A kids yoga school holiday program: 6 & 7 July
9-3:30pm at St Andrews Uniting Church in Fairfield
$160 for both days
This wonderful two-day program is a yogic immersion into the spectrum of energy within and around us.
And if you think that sounds a bit big and heavy - don't worry! It will feel light and relevant to the kids. The whole program will be fun, interesting, engaging and life-enhancing!
Ideally suited for upper primary aged children, years 3-6, the sessions will include:
- yogic movement to express energy at the different energy centres in our body, including stretching, balancing, strengthening moves.
- breathing techniques and practice to harness the energy of the mind and spirit
- meditation and mindfulness in a way that's useful and age appropriate
- oming and chanting
- activities to explore and express their inner strength and beauty
- deep guided relaxation (the kids love it and yes, they can lie still!)
This program will also include a tie dye workshop where the children will dye a piece of clothing to express the energies they wish to manifest more of into their life. Our maybe they'll choose the colours they like the most, or focus on creating a pattern that appeals.
This is a special two-day program designed to connect children to themselves, others and the world around them.
This is tween yoga - they will not be jumping around like frogs, nor will they be asked to sit in silence for ages. They can doodle while they listen, they can ask questions and share comments and they can take responsibility for certain aspects of the day which they love (collecting eye pillows for example). Children are welcome exactly as they are - they don't need to be zen, happy or calm!!
This time I will also be running a choose your challenge section to end the program based the reviews of children who attended the last school holiday program who felt such a sense of achievement from being able to get into headstand or scorpion in a safe and controlled way. This also allows those very flexible children the chance to enjoy the strength and range of movement in their bodies.
I can't make medical claims but I can say that kids who have done this sort of yoga with me report sleeping better, feeling happier to be themselves, and feeling more engaged and enthused about life. And parents tell me their kids mature, they have a taller spine and they talk about the program for weeks. And both tell me how much they love yoga!
"That was way better than I thought it would be. The yoga was do-able, and I feel like I've learnt heaps about life and myself - I want to do more yoga now!
Maisie, aged 13
About the teacher, Carolyn Wray (me!)
Carolyn has been teaching yoga for nearly 20 years and teaching kids yoga for the last several years She is qualified, experienced, warm and kind. Her light hearted delivery of ancient yogic techniques engages the children and has them participating enthusiastically!
She trained through Zenergy Kids and uses their classroom management approach to plan and deliver classes which ensures the kids don't muck around. Even the loud, chatty kids settle and focus in her classes.
Carolyn holds an employment WWCC, is triple vaccinated and is a Level 2 member of Yoga Australia. You can read more about me in the About section!
"Our 10 - year - old daughter attended Whole Heart Yoga weekly sessions in Term 1. She always returns from class relaxed, happy and energised. She excitedly demonstrates new yoga poses and we've even started to meditate together using the breathing techniques she practised during class!
In her words: 'Yoga makes me feel calm, happy and good about myself'.
I'm thrilled she can continue yoga in this warm, welcoming, nurturing environment where she can build her strength and balance and develop self-care skills that will benefit her now and in the years to come."
Deb and Maya
FAQs
What does my child need to bring?
A water bottle, lunch and snacks. And a white piece of clothing to tie-dye that has already been washed.
What should my child definitely not bring?
Please do not let devices come to the program.
What should my child wear?
Something they're comfy in. Please make sure they wear or bring socks and a warm outer layer - hoodie/ oodies welcome!
Can I drop off earlier / pick up later?
You are welcome to drop off from 8:30am and collect as late as 4pm. I will be setting up and packing up and I'll get your child to help! Children also OK to walk home with your permission.
Who is this aimed at?
This program is designed for boys and girls aged around 9 to 13 years. If you think your child would enjoy it, that's exactly who I'm creating it for!
My child is sensitive/ loud / neurodiverse - will this be ok?
The program will be suitable for children who are quiet, sensitive, loud, unable to sit still and those who are neurodiverse. Also, all gender identities, body shapes and all the other things are welcome!
Any children this isn't right for?
If your child absolutely does not want to come, please don't force them. While yoga might be great for them, let's keep that door open for another time. But do let them read this web page and look through the kids yoga highlights on my Instagram account (links at the bottom of this page).
Can I enrol a younger/ older sibling?
Please give me a call about younger siblings on 0410 495 914, older siblings welcome.