Fundamental to Self-Regulation and Social and Emotional Learning is the development of awareness of one’s body. With awareness we have the opportunity to observe, learn from, and monitor our body activity and our emotions. This is the foundation of self- regulation. We need first to observe and notice our body sensations in the form of impulses, discomfort, and emotions. With awareness we have the space and freedom to choose how to respond to these sensations rather than reacting automatically.
I have had the opportunity to teach strength and stretch and yoga to children and youth, with an emphasis on developing this body awareness. Through these activities students are given an opportunity to reconnect with their bodies, learn from the awareness that follows, and to respond to their body sensations in compassionate and wise ways.
I have been practicing yoga since I was a child. As a teenager I started practicing yoga on a daily basis. I continued on to do a variety of yoga and meditation trainings in an assortment of styles, including a children’s yoga teacher training. In 2009 I began teaching yoga to people of all ages, focusing primarily on children, teens and yoga therapy. I taught yoga to teens recovering from addiction from 2009-2012, as well as family yoga and children’s yoga. I taught yoga at both Elementary and High schools, as well as studios and Community Centres.
I adapt my language and style to welcome families who are not comfortable with words like yoga and meditation. In accommodating students and families from all backgrounds, I have done extensive research on the scientific benefits and applications of these practices, in order to understand the use of these practices in a secular, inclusive classroom.
During my long practicum, I established a yoga group during lunch hours. It was optional, and the students LOVED it! The students would get excited if it was an “inside day” as they knew it was on these days that I offered yoga as an indoor activity. I also incorporated short breathing and yoga activities throughout the day to support self-regulation.