Yoga: good for the whole class

According to a recent study (referenced in this article:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/10/12/162782583/classroom-yoga-helps-improve-behavior-of-kids-with-autism


Early research suggests that yoga exercises help kids concentrate and focus, and improves their strength, motor coordination and social skills.

...yoga was effective because it seems to play to the strengths of kids with autism, while also reducing stress.

"We know that anxiety fuels a lot of the negative behavior, so the yoga program gives them a strategy to cope with it," Koenig tells Shots. "And if it's done every morning, it becomes an integral part of the day that sets the status of the classroom and allows the kids to become calm, focused and ready to learn."

So take a deep breath and explore the article and the possibilities it mentions. 

Playful Planet: Storyland Yoga

When I was searching for yoga tools on the web, I found this new (award-winning) yoga DVD.

Storyland Yoga, from the Playful Planet, is eco-conscious and the yoga is done through a storytelling format. I've had a couple students that have struggled with just "doing the poses" for self-regulation purposes, so this might be a tool/strategy to use to engage them more in the process. The target audience is students from 3-8.

There are two separate programs, both about twenty minutes a piece. Let me know if you try this DVD! I'd love to hear if it is worth all the hype! (It is available for purchase through Amazon.)

Using Visual Supports in Yoga Groups for Kids & Teens – being inclusive of learning styles

Looking for ways to include kids & teens with different learning styles in your yoga groups? Want to use positive ways to support participation and reduce problematic behaviors? Then you might want to consider using “visual supports”. Here is a great website with many ideas:

http://omazingkidsyoga.wordpress.com/2011/10/11/using-visual-supports-in-yoga-groups-for-kids-teens-being-inclusive-of-learning-styles/