Training Intensives
Join one of the most comprehensive, professional and joy filled Children’s Yoga Teacher Training programs available. This is a three level program, and each one is taught as a two day weekend retreat at Little Flower founder Jennifer Cohen Harper’s home in in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. These trainings are small groups, and very conducive to personalized study.
Croton is a beautiful town, about 45 minutes train ride north of Grand Central Station. The house is in a wooded area with comfortable outdoor space. It is truly a nourishing and retreat-like environment, with lots of wildlife, a vegetable garden, and the most amazing quiet.
The training is taught in an intensive format that includes evening discussions. There is a small yoga studio at the house, and enough guest space for everyone to stay overnight on Sat. (rooms will be shared but everyone will have their own bed of course). Healthy vegetarian meals will be provided. Arrangements have been made for transportation to the house from the train station on Saturday morning, and back on Sunday evening. If you would prefer not to spend the night, please note it in your registration.
Tuition is $695 per training level. We consider you our guests and there is no charge for meals and accommodation. Register for full certification (all three training levels, plus participation in our Mentorship Program) for $1950.
Full Yoga Alliance approved Little Flower Yoga Certification requires participation in all three levels of training, participation in our mentorship program, and completion of required reading and writing assignments.
LEVEL ONE: Foundations of Children’s Yoga: Creating Safe & Engaging Experiences
The Level One LFY intensive provides participants with the fundamental understanding and tools needed to teach a well rounded class that incorporates all aspects of the practice. Time is spent introducing participants to the framework of Connect, Breathe, Move, Focus and Relax that all LFY classes are based on (see reverse of page for more details). Practice teaching is emphasized.
- Making asana (yoga poses) accessible, safe and engaging for youth
- Pranayama (breathwork) for youth
- Introduction to mindfulness & meditation practices
- Partner and group yoga practices
- Finding teachable moments & incorporating academic skills into yoga classes
- Guiding principles for teaching classes based on a compassionate understanding of students’ needs
- Creating a well rounded yoga lesson plan
- The ethics of teaching yoga to children
LEVEL TWO: Teaching the Whole Child: Compassion, Creativity and Mindfulness
The emphasis is on deepening and enhancing your teaching. The intensive is grounded in an exploration of youth development from eastern & western perspectives. We spend time learning mindfulness & meditation practices that enhance students’ capacity for emotional regulation, focus and good decision making. Classroom and behavior management strategies that support relationship building and engaged learning are discussed, as are compassionate communication strategies for working with students.
- Youth development: physical, emotional & social
- Teaching mindfulness & meditation to youth
- Compassionate classroom management skills
- Communication strategies for working with children
- Getting creative: using art & journaling to enhance your teaching and promote reflection
- More partner activities for building community
- Practice teaching and feedback
LEVEL THREE: Advancing Your Teaching & Expanding Your Reach
The Level Three intensive provides you with the tools to effectively create curricula and teach with your own authentic presence. In this final level of training we spend time learning to develop activities based on your personal practice. We also address the specific challenges of working with teens, and students with special needs. Time is dedicated to practice teaching, feedback on that teaching, and answering questions.
- Youth development through the teen year
- Building leadership skills through yoga
- Restorative yoga practices for children and teens
- Curriculum development
- Teaching from your personal practice
- Introduction to yoga for children with special needs
- Working with parents and caregivers
REQUIRED READING FOR CERTIFICATION:
Teaching Yoga in Urban Elementary Schools, Jennifer Cohen Harper
How to Talk So Kids Can Listen, and How to Listen So Kids Can Talk: Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
How to Talk So Kids Can Learn: Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
The Secret Power of Yoga, A Guide to the Heart & Soul of the Yoga Sutras: Nishala Joy Devi
Eastern Body, Western Mind: Anodea Judith (pages 1-45 and 443-451 required, entire book recommended)
