April 2012 Topic of the Month
Chatting away with the Talking Stick
“Do you know what a Talking Stick is?”
Dr. Locust, at the American Research and Training Center in Tucson, Arizona,
describes the talking stick, according to Native American tradition:
"The talking stick has been used for centuries by many Indian tribes as a means of just and impartial hearing. The talking stick was commonly used in council circles to decide who had the right to speak. When matters of great concern would come before the council, the leading elder would hold the talking stick, and begin the discussion. When he would finish what he had to say, he would hold out the talking stick, and whoever would speak after him would take it. In this manner, the stick would be passed from one individual to another until all who wanted to speak had done so. The stick was then passed back to the elder for safe keeping." (Locust, 1998)
My daughter and I took the Talking Stick off the yoga mat and into the car.
When I pick her up from school, we pass the stick back and forth, talking about points of our day.
We each get a chance to share.
We each get to ask questions. We each get validation that we are important and meaningful to each other.
We each get the invaluable practice of active listening.
In Kidding Around Yoga classes, we use the talking stick at the end of class.
The teacher selects the topic (ie: My favorite part of class was …),
shares, and then passes it along while all are sitting in a circle.
If a child isn’t ready to share, the stick is just passed along.
Many families use a Talking Stick during family meetings.
Holding the talking stick means you have the floor and may say all you need to.
The stick represents freedom to speak honestly without fear of judgment, humiliation or consequences.
No one is judged or put down for speaking from the heart.
Make your own Talking Stick as a group or family project.
You may also find items to hang from your stick, though pipe cleaners, embroidery thread,
and pony beads work best.
Many authentic Talking Sticks have an eagle feather to give the speaker strength.
Perfect for season, go on a Nature Walk to find your family or group Talking Stick!
Read more: How to Use Talking Sticks in Family Discussions | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4568366_use-talking-sticks-family-discussions.html#ixzz1Z6jyKz7C
http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Fujioka-TalkingStick.html
“Do you know what a Talking Stick is?”
Dr. Locust, at the American Research and Training Center in Tucson, Arizona,
describes the talking stick, according to Native American tradition:
"The talking stick has been used for centuries by many Indian tribes as a means of just and impartial hearing. The talking stick was commonly used in council circles to decide who had the right to speak. When matters of great concern would come before the council, the leading elder would hold the talking stick, and begin the discussion. When he would finish what he had to say, he would hold out the talking stick, and whoever would speak after him would take it. In this manner, the stick would be passed from one individual to another until all who wanted to speak had done so. The stick was then passed back to the elder for safe keeping." (Locust, 1998)
My daughter and I took the Talking Stick off the yoga mat and into the car.
When I pick her up from school, we pass the stick back and forth, talking about points of our day.
We each get a chance to share.
We each get to ask questions. We each get validation that we are important and meaningful to each other.
We each get the invaluable practice of active listening.
In Kidding Around Yoga classes, we use the talking stick at the end of class.
The teacher selects the topic (ie: My favorite part of class was …),
shares, and then passes it along while all are sitting in a circle.
If a child isn’t ready to share, the stick is just passed along.
Many families use a Talking Stick during family meetings.
Holding the talking stick means you have the floor and may say all you need to.
The stick represents freedom to speak honestly without fear of judgment, humiliation or consequences.
No one is judged or put down for speaking from the heart.
Make your own Talking Stick as a group or family project.
You may also find items to hang from your stick, though pipe cleaners, embroidery thread,
and pony beads work best.
Many authentic Talking Sticks have an eagle feather to give the speaker strength.
Perfect for season, go on a Nature Walk to find your family or group Talking Stick!
Read more: How to Use Talking Sticks in Family Discussions | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4568366_use-talking-sticks-family-discussions.html#ixzz1Z6jyKz7C
http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Fujioka-TalkingStick.html
Scroll down to learn more about Yoga for Kids & previous article on Yoga for All Ages!
Click on the picture to be directed to Amazon.com
Click on the picture to be directed to Amazon.com
April & May 2011 Topic of the Month
Mindfulness- being present or just full of yourself?
