As a former school counselor, LFY teacher Jess Belanger has a unique perspective to share with us. She will be contributing a monthly article to our conversation, offering information to help parents and teacher support their kids. Click Here to learn more about Jess and all of our LFY teachers.
If you live anywhere in the northeast, you have certainly had your fair share of snow days this school year. In fact, much of the country has experienced record-breaking weather with each week bringing cold temperatures and perhaps even more of the fluffy white stuff. By now, you’ve probably tried every trick in the book to keep your kids occupied while they are at home. Whether they’re playing outside or having yet another movie marathon day, changing up their snow day routine might be a good idea, especially with more winter weather on the horizon.
To keep kids stimulated during the long, cold days of winter, clear out a small section of the living room or bedroom and create your own yoga space. If your child is currently enrolled in yoga classes through a local studio or school-based program, ask them to teach you some poses that they have learned. What are their favorite poses to do and why? How do they feel while holding the poses? Perhaps they have learned some partner poses that you can do together.
If your child has had no exposure to yoga, use the internet as your resource to pull up sample poses for beginners. Many yoga poses are accessible for children and adults alike, and discovering them together will help create a bond as you teach one another. Kids will greatly benefit from this interaction and learning with a parent teaches them the important lesson that they will continue to grow and learn throughout their lives, not just while they are in school. Often times, this experience can build self-esteem and self-confidence; two significant components that aid in children’s health, happiness, and success.
Teachable Tip:
As teachers, keep in mind the possibility of weather-related cancellations and encourage your students to practice at home to build upon what they have been learning. Many children enjoy teaching their family members at home, so provide them with some safe, fun poses and sequences that they can recreate on their own. Parents, once you have learned some poses that you can do with your child, take it outside and try your hand at that challenging balancing pose right next to the huge mound of snow in your yard. After playing around for a bit, you will have certainly earned that huge mug of hot cocoa. Extra marshmallows are a must.