Benefits of Yoga for Kids
Yoga has been shown to aid executive function, support memory, focus, and self-esteem, and reduce stress and anxiety while enhancing physical fitness. Imagination Yoga was specifically designed to meet the needs of children by engaging the imagination with storytelling throughout a yoga flow. The subject of the story can be just about anything—a trip to the beach, an adventure in an African jungle, a treasure hunt, or a journey through space. Whatever we choose to imagine, the physical and psychological benefits of the practice remain.
Yoga and Storytelling
Because Imagination Yoga is adaptable to any type of story, with some creativity, it can be used to support any classroom curriculum you wish. We can tell the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, munching our way through leaves and bursting out of a cocoon after a long sleep or of Icarus flying too close to the sun. We can travel in our imaginations to any time and place in history and imagine a day in the life of a typical resident or the well-known journey of a famous figure. Whatever the subject, experiencing it with the body and the imagination supports learning and retention.
Opportunities for Eugene/Springfield Schools
Diane Campbell, owner and instructor at Eugene Imagination Yoga, is an experienced writer as well as an Oregon TSPC-certified teacher for grades pre-K through 12. She is a graduate of both the Pacific University MAT and Eugene Waldorf School teacher training programs, giving her a diverse background that includes a variety of teaching methods and a reverence for the power of storytelling. She can work with teachers or administrators to develop stories and yoga flows that meet the needs of specific classes and curricula or bring tried-and-true stories that support children in a more general way.
If you’re interested in providing a yoga experience for the kids at your school or daycare, you can accomplish this in a few different ways.
- Eugene Imagination Yoga can develop ongoing enrichment for your students, either as a school-funded program or a parent-funded afterschool option.
- You can invite Eugene Imagination Yoga to your school for a special event or series.
- Within the Eugene 4J school district, Diane can visit your school as a guest teacher. For example, if your PE instructor is planning an absence, this can be a great opportunity to incorporate yoga instruction at no additional cost to your school.
No matter how you’re thinking of offering yoga to your students, we’ll offer a free demo class so you can observe the program and how your kids respond to it before you dive in.
To learn more about Imagination Yoga, visit imaginationyoga.com. If you’re ready to discuss a yoga program for your school or daycare, fill out our brief contact form using the link at the top of the page.
Namaste