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Children's Classes |
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The children of today are the citizens of tomorrow. On our capacity to offer them values and principles that elevate the human condition instead of degrading it, depends the possibility for them to develop a culture of peace based on non-violence, respect for their fellow human beings and for God’s creation. Even though, as the great teacher Omraam Michael Aivanhov says, education should begin before birth, still the early stages of life are part of the formative years. What children assimilate at this age will be reflected in their behavior when it is their turn to run the world. A well disciplined and structured life, patterns of behavior that develop a harmonious relationship with the external environment, along with the capacity to interact with the internal one, are real assets, more valuable than any money- making skill, which will ultimately be a side-effect of a well developed individual. Values attained during childhood sprout and mature with age. The best gift we can give our children is to help them learn how to nurture their spiritual nature.
Yoga
is a great way to help children channel their wonderful energy in
constructive ways, develop or maintain flexibility and strength, and
learn tools to relax and center-- our classes include providing a
basic structure to develop a sense of respect, discipline and responsibility which
is so important for children to
take with them into adolescence and young adulthood.
YOUNG
CHILDREN'S CLASSES (3&4 and
5-7)
Tiny
Tots: for ages 3 & 4: (boys
and girls): There
is an energetic/developmental break between 4 and 5, so
it is best to
offer the littlest ones a space of their own. This 45-minute
class includes simple chanting,
asanas, breathing exercises, games, singing, drawing, and relaxation.
Please e-mail shantiyoga2@earthlink.net;
or call 301 654 4899x3, if interested.
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Kinder
Girls: (ages 5-7): Saturdays,
1-1:45 *
Kinder
Boys: (ages 5-7): Wed., 4:30-5:30
In
the little children's classes we
learn yoga through play. Physically the emphasis is on flexibility and
building strength. Classical yoga postures are learned, punctuated by
cooperative play or other creative/practical
activities. Values such as respect
and sharing are learned while we play games and talk.
Breathing exercises establish proper habits and help develop
concentration. Final relaxation with visualizations helps
children learn to relax and tune in to the inner self. We open and
close with non-denominational prayers, to nurture love for God, each
other and our world by giving thanks.
OLDER
CHILDREN'S CLASSES (8 and up)
Big
Girls: (ages 8 and up) : Sat., 11:30-12:30
*
In
the older children's classes,
a classical yoga asanas routine including pranayama
(breathing exercises) is taught. Also,
children learn the basic principles of yoga (eg., Proper Diet,
Breathing, etc.) and ethical principles (the five yamas and niyamas) which
are applied in the children's
lives through practical homework.
Guided visualizations help develop concentration, and relaxation
helps learn how to calm oneself, and
center within. While an atmosphere of respect for the yoga
teachings and one another is developed, the tone is kept playful and
fun. Games, singing, and non-denominational prayers develop and
nurture the qualities of love and gratitude which are a core
element of the kinder classes.
Big
Boys: (ages 8 and up): This
class follows more or less the same format and content as the older
girls, only tailored to boys.
IMPORTANT
NOTES
FEES
Fees
for the classes are as follows:
Big
Kids: $10/class or $32/month pre-register (paid at the beginning of
each month.) Payment may also be made
for the full session (preferred as it is easier for everyone to keep
track of!)
Little
Kids: $8/class or $26/month pre-register for the month.
Payment may also be made for the full session (preferred as it is
easier for everyone to keep track of!)
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