Matt

The original writer asked if anyone has suggestions for teaching group
classes to kids at her new studio.

My position was that Ashtanga yoga is not the way to go. I suggested a few
creative ideas that work and are fun. I have now been insulted twice by
people on this board, first Amanda, and now you.

I continue to hold the position that Ashtanga is not the way. Perhaps if
you are teaching some very serious kids, ages 12 and up, and teaching them
privately like you do with the cello, then perhaps it could work. In the
mean time, if anyone out there is REALLY teaching Group Ashtanga yoga
classes to young kids (ages 4 to 10) then I truly will be impressed and ask
that you communicate that experience with the original writer of the
message.

In the meantime, to all of you who really are interested in teaching yoga to
kids, I think that is a very noble thing to do and wish you good luck. For
the few very self-righteous Ashtangis and cello teachers in this group,
think about what you say before you write.


-----Original Message-----
From: Matt Bethe [mailto:mattbethe@...]
Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2006 5:34 AM
To: ashtangayoga (AT) yahoogroups (DOT) com
Subject: Re: [Ashtanga Yoga] Re: Teaching Kids

I agree with you Amanda.

I am a professional music teacher. I teach private cello lessons
(and group lessons) to children starting at 4 years old. I have
children who are 4-6 years old that have no trouble at all
concentrating fully on a 30 minute cello lesson. That involves 30
minutes of constant attention to very precise physical movement and
coordination.

The children gather once a week for a group lesson where even the
youngest members have no trouble concentrating for the entire hour.
These children are trained properly by their parents how to
concentrate and focus. It is my job to help the parents guide their
child through a focused cello practice on a daily basis.

Children have the potential to focus and concentrate and enjoy it.
Most parents just don't have time to help teach their children. We
have ADD, screaming brat children because we have ADD, screaming brat
parents who want everything for their children without having to
spend time with their children.