Sharing Yoga with Children

KIDS SPACE YOGA (changing the world through yoga one child at a time)
I love to share the gift of yoga with children. It is truly amazing to watch kids transform from "doing" to "being". Our culture encourages kids to do more, eat more, try harder, buy more, get better grades, score another goal, be more entertained and stimulated. Kids Space yoga classes give kids permission to simply "be" in the moment. The pressure to perform dissolves. Instead of "doing" yoga, we experience what it's like to "be" in the breath, the postures, the chant, and the meditation. The games that we play are interactive and cooperative and children thrive when competition is replaced by cooperation.

When children begin to access their "quiet place inside", through meditation techniques, they feel empowered. Once they learn that they have this place of inner peace where there is nothing to perform for the external world, their stress levels decrease and they will be more productive and balanced as a result.

I love to watch their energy return to the present moment. I can see it in their body language, it's as though they are finally in an environment that supports their true essence. To provide this platform for self discovery, growth, and awareness is the ultimate reward. I am so grateful to be a part of the maturation process of the little yogis in my classes. I know how transformative and amazing yoga is and to share it is the best gift of all!!!!

NAMASTE!

Announcing the Launch of "Kids Space Yoga Studio"

Kid's Space Yoga Studio is a creative adaptation of basic yoga principles and postures for kids using games, stories and other activities. Kids Space Yoga Studio is a fun way for kids to learn and practice Yoga.

Located in a beautiful and tranquil studio in Montreal West, Kid's Space Yoga Studio is owned and operated by Lee-Ann Matthews a certified children's yoga teacher with a BA in Child Studies and a Minor Religion. Lee-Ann has 15 years of experience as an early childhood educator. She has been studying and practicing yoga for 6 years and she has been teaching yoga to children for over 2 years.

Her mission is simple, bring yoga into the lives of Children in Montreal. Show children just how much fun yoga can be and educate parents about the value of yoga for them and their children. Raising yoga awareness. Yoga classes are for children between the ages of 5-11 and are held every Monday from 4-5 pm.

For More Information Please Contact Lee-Ann Matthews at
kidsspaceyoga@gmail.com

Benefits Of Yoga For Kids

Children derive enormous benefits from yoga. Physically, it enhances their flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. In addition, their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation improves. Doing yoga, children exercise, play, connect more deeply with the inner self, and develop an intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounds them. Yoga brings that marvelous inner light that all children have to the surface. Yoga postures stimulate children's imaginations and improve their physical and neurological skills. As the poses build coordination and skill, the nerves and glands are stimulated, the young internal organs are toned and soothed.

Yoga for children is a physical activity in which there is no competition, and self esteem has room to grow.

Benefits of Yoga for Children

Increase concentration, focus and attention
Build self-esteem and confidence
Cultivate a peaceful, relaxed state of body and mind
Express creativity and imagination
Acquire personal tools for stress management
Understand anatomy and health
Learn environmental awareness and earth care
Foster language development and social interaction
Explore self-reflection

What can yoga offer your child?

A healthier body – Childhood obesity is on the rise and one of the main reasons for it is that kids today do not move enough. Yoga is a powerful technique for children to begin moving their bodies in ways that feel good and help them look good. Even if your child is of normal weight, yoga can help her become stronger, gain endurance and flexibility.

If your child is involved in another sport, a regular yoga practice is a great cross training activity and it may help him reduce the risk of injuries.The ability to control stress – Today's children are under enormous stress. They are often over scheduled, they face tough competition in school, they have to deal with peer pressure, and they are trying to find their way in the world. This combination can cause children to become stressed out. Yoga can help your child learn how to relax. When your child learns how to control her breathing and relax during her practice, she can then apply this to her world when she encounters challenging situations.

Increased self-esteem – Yoga is a non-competitive activity. Yet it does offer your child the ability to master challenging poses (especially as he gets older). Your child can feel good about his increasing ability without having to worry about how he compares to everyone else. This experience of success can help your child feel more confident in his ability to be successful in other things too.

Greater concentration – The breathing and inward focus that is a main component of any yoga practice can help your child learn to focus his mind more effectively. A number of studies have shown that many children who practice yoga, especially those with problems such as ADHD, are able to concentrate for longer periods of time.