Integrating Yoga in the Schools
Written by Lisa B. Orkin for Kripalu's Yoga Bulletin

I first heard about yoga for children when a friend told me her grandchild had been taking a yoga class as part of the after-school program. I made some inquiries and before I knew it, I had 6 first, second and third graders in my own after-school yoga program. Now, I teach four classes each week for children at a health club, a community center, in my own rented space as well as after-school programs.

Teaching yoga to children is an incredibly rewarding experience. I am in touch with my own child self again. I have learned to let go of any expectations for the class. I give myself the opportunity to let the class unfold as it should and in the end it always works out.

I am amazed at the enthusiasm of my students. Five-year-olds remember the names of the poses and are eager to tell me what poses they wish to practice. We play yoga games, practice animal poses and the children even create their own yoga games. I relish their carefree nature and creativity.

Some of these children have significant special needs such as attention-deficit disorder and they have difficulty concentrating at times. In addition, these children need help with calming down. I encourage the "Darth Vador" breath. This ujjayyi breathing means wave in the Sanskrit language and is very calming.

I am encouraged by the positive feedback I receive from the parents as they recognize the impact the classes have on their children. One mother is thrilled to report that after yoga class her children are much more relaxed and that they sleep more soundly.

My goal is to educate the school superintendents and faculty about the benefits of yoga and to integrate yoga as part of the physical education curriculum. For now, I enjoy the process of being a child at heart and leaping into the frog pose with enthusiasm and grace.