Balance, Breathe, Believe...in Yoga for Kids

If you've read my blog through the years, you know that I advocate balance.  Balance in school, balance in family life, and balance in personal life.  I also try to live a balanced life.  And this is partly why I've chosen to pursue a career in teaching yoga to kids.  Yoga (for children and adults) promotes balance, de-stressing techniques through breathing and poses, and calm, meditative, positive intentions.  Yoga has endless physical, mental and emotional benefits.

I'm 3/4 of the way through a YogaKid teacher certification program.  When I'm certified, I hope to bring yoga to many children of all ages through the schools and in yoga studios.

What I like about this program is how it integrates the philosophies of Howard Gardner, Maria Montessori, Rudolph Steiner, B. K. S. Iyengar and many others.  A large part of the program focuses on teaching yoga in schools. It is called Tools for Schools.

The international leader of yoga for children, YogaKids®, provides a proven teaching solution for children ages 5-12 with the primary goal of less stress and greater success for teachers and students. YogaKids Tools for Schools links movement and creative activities to the core and secondary subjects educators are required to teach each school year.

YogaKids Tools for Schools is the culmination of over 20 years of collaborative work with children, teachers and other professionals to enhance children's mental and physical health. It is also designed to improve academic retention through movement.

Among the many benefits that educators, parents and children may derive from Tools for Schools are:

• Increased subject retention and improved test scores
• A more participatory and community oriented learning environment
• A positive attitude toward learning and life
• A higher degree of self-confidence and self-esteem
• The ability to relax, self-nurture and regulate emotions
• Enhanced communication and problem solving skills
• Better posture, increased fitness and improved self image

In addition to bringing yoga to schools, YogaKids is currently trying to create a TV pilot. The producers have seven days left to reach the goal to make this happen. You can go here to check it out and possibly make a donation if this speaks to your heart.