YOGA IN SCHOOLS

The children all described a feeling of calm when they take part in Georgie’s yoga sessions. They really look forward to the sessions and like the effects it has on their bodies. They seem more focused after the sessions. Emma Bretherton, Yr 5 teacher, Lord Scudamore Primary school, Hereford
Kids of all ages love yoga and it is now widely shown to help reduce stress, improve focus and raise energy levels. Pupils find it helps them with exam stress and performance and helps them cope with peer pressure in and out of the classroom. Watch this!

My recent work with 60 children in year 6 at Heron Primary School in Gloucester and 70 children in year 5 at Lord Scudamore Primary school has been hugely rewarding as boys and girls alike tell me and their class mates how yoga makes them feel.

‘calm’, ‘happy’, ‘relaxed’, ‘able to deal with my problems’, ‘it makes me feel good about myself’, ‘proud’, ‘joyful’, ‘at peace’, ‘focussed’, ‘when are you coming back?’!

The teachers at Heron Way were so amazed by the positive effects the yoga had one their pupils, in the space of half an hour, that they have invited me to work with the whole staff to share some ways of including yoga in every day teaching settings. Here is what they said about the workshop and the results:

Best staff meeting in ages!

Lots of great ideas to use, for myself and with the children in my class.

A brilliant session – I really enjoyed it. It was very relaxing and full of good ideas for quick brain breaks.

The activities were easy to follow, simple and  effective. We are enjoying trying them out with our classes.

And here is how the children feel after one of my yoga sessions:

‘So, so, so great! It was fab! It made me feel great, I loved it, it was so great!’ Lee, aged 11, Heron Primary School

I feel calm and painless when I do yoga. The stress floats away. Becca, 5b, Lord Scudamore

Yoga offers young people of all ages a sense of peace, grounding, self-love and self-confidence, while they develop balance, strength and flexibility. It helps them to release anger and stress, develops their emotional intelligence and their understanding and expression of who they truly are, regardless of peer pressure and expectations. Yoga is also particularly helpful in addressing behavioural issues, stress or unmanageable temper tantrums.

It was very peaceful and calming. Afterwards I was very relaxed. I liked the bubble exercise. I would rate it 10/10. Emily, Yr 6

Both boys and girls tend to love Kundalini Yoga because it has such a wide range of interesting exercises, some very active and aerobic and others very calming and relaxing. They really enjoy the music and the personal challenges they can set themselves with some of the exercises, which makes a nice change from having to compete with others.

Now I do yoga on my own as well when I am upset because I like to calm down so that I can try to sort things out. It is also a great way to keep fit. Polly, 5b, Lord Scudamore
The classes can be specifically designed to help the pupils cope with the unique issues they face depending on their age and year groups, or they are a great way to bring different year groups together to support buddying across the school.

The combination of movement, breath and visualisation helps students relax, focus and fulfil their true potential in all aspects of their lives. They will develop a more positive body image, their patience will grow, their energy levels soar and the confidence will shine.

‘It was really relaxing. I tried it at night when I got into bed and fell asleep straight away! I will do it every day.’ Bethany, Yr 6

Students gain tools and resources to deal with peer pressure, puberty, homework stress, conflict with friends or family, eating disorders and any other issues or anxieties they experience. They also encourage inner strength, commitment and enthusiasm. Students learn how to take care of themselves and their bodies as they become more informed and more self-aware.

Arts, crafts, music and role play may sometimes be incorporated to help the children reflect on their yoga experience, encourage self-awareness and add a more therapeutic level to the classes.

Call Georgie on 07807 550 653 or email me at georgie@healingspirits.co.uk to discuss booking me for your school.