Intro to Yoga: Yamas, Asana, and Pranayama
In this 4-week yoga class, young learners will be introduced to twists, balances, backbends, deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, philosophy, and more.
Madeleine Lifsey, M.A.T. (she/her)
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(109)
What's included
4 live meetings
2 in-class hoursClass Experience
Children will be led through a different short asana flow (physical practice) in each class with engaging, accessible movement and a short Savasana (relaxation) meditation at the end. Many of the asanas are related to animals or a nature metaphor, and children will get to channel that energy in each shape. Each class will build on skills learned in the previous class. Mindfulness, body awareness, conscious breath, and philosophy will be incorporated into each class. When this class ends, there will be the option to enrol in a more advanced class to go deeper into the concepts we have begun to explore in this introductory class. My teaching style is inquiry-based and learner-centred. I am dedicated to accessibility and inclusivity. Thus every shape is optional and can be modified for all abilities. The class begins and ends with a verbal check-in, and my language is invitational. In the middle, learners will mute but are welcome and encouraged to turn on their microphones and ask questions any time. Due to the nature of a multi-day course, we will have plenty of space for discussion and bonding among the cohort. The weekly schedule will run as follows: Week 1: Intro to Sun Salutations & ahimsa (non-harm/compassion) Week 2: Gentle backbends & satya (truth) - beach theme Week 3: Twists & asteya (non-stealing/celebrating our own creativity) Week 4: Hip openers & aparigraha (non-grasping/letting go) No prior yoga or meditation experience is required. Stretchy and/or loose clothing, drinking water, and a yoga or exercise mat are required for safety. This class is small in order to make sure I am able to check in individually with everyone, observing and responding to their practice. If your learner would prefer to get a taste of my teaching style first, you are welcome to try any of my one-time yoga classes. Some weeks may include readings from books from the Barefoot Books publishing company, with permission. Please note due to copyright regulations, there will be some classes that I am not able to share the video for, if I have read certain books during the class.
Learning Goals
Students will become familiar with a number of different asanas (physical body shapes), breathing practices, and philosophical concepts that they can use to guide their own yoga practice.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This is not an exercise class. However children will be gently moving their bodies, so an open space in which to stretch their arms and legs and to lie down is needed. Falling over in a light balance shape like Tree is possible. Adult supervision, appropriate clothing (loose or stretchy), and a soft surface (yoga mat, grass, or carpet) is necessary to avoid injury. Please advise me before class if your child has any physical disabilities that may impact their ability to do stretches and balance shapes. I am delighted to accomodate for all bodies with advanced notice.
Footwear: The safest and easiest way to practice yoga is barefoot. Socks are fine during the sitting and lying down portions of the class but can cause slipping if worn without shoes during the standing and stretching portions of the class.
Supply List
Required: -Stretchy and/or loose clothing -Yoga or exercise mat -drinking water -pillows, big books, or yoga blocks -a blanket/throw and pillow or two blankets or two pillows
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2020
4.8
109reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
I have completed a 200-hour teacher training with Contemporary Yoga Teacher Training in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Learn more at https://yogateachertraining.nz/. I am also trained in Kids Yoga from Yoga Foster (now Wellemental) (New York, USA) and Yogawood (New Jersey, USA) and hold a Master of Arts in Teaching from Smith College. Reviews
Live Group Class
$48
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
30 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
3-6 learners per class
