending on whether the children are still up and about of they are on their mats, say good morning, ask a question, give them an interesting piece of information, or move directly into an activity. This is your opportunity to start class from a  place of engagement. Try not to be overly concerned if every single student is not completely silent or still when the bell finishes ringing. As long as the general orientation of the class is towards you, you have a space to being your teaching.

This method of beginning gets more and more effective as you use it. The children learn the routine and many will begin to get themselves set up for class just by watching you take the singing  bowl into your hands. Remember that the singing bowl must always be treated as something special – don’t ring it in anger or frustration or desperation or it will lose it’s meaning. Your attention to the attitude you convey at the beginning of class will make a tremendous difference in the attitude of the children. Become a model of patience, grace and loving acceptance. Invite your students on a journey, and you may be surprised at how willing they are to participate.

Jennifer Cohen Harper is the founder and director of Little Flower Yoga, a unique organization that provides education based yoga programs to schools and youth organization, teaches creative and nurturing classes for children and families, and trains teachers to engage, encourage and inspire joy in all students. Come grow with us.

This a continuation of our My Favourite Prop series written by experts in the yoga for kids and teens field. Visit our Yoga Props page to view the complete collection including how to use feathers, hula hoops, puppets, hoberman sphere and many more.

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In mid-February I was contacted via e-mail by WSJ reporter Emily Glazer who had heard about Yoga In My School from Shari Vilchez-Blatt of Karma Kids Yoga in NYC (a million thanks to Shari). Emily was looking for information on yoga in schools, yoga for special needs, interesting/creative ways of teaching kids yoga. You’ve come to the right place!

I remember calling my husband, as he was out of town on business, and saying I’d received an e-mail from the Wall Street Journal. He chuckled and said to make sure it wasn’t spam but was actually from wsj.com. It was. Emily & I e-mailed back and forth and set up an interview date & time.

The interview lasted over an hour – a little longer than the 20 mins we’d planned on. Emily asked a lot of interesting, thought provoking questions and was intrigued by the interconnections between the brain’s function and movement. She was kind enough to ask about my personal story, how I came to be an expert in kids/teens yoga, and wanted as much information as possible about the kids yoga community and others involved in doing amazing things in bringing yoga to kids. For this we kept referring back to the Yoga In My School Blog Talk Radio series and many of the Yoga In My School give-aways.

As well she wanted proof: studies showing the claims stating the benefits of yoga for kids were true. This is the Wall Street Journal after all, not a feel good article or a personal interest piece.

Needless to say my follow up e-mail was lengthy with lots of links to substantiate the kids yoga and mindfulness movement and shine a light on the many amazing people with whom I have the privilege to work (check out our Yoga Links I Love list).

Emily then pitched the story to her editors. She came back with further questions via e-mail and phone calls on various occasions wanting to know the number of schools in the US who use yoga, the costs of funding a yoga program, training expenses, locations where it is especially popular, and hurdles or obstacles which prevent yoga from being adopted into all schools. Some of these questions were challenging as I felt I was representing all kids yoga instructors with my answers and I wanted the information to be accurate, informative and authentic.

Emily then let me know that the article would be published on March 28th. I waited. In the meantime I learned that WSJ was also filming a video regarding kids yoga and that elementary students in Encinitas, CA were involved in a photo shoot. By Sunday the 27th I was simply happy to have been part of the process, that getting the message out regarding kids yoga and the good it can do for children of all ages and abilities was what was most important. I hoped that the WSJ’s article was open and fair, and that thanks to its reach and credibility more schools would offer yoga to their students.

It was with some trepidation that I googled the article Monday morning. First I found the video. How fun! Then I clicked on the article and found myself in tears as I read. Emily had done a fabulous job with the material … and I even got quoted.

So yes, Monday, March 28th, 2011 was a great day! A great day for yoga for kids and teens.

Please share the article with parents, teachers and school administrators in you know. Together we can make a positive impact on children’s lives, their mental, emotional and physical health.

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Here is a simple two minute mindfulness practice/lesson to repeat daily and includes one minute of mindful listening and one minute of mindful breathing.

• Sit quietly, lengthen your spine by reaching the crown of the head to the sky, feet or bottom firmly connected with the earth, close your eyes.
• Bring your attention to the sound you are about to hear. Listen until the sound is completely gone.
• Ring a mindfulness bell, or have a student ring the bell. Use a bell with a sustained sound or a rain-stick.
• Raise your hand when you can no longer hear the sound.
• When most/all of the students have raised a hand ask them to slowly and mindfully move their hand to their stomach and feel their breathing.
• Breathe in and out, paying attention to the breath as it moves in and out of the body. Is it warm? cold? shallow? deep? smooth? even? ragged? long? short? Breathe in, breathe out.
• Ring the bell after one minute to end as students open their eyes and resume their day.

Here is an mindfulness bell audio clip that you can use for this activity if you don’t happen to have a chime, bell or rain stick on hand.

Visit our Mindfulness Category for many more games, activities and techniques which teach children and teens to live mindful lives. We add new content all the time so be sure to subscribe (e-mail or RSS) to receive these posts directly to you.

Photo courtesy of cogdogblog

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