2UYoga Children’s Yoga Teacher Training is designed for those teachers that want to enhance children’s lives through the practice of yoga.  This training is designed to fit all schedules and professions, whether you are a school teacher looking at ways to activate learning opportunities in the classroom or a yoga teacher who wants to refine their expertise as a RYCT, nanny, parent or therapist.  All that is needed is a passion for  yoga and  a mission to make a positive difference in the lives of our children (and a lot of fun!)  It is not required that you are currently a RYT registered yoga teacher, if you are at the end of these sessions you can add your YA RYCT to your designation.

Training focuses on teaching yoga to children ages 4 – 15.  Training includes sessions on :

• breathing exercises appropriate for children
• a complete list of of child-friendly yoga poses
• relaxation techniques & visualizations for children
• creating and using themes and stories
• how to teach different age groups
• yoga games
• partner & group poses
• kid-friendly songs and chants
• simple creative movement routines
• prop suggestions
• class setting adaptations/considerations
• lesson planning/sequencing
• incorporating music, songs, crafts, books and yogic themes
• how to best prepare for class
• tips for improvising
• adaptations for special groups: special needs children, teens, families, etc.
• behavior management techniques that support a loving, non-competitive environment and encourage respect for self and others

TEACHER TRAINING MODULES FOR ONGOING EDUCATION TEACHING CHILDREN YOGA IN THE CLASSROOM (Minimum of Eight Participants)

These Modules can take place on a weekend or weeknights. Training will allow a teacher to utilize yoga philosophy and yoga poses to benefit students in the classroom. Studies have shown the yoga has scientifically proven to reduce classroom behavioral problems, attendance, bullying, and improve academic performance, focus and overall health of students.

Module 1 – Yoga 101 for Teachers (10 hours)
Yoga History – Understanding the Historical Foundation of the Practice.
Basic Primary Yoga Postures to teach Children, Benefits, Modifications, Adjustments.
Basic Yogic Anatomy for Children-Medical Research Benefits to Children Health, Diet and Mental Health (ADD, ADHD, Diabetes, etc.)
Yoga Sequencing and Practice Teaching – Sequencing postures for Children, Basic Breath-work for the Classroom to De-Stress and Detox.

Module 2 – Yoga 102 (10 hours).
Only to be completed after Yoga 101 (10 hours)
Yoga History – Bhagavad Gita, Hatha Yoga, Western Yoga.
Secondary Yoga Postures for Children K-12, Benefits, Modifications, Adjustments.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga and how it relates in the classroom – Pantajali’s Journey.

Module 3 – Yoga 103 for Teachers (10 hours)
only to be completed after yoga 101 and 102 (20 Hours)
Yoga History – The Yoga Sutras.
Learning Basic Ashtanga Surya A & Surya B with Sanskrit – Ashtanga for Children.
Chanting and Foundation of Yoga Language.
Introducing Art, Singing and Music into your Yoga Classroom.

Our 1st Ayurvedic Cleanse begins February 11th

Welcome to 2013! We all made the resolutions to improve some part of our lives with the best of intentions.  Today we are living in the highest global vibration known to modern man, with 15 million Americans practicing yoga and reaching for enlightenment.  Yoga assists us in taking a look at those life dots, “I want to get a promotion, I need to lose weight, I need to spend more time with family.”  In our lives, we ask, how can we begin to make sense of them all?

Connecting the dots in our lives is a challenge but the reward is great.  These dots gets a little closer in alignment when we practice a yogic lifestyle. With the principles of yoga and  Ayurveda we can reach a holistic approach to body, mind, spirit-the most important dots.

Yoga and Ayurveda originated in the Vedic traditions of India.  The aim of yoga is to reach a higher self which you can only attain when you are balanced with a healthy body and healthy consciousness.  Ayurveda supports this by balancing the health of the body with a natural specific diet tailored for you.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is the wisdom of life and healthy living. The notion of Veda (knowledge) and Ayu (life) together began over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda is the practice of reaching balance and harmony within the individual and is referred to as “the Mother of healing sciences.” We just like to think of it as a piece to assist in connecting all of the dots.