By Cassie Dixon, Kidding Around Yoga co-founder
“Anytime that you are feeling stiff and scared, and worried. I want you to take a few deep breaths and change into a piece of cooked spaghetti.” Donna Freeman, Yoga In My School, help children to relate their emotions to items they are familiar with. In this case, your relaxed body is similar to a cooked spaghetti noodle.
Harris Lender, founder of Kidding Around Yoga,
describes Mindfulness as being full of your mind.
Her favorite lesson to teach in classes is in Mindfulness. All children are reminded to place their socks into their shoes. Each item they bring into the classroom is then placed on the edge of the room, or in a designated area. This way all of the items are kept together and no one can lose a sock, shoe, lunch box, homework, etc.
This type of mindfulness activity can be used at school & at home. Labeling a hook near the door for bookbags and/or jackets helps keep items off the floor. When each child has a folder to place homework, this keeps clutter off the teacher’s desk and hold them accountable for turning in assignments.
You may have noticed babies to stand in Downward Dog or rest in Child’s Pose. Babies are mindful.
They listen to their bodies first and foremost and do what feels good. As adults, we have tuned that inner voice way down low, sitting in uncomfortable ways, neck angled strangely in front of the computer, etc. Mindfulness is just like paying attention to your body and mind. Living in the moment can lead to making good choices.
What’s the first way to start using mindfulness with children?
“Stress is physiologically incompatible with deep breathing”, Swami Vidyananda on Stress Management. The most common practice of mindfulness with children- ring a bell and allow children to put their hand on their stomach feeling themselves breath in and out. This can be a focusing way to start the day or a relaxing way to prepare for bed. Teachers can even use this activity to give children a brief break during a long study period, or prepare for instruction after lunch or recess.
By Cassie Dixon, Kidding Around Yoga co-founder
“Anytime that you are feeling stiff and scared, and worried. I want you to take a few deep breaths and change into a piece of cooked spaghetti.” Donna Freeman, Yoga In My School, help children to relate their emotions to items they are familiar with. In this case, your relaxed body is similar to a cooked spaghetti noodle.
Harris Lender, founder of Kidding Around Yoga,
describes Mindfulness as being full of your mind.
Her favorite lesson to teach in classes is in Mindfulness. All children are reminded to place their socks into their shoes. Each item they bring into the classroom is then placed on the edge of the room, or in a designated area. This way all of the items are kept together and no one can lose a sock, shoe, lunch box, homework, etc.
This type of mindfulness activity can be used at school & at home. Labeling a hook near the door for bookbags and/or jackets helps keep items off the floor. When each child has a folder to place homework, this keeps clutter off the teacher’s desk and hold them accountable for turning in assignments.
You may have noticed babies to stand in Downward Dog or rest in Child’s Pose. Babies are mindful.
They listen to their bodies first and foremost and do what feels good. As adults, we have tuned that inner voice way down low, sitting in uncomfortable ways, neck angled strangely in front of the computer, etc. Mindfulness is just like paying attention to your body and mind. Living in the moment can lead to making good choices.
What’s the first way to start using mindfulness with children?
“Stress is physiologically incompatible with deep breathing”, Swami Vidyananda on Stress Management. The most common practice of mindfulness with children- ring a bell and allow children to put their hand on their stomach feeling themselves breath in and out. This can be a focusing way to start the day or a relaxing way to prepare for bed. Teachers can even use this activity to give children a brief break during a long study period, or prepare for instruction after lunch or recess.
Cassie Dixon has a Master’s in Elementary Education, holds a YogaFit I certification, and has been teaching kid’s Yoga for over 2 years. Cassie is the co-founder of Kidding Around Yoga and is assistant director of Camp Yogaville, a sleep-away yoga camp in Virginia. Cassie teaches kid’s Yoga classes around Pinellas County.
www.kiddingaroundyoga.com
www.yogainmyschool.com
http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/tips_for_teaching_mindfulness_to_kids/
http://kirkwood-webstergroves.patch.com/articles/mind-over-body-kids-can-learn-mindfulness
www.kiddingaroundyoga.com
www.yogainmyschool.com
http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/tips_for_teaching_mindfulness_to_kids/
http://kirkwood-webstergroves.patch.com/articles/mind-over-body-kids-can-learn-mindfulness
Scroll down to learn more about Yoga for Kids & previous article on Yoga for All Ages!
