How kids yoga aids school readiness

Practice of kindness At the heart of yoga is loving-kindness towards ourselves, others and the world around us. One of my favorite class activities is the loving-kindness meditation. The kids send their loving-kindness out into the world, to those they love and those they don’t. This kind of awareness helps build positive relationships with others. It also avoids unintentional hurtful comments that could be seen as bullying. Cultivating self-belief The learning curve at Primary School for many is steep. It can be easy for children to lose confidence during this time. In kids yoga we practice balancing poses. When kids are learning them they fall over – a lot. Yoga teaches kids that it is OK to make mistakes; it’s how we learn and grow. Kids who practice yoga become resilient; they connect with their inner strength and know they can achieve their goals through patience and perseverance. Managing emotions Starting school is a big milestone. For some it can be scary. For others it can be frustrating when they can’t always do what they want to do.

Yoga helps kids to identify their emotions. We practice breathing techniques that calm the mind. They understand that emotions will come and go and they can control how they respond when a strong emotion comes calling. Kid’s yoga increases emotional self-regulation. Connecting with others Some kids will be going to a school where they don’t know anyone. Kids yoga builds confidence, it also celebrates the differences between people. Through partner and group work kids develop trust in one another. When we create group human mandala’s, the kids support each other to create the shape. They become non-judgmental and accepting of the limitations of others. They gain a sense of achievement through supporting each other and working together. Kids yoga classes can do much more for school readiness than create a strong body to carry an enormous school bag. It is wonderful to see so many preschools adding yoga to their curriculum.

Many Primary Schools also see the benefits of kids yoga and have classes available during and outside school hours. By offering a blend of academic and socio-emotional skills we give our children the best possible start in this new chapter in their lives.

For more information about how yoga can help your child prepare for school, contact the expert contributor.