ERIC Number: EJ762228
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Apr
Pages: 2
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0046-9157
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Mom, I Can't Sit Still ... But I Can for Shavasana
Bowen-Irish, Tere
Exceptional Parent, v37 n4 p36-37 Apr 2007
In this article, the author discusses the Yogakids program and relates her experience as a Yogakids facilitator to children with diverse challenges such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), Asperger syndrome, Down syndrome, non-verbal learning disorder, cerebral palsy and others. The mission of the Yogakids program is to educate the whole child. Considering the fact that the child with attention issues seem to prefer kinesthetic, visual, and tactile input, yoga seems to be a likely activity for success. Yogakids can provide an opportunity for the child to have a noncompetitive, social, physical outlet for energy and stress reduction. The Yogakids class celebrates each child's abilities and knowledge base in a flexible, yet structured, environment. As the author teaches children yoga, she initially notices subtle changes in the first two to three sessions. The children begin to display degrees of self-control (respecting the silence during relaxation), persistence (trying to hold that challenging posture) and self-regulation (waiting for their turn to add to the group discussion or turn taking). The transitional phases of the class become predictable and therefore easier for the child to adjust their behavior and responses. The final phase of the class is a form of relaxation, commonly known in the yoga world as Shavasana. This has been a consistent favorite for those kids who are challenged with stillness. The first and most important aspect of Shavasana is breathing. Deep, rhythmic inhalations and exhalations are taught throughout the session and are emphasized in the last 15 minutes.
Descriptors: Down Syndrome, Group Discussion, Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit Disorders, Asperger Syndrome, Learning Disabilities, Holistic Approach, Visual Stimuli, Tactual Perception, Kinesthetic Perception, Exercise, Stress Management, Interpersonal Relationship, Children, Self Control, Student Adjustment, Relaxation Training
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A