Click on the picture to be directed to Amazon.com
Click on the picture to be directed to Amazon.com
April 2010 Topic of the Month
The Benefits of Yoga – All Ages & Abilities By Cassie Dixon
“Watching children roll on the ground is more fun than watching them sit at a desk. Childhood obesity and sedentary rates are sky high. Having a hand in changing those statistics is fulfilling to me. I am blessed with an active child who practices yoga avidly. Instilling these habits in her daily routine is my job as a parent. Instilling these habits in the routine of my students is my satisfaction as a teacher.”
To the average kid, a caged lion is NOT something they would see inside a classroom or yoga studio. Little Yogis, however, may know that Caged Lion is a yoga game played in Kid’s Yoga classes across the world. Babies are natural yoginis, learning how their bodies move. Toddlers feel the enjoyment from their bodies’ in stretch and motion. School-aged children begin to learn the benefits of many asanas, (camel is good for people with asthma, as it opens your chest for a full complete breathe). Older children and Preteens understand balance and develop stages of self-discipline. But, a common benefit throughout ALL age groups in Kid’s Yoga is seeking non-competitiveness and self acceptance on and off the mat.
Mommy and Me Yoga classes for newborns to toddlers lay the groundwork necessary for proper development, with breaks for feeding, sleeping, or screaming.
· “Physically, one short yoga session is the equivalent of being carried and touched all day. At the end of the day your baby will sleep more deeply and healthfully,” It’s a Mom’s World website proclaims
· Learn by imitating
· Good listening skills
· Cooperation increases
· Ability to observe
· Inspire a child’s imagination
· Learn about their environment and nature
· Introduces babies to the language of the body
· Aide in the baby’s digestion and may help soothe colic
· Begin identifying and releasing feelings (a HUGE benefit!)
· Increased the ability to cope with stress with mother-child bond
· Increase muscle tone and flexibility necessary for physically developmental milestones
· “Physically, one short yoga session is the equivalent of being carried and touched all day. At the end of the day your baby will sleep more deeply and healthfully,” It’s a Mom’s World website proclaims
· Learn by imitating
· Good listening skills
· Cooperation increases
· Ability to observe
· Inspire a child’s imagination
· Learn about their environment and nature
· Introduces babies to the language of the body
· Aide in the baby’s digestion and may help soothe colic
· Begin identifying and releasing feelings (a HUGE benefit!)
· Increased the ability to cope with stress with mother-child bond
· Increase muscle tone and flexibility necessary for physically developmental milestones
“You don’t teach children like you teach adults,” Marsha Wenig, creator of YogaKids says,
“You have to empower and excite them about being physically and mentally fit.
To them, it’s fitness, fun and feeling great.”
“You have to empower and excite them about being physically and mentally fit.
To them, it’s fitness, fun and feeling great.”
Primary school children sit in a desk for up to 6 hours a day. This may be painful for many children who are used to bending, folding, and moving their bodies. Proper diet and exercise can lead to proper development.
· “Yoga brings that marvelous inner light that all children have to the surface” explains Marsha Wenig for Yoga Journal.
· Good listening skills
· Cooperation increases
· Ability to observe
· Inspire a child’s imagination
· Interact with each other
· Become restful and relaxed
· Introduction to specific pose benefits
· Learn about their environment and nature
· Breathing exercises to cope with stress/anxiety
· WHY it is important to nourish our bodies with healthy foods
· Continue to find contentment within, opposed to looking to others for approval
· Increased heart rate for aerobic activity in a safe, non-competitive environment
· “Yoga brings that marvelous inner light that all children have to the surface” explains Marsha Wenig for Yoga Journal.
· Good listening skills
· Cooperation increases
· Ability to observe
· Inspire a child’s imagination
· Interact with each other
· Become restful and relaxed
· Introduction to specific pose benefits
· Learn about their environment and nature
· Breathing exercises to cope with stress/anxiety
· WHY it is important to nourish our bodies with healthy foods
· Continue to find contentment within, opposed to looking to others for approval
· Increased heart rate for aerobic activity in a safe, non-competitive environment
10-15 year olds begin to develop hormones that alter their minds and bodies.
