Why do kids twirl? Vestibular Input

Do your kids like to twirl? Ever wondered why? Have you noticed that most parks include some type of spinning apparatus? Welcome to vestibular stimulation. The vestibular nerve is in the inner ear and is responsible for balance, sensing body position, and eye stability. Many kids crave vestibular input. Go for a twirl and enjoy improved balance and body awareness.

To learn more about sensory input enroll in the online Yoga for Preschoolers and Kids with Special Needs course on Yoga In My School. It’s packed with sensory tips to helps kids regulate and soothe their nervous systems.

 
 
 
 
 
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Can You Make a Flower: Mudra Song

Using music in your kids yoga classes is extremely effective, engaging and memorable.

Here one of our online Teaching Kids Yoga Level 2 participants, Micha, shares a beautiful Can You Make a Flower Song to go along with Lotus Mudra. I love how she has used a familiar melody and has changed the word to perfectly suit a loving kindness flower.

Brilliant.

Mindfulness Moments for Kids with Kira Willey

Mindfulness Moments for Kids with Kira Willey

Mindfulness in schools is a hot topic. Studies prove its effectiveness at helping children reduce stress, self regulate and focus.

Now available is a series of Mindfulness Moments board books to enable even the youngest child to cultivate skills to feel calm wherever they are. Musician, kids yoga expert and author, Kira Willey, joins us to talk about her latest endeavor to help children manage body, breathe and emotions.

 Listen to the podcast here

 

Some topics we cover:

  • the importance of music, movement and mindfulness
  • the evolution of Kira’s career from musician to author
  • how to teach the littlest yogis mindfulness
  • ways to incorporate mindful moments into your day

Enter to win the giveaway

Enter below to win a signed copy of Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Breathe Like a Bear OR Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Listen Like an Elephant.  Kira has one of each book. Two winners will be chosen. Multiple entries allowed. Contest open to resident of USA and Canada. Contest ends Oct 26 at 12:00 am.

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Are You My Mother? Kids Yoga Video

Are You My Mother? Kids Yoga Video

Ideal for Mother’s Day this classic Dr Seuss book transforms into a fun kids yoga class. Grab a little yogi and practice together.

This version is quicker than I usually teach it – a sweet abbreviated version for your home practice. You can find the complete lesson plan HERE for Teacher’s Lounge members or in our online store HERE.

 


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Bunny Breathing PLUS: Give Kids More of What They Need

Bunny Breathing PLUS: Give Kids More of What They Need

Kids Love Easter Yoga. Discover an easy way to take Bunny Breath up a notch by adding in developmentally appropriate levels to stimulate body and mind.

During our weekend workshop Yoga for Preschoolers and Kids with Special Needs we cover a lot of material having to do with developmental milestones and how you can assist children to meet these milestones in creative and fun ways. What is really inspiring is by adding in somatic techniques into your kids yoga classes you are also developing essential neurological pathways and helping the brain to organize itself. Truly a win-win.

This IGTV video explains why you want to add hopping to your Bunny Breath pranayama practice.

Find the Easter Basket Lesson Plan


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School Friendly Yoga Partner Poses

School Friendly Yoga Partner Poses

Discover yoga partner poses suitable for all ages and abilities to foster kindness, communication and teamwork. Learn how to partner effectively, best practices and considerations for a safe and wholesome school yoga practice. All poses are suitable for the school environment with age recommendations to cultivate connections and ensure safety. This e-book has been developed from years of hands-on experience working with students from preschool-grade 12.

 

This downloadable PDF includes:

  • Benefits of Partner Poses
  • Classroom Management Tips
  • Creating a Safe Space
  • 8 unique Creative Ways to Partner
  • 41 Partner Poses for ages preschool-highschool with lots of variations, age recommendations, color photos and step-by-step instructions

Special Introductory Pricing

School Friendly Yoga Partner Poses
School Friendly Yoga Partner Poses
Discover yoga partner poses suitable for all ages and abilities to foster kindness, communication and teamwork. Learn how to partner effectively, best practices and considerations for a safe and wholesome school yoga practice. 18 page full color PDF. Includes 41 partner poses.

Lazy 8 Breath

Lazy 8 Breath

Lazy 8 Breath or Infinity Breath is one of my favorite shape breathing techniques. I find this shape extremely soothing. Added bonus is the cross lateral work that connects left and right hemispheres of the brain helping to calm and focus.

When teaching young children provide them a printout which they can trace with their finger as they learn how to practice Lazy 8 Breath.

Feel free to use this one.

DOWNLOAD Lazy 8 Breath Printout

Once you have learned the technique you can trace an imaginary lazy 8 with your finger on your desk, your hand, your thigh, wherever. Repeat 8 times since it’s a lazy “8”.

This breathing technique is especially effective to calm and focus. Use it before exams to overcome test anxiety and invite a relaxed, alert state of mind.

For more breathing and mindfulness techniques join our Teacher’s Lounge.

 

100th Episode Celebration plus Massive Kids Yoga Giveaway

100th Episode Celebration plus Massive Kids Yoga Giveaway

We are thrilled to invite you to join us for the 100th Episode of the Yoga In My School podcast on iTunes.

I started the podcast as a way of adding interesting content on my then blog back in 2009. The first few episodes were a steep learning curve as I dove into a unfamiliar format and technology. My first live guest was Abby Wills of Shanti Generation. Since then I’ve had the privilege of interviewing over 100 leaders in the yoga and mindfulness community with a distinct bent toward kids yoga and school yoga programs.

A couple years ago I nearly gave up on this labor of love as I didn’t know if anyone was listening. Well they are….and in droves with over 200,000 listens. While attending the National Kids Yoga conference and through contact with the world wide youth yoga community I’ve come to learn that many, many kids yoga enthusiasts listen to these podcasts and love them. If you are one of our dear listeners please rate the podcast on iTunes.

I invite the world wide kids yoga community to celebrate this milestone. Join a number of guests of past episodes, who are now cherished friends and colleagues, chime in live on Jan 5th, 12:00 noon Eastern/9:00 am Pacific. You can listen in live (or after the event).

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Massive Kids Yoga Giveaway

In conjunction with the 100th Episode we are giving away a plethora of kids yoga swag. Enter via Rafflecopter below. Contest runs midnight Dec 26th to Jan 4th, 2017. Multiple entries allowed including daily sharing via Twitter. Winners of all prizes will be announced during the live broadcast.

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100th Episode PRIZES:

 

To the show’s listeners, guests and generous sponsors

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