The Dots – Body, Mind and Spirit

Ayurveda looks at the human being not as a physical being, but as an interrelated spiral of Body, Mind and Spirit. When in balance we know that the state of pure bliss is achieved. You know that your thoughts influence your body, with stress being the enemy and pranayama being your best friend.  Your body too can influence your mind, “I feel sick, I’m tired, I’m gaining weight.”  These both, body and mind, create havoc with your spirit. We’ve all had one of those days when your spirit is just in the tank, but when balancing all of these dots we can begin to achieve a natural state of synergy which inspires bliss.

The Human Body – an Energy River

Why do we call it a Flow Class at 2UYOGA?  “To move the energy in the body!” The body is always in a state of perpetual flow with your energy being the engine.  We call this natural flow Prana or Chi in Yoga, and this is central to our existence.  We have other energy sources called Doshas that exist within our “energy family!”

Doshas are the most basic principle of Ayurveda. There are 3 Doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and they represent five natural elements – earth, water, fire, air, and ether. It is the goal to balance these Doshas to achieve optimum results.

• Vata controls movement and action.

• Pitta governs digestion and metabolism.

• Kapha builds tissues and maintains fluid balance.

Ayurvedic Herbs 

Some Turmeric a day… will keep the doctor away! Herbs are the basis to medicinal Ayurvedic practice. Long before the arrival of Ex-Lax there was Ginger a natural digestive and anti-inflammatory.  Before Clairol there was Henna that provided a cure for hair repair and loss.  These herbs continue to prevent and treat ailments and disease.

Even though some think Ayurveda is a new age “hippy” perspective on health – it has been healing people for over 5,000 years.  When we take an Ayurvedic approach to our life it perpetuates wellness and prevention of disease. Yoga, Ayurveda and Meditation support us in connecting the dots allowing us to reach our resolutions.  Join us in our Ayurvedic cleanse at 2UYoga on February 11th-18th.  Experience for yourself the rewards of connecting the dots!  Contact us at annesweet@2uyoga.com to learn more about the cleanse.  

As school bullying continues to increase and children deal with intensely stressful situations there is a need to supplement in the development of children’s empathy response. 2UYoga Curriculum addresses the need to tap into these positive human behaviors of each individual with a meditative physical practice designed to create a sense of self worth and respect of community.  Our program teaches children the need to relax, breathe and assess situations – whether it be a difficult pose or a difficult situation.

The 2UYoga Curriculum Classes are designed to develop individuals in spirit, mind and body.  We teach the postures and methodology to the possibilities of what can be achieved with continuous practice. This curriculum assists in building empathy for those around us and utilized positive methods to handle any situation they are in – including negative or stressful situations as they may occur.

2UYOGA IN THE CURRICULUM 

Yoga is taught within the school-day curriculum or added to the after school program. The 2U Yoga Curriculum teaches with a teacher led physical practice, a visual expression and understanding of the anatomy of poses and the option to learn the ancient language Sanskrit. Our classes lay the foundation of this 6000 year old practice including the guidelines of a balanced life. Since students learn in different ways, the

2UYoga Curriculum addresses all learning styles and leads others into acceptance of each individuals uniqueness. The 2UYoga Curriculum introduces students how to use the breath to create a focus in the daily life and also to take a few moments to reflect, and gather one’s thoughts before reacting in a negative manner. 2UYoga Curriculum addresses ahimsa (nonviolence to self and others).

2UYoga Assessment

2UYoga will begin each semester with a questionairre for students addressing topics related to bullying as well as interpersonal relationships, stress management, and concentration abilities.  After the end of the session we will survey the students again to show the increase in these items.

If you would like a “sample/free” yoga class at your organization or community – you’re first class is ON US!  We will meet with you and discuss your individual or unique needs as well as work around your schedule to plan a class just for you!

WE ARE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE!

ANNE SWEET

DENISE REAVES

A three-year-old doing a downward dog? A four-year-old doing a cobra—and then helping a stuffed animal stretch into the same pose? Yoga for children is taking off in studios, hospitals and schools across the country, as parents look for new activities that can help motor skills development and even behavioral problems.

Yoga isn’t just good exercise for adults. A growing number of schools, hospitals and studios say it can also be a boon to kids, helping them relax and focus, and improve their flexibility.

A 2003 study by California State University, Los Angeles found that yoga improved students’ behavior, physical health and academic performance, as well as attitudes toward themselves. That same year, Leipzig University reported that yoga reduces feelings of helplessness and aggression, and in the long term helps emotional balance. The benefits of yoga are particularly strong among children with special needs, research shows.