· Strategies/way to face peer pressure and academic stress
· Improve self-esteem
· Improve physical health
· Increase grade point averages
· Complete a workout for developing bodies
· Expand self awareness and inspire self-discipline
· Peacefulness and self-acceptance with an extended Savasana
· Begin to understand balance and work on building core strength
· Relearning non-competitiveness and self acceptance on and off the mat.
· Strategies/way to face peer pressure and academic stress
· Improve self-esteem
· Improve physical health
· Increase grade point averages
· Complete a workout for developing bodies
· Expand self awareness and inspire self-discipline
· Peacefulness and self-acceptance with an extended Savasana
· Begin to understand balance and work on building core strength
· Relearning non-competitiveness and self acceptance on and off the mat.
If a child has a Chronic Illness, yoga is:
-Proven to lower a child’s pain score by 1 point
-Proven to lower a child’s anxiety scale by 10 points
If you child has ADD &ADHD (diagnosed or not) yoga can:
-Increase sense of calmness and focus
-Provide restful sleep
-Proven to lower a child’s pain score by 1 point
-Proven to lower a child’s anxiety scale by 10 points
If you child has ADD &ADHD (diagnosed or not) yoga can:
-Increase sense of calmness and focus
-Provide restful sleep
5 Questions to ask your Kid’s Yoga Teacher:
1. How do you accommodate the learning styles of your students?
2. What procedures do you use when a child cannot perform a pose?
3. Is the level of spirituality comfortable for you (the parent)?
4. Does the instructor have experience teaching children?
Experience teaching children yoga?
5. What level of competition is allowed, if any?
1. How do you accommodate the learning styles of your students?
2. What procedures do you use when a child cannot perform a pose?
3. Is the level of spirituality comfortable for you (the parent)?
4. Does the instructor have experience teaching children?
Experience teaching children yoga?
5. What level of competition is allowed, if any?
Sources:
Post-gazzette.com
Yogakids.com
Yogaanandastudio.com
Ecochildsplay.com
Gail Silver yogachild.net
Kid’s Yoga Classes in the area:
Kidding Around Yoga- St. Petersburg, FL
Yoga with Di @ Roberts Adult Center- St. Petersburg, FL
Stillpoint Studios- Tampa, FL
Rosemary Court Yoga, Sarasota, FL
Jeweled Lotus Yoga- Leesburg, FL
Post-gazzette.com
Yogakids.com
Yogaanandastudio.com
Ecochildsplay.com
Gail Silver yogachild.net
Kid’s Yoga Classes in the area:
Kidding Around Yoga- St. Petersburg, FL
Yoga with Di @ Roberts Adult Center- St. Petersburg, FL
Stillpoint Studios- Tampa, FL
Rosemary Court Yoga, Sarasota, FL
Jeweled Lotus Yoga- Leesburg, FL
One day at her desk, Cassie looked up to watch Haris teach Kid’s Yoga to some of her most challenging students. “It transformed them.” Cassie loves teaching children, and by combining her love for teaching and love for yoga, she has found a perfect union with Haris in Kidding Around Yoga. Her enthusiasm is contagious!
“Watching yoga benefit my own child and my students is all the proof I need.”
“Watching yoga benefit my own child and my students is all the proof I need.”
Cassie Dixon is co-owner of Kidding Around Yoga. She has taught general education to students in public and private schools around Florida. Cassie is also the assistant director of Camp Yogaville, a kid’s yoga sleep-away Summer camp in Virginia. Her business partner, Haris Lender, was teaching a kid’s yoga class after school in Cassie’s classroom about 4 years ago, and Cassie knew this was for her! Now, she is enjoying teaching all the Kid’s Yoga classes she can. “Yoga is such a blessing, adults can’t take all the fun!” www.kiddingaroundyoga.com www.yogawithharis.com
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Topic of the Month Current Events Dining Previous Posts Resources
Topic of the Month Current Events Dining Previous Posts Resources