Teaching Yoga to Children
A Diploma Course for Yoga Teachers, Educators, and Parents
This course has been especially commissioned by Kevala. The course writer Louise
Goldberg has over 25 years’ experience teaching yoga to both children
and adults. Much of her work has been in training yoga teachers and educators
to teach children, including those with special needs.
Louise writes:
“Young children are natural yogis. They intuitively stretch their
bodies in every direction, run and play for the joy of movement, and rest when
their bodies are fatigued. They live truly in the moment, with neither fears
about the future nor regrets about the past.
Children’s yoga reintroduces youngsters to the fun of movement. It
triggers their imaginations and fosters creativity by taking the forms of animals,
unusual shapes, and making up their own poses. Through yoga postures, children
build strength, gain flexibility, and improve balance. It offers effective tools
for stilling the body and introduces them to the concept of self-calming through
the breath. In all these ways, yoga helps children feel independent and accomplished.
The Teaching Yoga to Children curriculum includes lessons for children
of different ages and dispositions. It includes postures to slow children down
and those to energize them. There are exercises to help them turn inward and
those to encourage children to reach out. You will learn songs, games and stories
to stimulate your little yogins and yoginis.”
What is the aim of the course?
This 5 module course provides you with the tools to create your own children’s
yoga program. Whether you work with individuals or groups, children in regular
education classes or those with special needs, the step-by-step instructions
prepare you for a variety of teaching opportunities.
What does the course cover?
- Benefits of Yoga
- Stress and the Child
- Basics for Teachers
- Elements of Every Class
- Creating a Mood
- Incorporating Yoga Philosophy
- Communication Styles and Learning
- Handling Difficult Behaviours
- Songs and Games
- Creating a Pace
- Yoga for Learning Maths and Science
- Yoga in School
- Creating Flows
- Hello, Sun!
- Breathing Exercises
- Concentration and Meditation Techniques
- Yoga Stories
- Children Teaching Children
- Learning about Touch
- Partnering
- Promotion and Publicity
What teaching tools does the course provide?
- Over 50 photos of children in posture
- Catalogue of asanas for children by ages
- English and Sanskrit names
- Benefits of each pose
- Step-by-step teaching instructions including variations
- Lesson Plans
- Asanas and meditation techniques for each Chakra
What types of classes does the course prepare you to teach?
- Lessons for Mommy and Baby Yoga, ages 3 and under
- Yoga for Children ages 4-7
- Yoga for Children aged 8-12
- Parent - Child Classes
- Yoga in School
- Classes for Children with Special Need
- Physical and Emotional Challenge
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Wheel Chair Yoga
The diploma consists of 5 modules, and you will need to give details of your
existing yoga qualification in the "Notes" section of the secure enrolment
form. You will need to let us have copies of you diploma(s) before qualification.
Entry requirements - if you are a yoga teacher we will require
a copy of your teaching diploma/certificate or CV. If you are a teacher or Youth
Worker etc and have a minimum of 6 months yoga class attendance and practise
you can start our children's diploma with a confirmation slip from your teacher.
Those who do not have yoga experience must attend a yoga class for 6 months
whilst they are studying with the college and must not complete their course
within 6 months - this is to ensure safety and quality levels and allows you
to get the most from our course.
