WHAT TOPICS WILL YOU COVER?
In this playful yoga class designed especially for elementary aged-children, children will learn yoga poses, breathing, and relaxation exercises which cultivate a calm mind, increase strength and flexibility, improve gross and fine motor skills, improve concentration, and give children the tools to manage stress in their daily lives.  Games, stories, and music will be incorporated into this fun, non-competitive class.  Each class ends with a period of relaxation. Children should bring their own yoga mat to class and water bottle.

HOW IS YOUR CLASS STRUCTURED?
Breathing and Mindfulness tools (10 minutes)
Vinyasa & Restorative Practice (30 minutes)
Class Close Out (5 minutes)

WHAT TOPICS WILL YOU COVER?
In this playful yoga class designed especially for elementary aged-children, children will learn yoga poses, breathing, and relaxation exercises which cultivate a calm mind, increase strength and flexibility, improve gross and fine motor skills, improve concentration, and give children the tools to manage stress in their daily lives.  Games, stories, and music will be incorporated into this fun, non-competitive class.  Each class ends with a period of relaxation. Children should bring their own yoga mat and water bottle to class.

Week 1: Welcome to Yoga

Introduction to yoga and its benefits
Basic yoga poses (e.g. Mountain pose, Tree pose, Child's pose)
Breathing exercises
Mindfulness practice

Week 2: Animals
Incorporating animal poses into yoga practice (e.g. Cat pose, Cow pose, Downward-Facing Dog)
Mindful movement and breathing exercises inspired by animals
Exploring the different characteristics of animals and how they can be expressed through yoga poses

Week 3: Nature
Connecting with nature through yoga (e.g. Sun salutations, Warrior 1 pose)
Mindful walking and exploration of the natural environment
Discussion on the importance of taking care of the environment

Week 4: Emotions
Using yoga to help regulate emotions (e.g. Mountain pose for grounding, Bow pose for opening the heart)
Mindful breathing exercises for emotional regulation
Mindfulness practice for recognizing and understanding emotions

Week 5: Superheroes
Incorporating superhero-themed yoga poses into practice (e.g. Superman pose, Wonder Woman pose)
Mindful movement and breathing exercises inspired by superhero characters
Discussion on personal strengths and how they can be expressed through yoga poses

Week 6: Music and Movement
Using music to inspire yoga practice
Flowing through poses in a mindful and creative way
Mindful movement and breathing exercises inspired by different genres of music

Week 7: Circus
Incorporating circus-themed yoga poses into practice (e.g. Tightrope pose, Lion pose)
Mindful movement and breathing exercises inspired by circus acts
Discussion on the importance of practice and perseverance

Week 8: Ocean
Connecting with the ocean through yoga (e.g. Fish pose, Boat pose)
Mindful exploration of the ocean and its inhabitants
Discussion on the importance of taking care of the ocean

Week 9: Space
Incorporating space-themed yoga poses into practice (e.g. Crescent Moon pose, Star pose)
Mindful movement and breathing exercises inspired by space exploration
Discussion on the wonders of the universe

Week 10: Food
Using yoga to connect with the body and learn about healthy food choices (e.g. Banana pose, Vegetable Garden pose)
Mindful exploration of different types of food and their benefits
Discussion on the importance of nourishing the body with healthy food

Week 11: Friendship
Using yoga to explore the theme of friendship (e.g. Partner poses, Circle pose)
Mindful movement and breathing exercises inspired by the qualities of friendship (e.g. kindness, trust, communication)
Discussion on the importance of healthy relationships and how yoga can help foster them

Week 12: Gratitude
Using yoga to cultivate gratitude and reflect on the past 12 weeks (e.g. Gratitude meditation, Lotus pose)
Mindful reflection on the themes explored throughout the program
Discussion on the benefits of cultivating a grateful attitude and how yoga can help foster it.

HOW IS YOUR CLASS STRUCTURED?
Breathing and Mindfulness tools (10 minutes)
Vinyasa & Restorative Practice (30 minutes)
Class Close Out (5 minutes)

HOW WILL YOU TEACH?
Our classes will always include open discussion on what students are currently feeling along with an intro of our daily theme. Students will then be introduced to a grounding, breathing, and/or meditation technique that will compliment our daily Asana (pose) practice to follow. Students sharing their insights throughout their time in class is optional but highly encouraged.

WHAT'S YOUR TEACHING STYLE?
My classes are taught in a manner that creates a safe space for students to try new wellness tools to become present with themselves and execute the physical practice of yoga. Practicing and learning what meditation is and how to breathe is an exciting opportunity for students to use their imaginations and get creative. I welcome my students with respect and enthusiasm in trying new poses each class. The asana (poses) will always be taught in a manner that all levels will feel comfortable to have fun, grow, and challenge themselves at a pace that suites their individual needs and any physical limitations. Modifications are offered throughout class.

HOW MUCH WILL LEARNERS GET TO INTERACT WITH YOU AND EACH OTHER?
Students will be presented with the opportunity to share their insights from their experiences from trying the meditation tools and breathing tools. The class as a whole is an opportunity to become emotionally, physically, and mentally stronger as an individual and as a class community. 

ANY REQUIRED EXPERIENCE OR KNOWLEDGE?
No prior knowledge or experience. Just an open mind and willingness to try new things. :)