As of 2013, it is estimated that approximately 129 million children worldwide have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). (2) The mind-body connection so prevalent in Yoga can have a beneficial impact on individuals with ADHD. Some benefits of yoga for individual with ADHD include: (3)
• Decreased Fidgeting
• Connection between body, mind and spirit
• Improved Focus
• Improved levels of flexibility
• Increase strength and muscle mass
• More balanced metabolism and digestion
• Relaxation and quieting of the mind
• Promote empathy for others
• Decreasing stress and anxiety
• Improved lung capacity, energy level and respiration
If you’ve spent any time doing yoga, you know just how calming it can be. These same benefits can help your child as well.
Besides the benefits stated above, here are a few other reasons you may want to introduce yoga to your children: (1)
- Develops body awareness
- Mindfulness training
- Stress management
- Meditation
- Healthy moving
- Concentration
- Confidence
- Awareness of breath
- Energizing
- Strengthening
- Improved balance
- Lengthening
- Awareness
- Focus
- Relaxation
Below, I have gathered together some yoga poses, information and videos for you. There is a ton of information on the web about teaching yoga to kids. It is my hope that I have peaked your curiosity on this topic. ENJOY!
“Poses” posters
“Garden” poses for kids…
(Via www.childhood101.com)
Garden Yoga for Kids Free Printable Poster PDF
Calm Down Yoga for kids
(Via: www.childhood101.com)
Calm Down Yoga for kids printable poster PDF
Sun Salutation For Kids
(Via: Childhood 101)
sun salutation for kids printable poster PDF
Yoga for kids resources:
- 58 yoga poses for kids
- Childhood 101 – Yoga for kids – Information on the posters above.
- Kids yoga stories – purchase cards/posters/games/books
- Kids yoga stories – free resources/pdf’s
- Cosmic Kids Yoga – Literally DOZENS of free kids yoga videos! -Super fun, story themed videos, such as Spiderman, Star Wars, etc.
- Next Generation Yoga – Free online yoga videos – mainly geared for younger kids
Videos:
I have pulled some of the super fun Cosmic Kid videos for you to see. There are so many more at www.cosmickids.com and the Cosmic Kids Yoga youtube channel. (Keep in mind, when you watch them…they are meant for young children! 😉 They are meant to engage the kids, get them moving and most of all, help them have fun while they exercise!)
Star Wars | A Cosmic Kids Yoga Adventure!
Moana | A Cosmic Kids Yoga Adventure!
Episode 1: Squish The Fish |
A Cosmic Kids Yoga Adventure!
Jaime’s Brain Breaks | 12. Spidey Superpowers
Sources:
- https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15075/7-ways-kids-benefit-from-yoga.html
- http://www.chadd.org/understanding-adhd/about-adhd/data-and-statistics/general-prevalence.aspx
- https://www.yogitimes.com/article/yoga-help-adhd-symptoms-relax
That is really awesome! Wish I would’ve had them when I was teaching elementary physical education!
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Wow! What great information, videos and love the posters! Thank you for sharing these!
Namaste 🙂
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Thanks for all this information and so many great ideas 🙂
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I do yoga in the classroom with my preschool students. And I must say that it’s really effective to calm them down especially during transition periods. We especially love the corpse pose or as my student named it, “Play Dead Pose.”
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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