Course Content: Six Key Modules

1. CLASS PLANNING

This section explains how to prepare for teaching as well as how to create themes and structure a class that meets the energetic needs of children. The recommended Class Structure divides the yoga class into seven sections taking the children from a Transition activity through Circle Time and Warm Up, Sun Salutations, a Creative Sequence plus Games and winding down in Calm Zone to Relaxation.

The videos provide video examples of activities for each of these sections. We also look at how to adapt your class plans for different age groups

2.CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Studying the development of the child provides an understanding of the physical, social and emotional needs of children at different stages in their lives. We study three developmental phases: 3-5 years, 5-7 years and 7-12 years, looking at the physical and cognitive milestones for each age group and recommended yoga activities.

We also look at common childhood conditions and special needs that affect a child's physical, social and emotional skills and how to use yoga to support their development.

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3. TEACHING IN SCHOOLS

This sections sets out the challenges for children in mainstream schools and the benefits that yoga can provide that are specific to the classroom. It divides yoga activities into three key areas that help children's development and well-being in schools - Creativity, Calm and Concentration and Confidence. Each section suggests yoga activities that cultivate these qualities. The module also explains your role as a yoga teacher in safeguarding children in schools.

4. BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

In this section we explain the Golden Rules of creating a calm class and managing the different types of behaviour you will encounter when teaching children. This includes troubleshooting difficult behaviour and how to be creative and flexible in adapting your class plan to the energetic needs of the children.

5. MARKETING

In this section we explain how to create a yoga business and market your skills through social media, advertising and networking with a Top Tips summary of key marketing tools to get you going as a successful children's yoga teacher.

6. MINDFULNESS

This section explains how Mindfulness is relevant to children and how it benefits their daily lives. It sets out how to be model mindfulness to children with activities for teachers to help you stay mindful in your daily life and as a teacher. It explains the four stages of mindfulness - the Body, the Senses, the Mind and your Inner Truth.

There are video demonstrations of activities to help children reach these four stages of Mindfulness including movement, sensory activities and meditation. The Mindful Toolkit has a comprehensive list of mindful activities such as breathing exercises and visualisations which you can download as use a reference in your teaching.

TEACHING MANUAL AND TOOLKIT

The final section provides links to videos of the four classes that we will practice together during the course online. These are aimed at the three age groups 3-5 years, 5-7 years and 7-12 years. It also has videos of breathing exercises, songs and sun salutations that we hope will become regular activities in your children’s yoga classes.

The Teacher's Toolkit is a downloadable document with written versions of the class plans, breathing and mindfulness exercises and games alongside illustrations of over 100 yoga poses. We encourage you to use this as a reference manual when writing class plans.

The Teacher’s Manual provides a downloadable written document with detailed information on all the six modules. It is a summary of all the video content on the course and therefore does not provide any new information, but can be read as a reminder of what you have learnt in each online module to consolidate your learning. It can also be kept and used as a reference manual when preparing your classes.