Do you know what the word yoga means? I don't. I'm guessing that other parents (and children) don't know either. Though, like me, they've probably heard many a celebrity rave about yoga's numerous benefits, and have a good enough idea of what goes on in a typical class.

Well, according to educator and yogini Michelle Ressa Aventajado, yoga means to "yoke," and to yoke means to bring together. But how do you make youngsters understand that concept and make them appreciate a yoga class? Aventajado, a U.S. certified YogaKids and Grounded Yoga instructor who's been teaching for almost six years now, relates, "When I explain it to the kids, it goes something like this: We practice yoga to bring our three selves together - our hearts, our minds, and our bodies. The heart in this statement can also mean their emotions. Basically, I just want the little ones to understand that how we feel emotionally can affect how we feel physically. I want them to make the mind-body connection and become more aware of themselves. That way, they can become more aware of others and eventually, become more aware of their environment. So in essence you can [almost] say that I want to facilitate awareness through their practice and play of yoga." Obviously, a yoga class for kids entails a lot more than just breathing in and out, and striking a pose.

Kids on the floor

A fun and sweeping kind of learning blend seamlessly in children's yoga class. "For the younger kids, we sing, dance, run, create, invent, balance, count, color, exercise, meditate, empower, and engage the child in every way. Yoga Kids learn through multiple intelligences. This addresses the whole child and addresses him in every way he learns. It's fun! It's super active. We play yoga games, take turns, and care for the environment. We talk a little, laugh a lot, and play. The bigger concepts of yoga are fed to the kids in smaller bites - little nibbles that they could understand. For instance, we talk to them about caring for the environment and putting "good" food in our bodies," Aventajado shares.

Class time is usually 45 minutes to one hour. Because younger yogis cannot stay still too long, their sessions are fast-paced and on the shorter side. Older students who have a greater understanding of things and don't need as much of a release, however, can last one hour; sometimes even longer if they choose. Nevertheless, all of her kiddie yoga classes stick to the same format: an introduction of the theme first, followed by a time to journal, a warm up, the middle of the class where most of the action occurs, and finally, the cool down or meditation.

To help her students lower their energy level and relax, Aventajado gives them a light massage, walk them through visual imagery, or play classical music. She's had kids as young as two-and-a-half and three years old join her class, and she believes that the earlier a child practices yoga, the better. "If children were given the tools to cope with life in a healthy way, with perspective, and make healthy choices, then they would certainly live a healthier lifestyle overall. With the childhood obesity rates and all the distractions that children are subjected to, introducing the concepts of yoga at an early age can be nothing but beneficial."

Benefits galore

Like yoga for grown-ups, kids' yoga has several advantages such as strengthening muscles and posture, increasing flexibility and balance, and enhancing concentration. Aventajado mentions that practicing yoga can likewise lead to a sense of well being inside and out, can boost self-esteem, and can help children sleep more soundly.

Marsha Wenig, YogaKids video and educational curriculum creator, attests that yoga can help offset the stress and pressure that today's kids face. "When children learn techniques for self-health, relaxation, and inner fulfillment, they can navigate life's challenges with a little more ease," she says.

And isn't that what we all wish for, to have happy, healthy and well-adjusted kids?

Excerpt from:
Yippee for YOGA!