‘A Different Language’

Our  Yoga teacher training programs are aimed at developing practitioners who encourage and inspire, who demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of individuals as well as the group. We build the foundation to teach skillfully – with compassion, integrity and safety – as you discover your own unique voice and style.  Our trainings are designed to fit the needs of your organization or community.  We place emphasis on incorporating wellness and a healthy lifestyle into your training.

Students who complete the 200-Hour Teacher Training program will:

• Deepen their practice and understanding of yoga
• Know how to structure and create a cohesive, well-rounded class
• Acquire an understanding of yoga philosophy
• Have the confidence and tools to begin teaching yoga

Students will receive a diploma and Letter of Completion which they can use to register with Yoga Alliance at the RYT-200 level.

 Children’s Yoga Teacher Training

RYTC Certification, 95 Hours

Lotus House of Yoga/2UYoga Children’s Yoga Teacher Training is designed for those teachers that want to enhance children’s lives through the practice of yoga.  This training is designed to fit all schedules and professions, whether you are a school teacher looking at ways to activate learning opportunities in the classroom or a yoga teacher, nanny, parent or therapist who wants to refine their expertise.  All that is needed is a passion for  yoga and  a mission to make a positive difference in the lives of our children (and have a lot of fun!)  It is not required that you are currently a RYT registered yoga teacher, if you are  you can add your Yoga Alliance,RYCT to your designation.

Training focuses on teaching yoga to children ages 4 – 15.  Training includes sessions on :

• breathing exercises appropriate for children
• a complete list of of child-friendly yoga poses
• relaxation techniques & visualizations for children
• creating and using themes and stories
• how to teach different age groups
• yoga games
• partner & group poses
• kid-friendly songs and chants
• simple creative movement routines
• prop suggestions
• class setting adaptations/considerations
• lesson planning/sequencing
• incorporating music, songs, crafts, books and yogic themes
• how to best prepare for class
• tips for improvising
• adaptations for special groups: special needs children, teens, families, etc.
• behavior management techniques that support a loving, non-competitive environment and encourage respect for self and others

The following workshops count for certification of the RYTC, Children’s Yoga Teacher

I feel a bit apprehensive when leading students with disabilities because it is difficult to see and feel the physical cues from their body. However, it was a wonderful class filled with tender smiles, emotionless blank stares, laughs, unusual noises, strange smells and me, Anne Sweet,  “the do-you-want-to-practice-yoga-today-lady.”

Forget Sanskrit, forget how to adjust some hot dude in down dog, forget your Lulu pants, forget the 8 Limbs – this is a different kind of yoga not typically taught in a teacher training certification class! This is yoga for those in need of specialized care. I have the honor to choose a path that serves those who are less fortunate, who are disabled, and those who can not get to a physical studio. I am their guide.

As I sit in my yoga chair and demonstrate a beautiful rainbow sun salutation, I wonder to myself…what if I ended up here. Who would be my caregiver? Who would be my friend? Who will be sitting in my chair? How unfair would it be to not remember my children or my husband. The thoughts keep coming as I try to quiet my mind…..what a dismal way to end the final years. What is the purpose of their lives right now? Then it came to me. I am not leading them – they are leading me. Looking into their eyes I see so much. They touch my heart and communicate with energy, the way we all do. These students teach me to be humble; to love more, to be grateful, to be empathetic. Their gaze says “There is a person inside of me that used to be like you.”

One of my students stares at me for the entire class – yet every so often she will bring her hands to her heart in Anjali Mudra. I see in her eyes, she knows. She knows that the heart is her center, she is sending and receiving love. Joy, I’m reaching her! Another student smiles and laughs, she doesn’t remember me yet she has the most glorious and expressive Sun Salutation. Her breath is a symphonic Ujjayi and her spirit is contagious. We laugh out loud together when the rainbow turns into a stair step. “It’s okay,” I say, “It’s Yoga, just smile and breathe!” Then I guide the class into their final Mudra – an American favorite called “Give me a HIGH FIVE” they all know as they reach their hands out and I give them a big yoga high-fiver!

These lovely people turned out to be MY guru’s. They are my teachers who remind me that each day is precious and that there is purpose in every stage of life. We must all remember to honor those who have come before us as they are most precious! Yoga seems to be very focused on the young and fit as most of popular culture is – but yoga is ageless it moves beyond the body and into the soul. Please reach out and touch those with disabilities and those who can’t make it to a studio for there is great wisdom in those ancient eyes.