Well, if the kids want to try yoga, and the parents don't practice it,
the one-day approach could help introduce the kids who might then
interest the parents.


--- In ashtangayoga (AT) yahoogroups (DOT) com, Matt Bethe <mattbethe@...> wrote:

> Parents, teach your children how to practice yoga. Don't drop them
> off at a one day, dumbed-down yoga-for-kids. You teach your own
kids.
>
> Matt
>

Great point! It rarely works that way, but that's no reason not to try.

Matt

On Feb 3, 2006, at 5:34 PM, Mary Ann wrote:

> Well, if the kids want to try yoga, and the parents don't practice it,
> the one-day approach could help introduce the kids who might then
> interest the parents.

I think all three of you made excellent points. There is a difference
between a one on one session of ANYTHING and a leading a group of kids in
ANYTHING. Kids, like adults, will react individually to the discipline of
Ashtanga. I recently led some adult family members through sun salutations
on a recent ski trip and they couldn't keep their focus for more than 15
minutes. They all raved about how good they felt though so I was happy to
help them stretch out their compacted and abused bodies.

What I take away from you suggestions, Bill, is that yoga shouldn't be taken
so seriously that people of all ages can't enjoy and benefit from it in a
less strict format. Your last reply seems a bit defensive though. The points
raised are valid and there are children who, in the proper enviornment,
would thrive with a more orthodox form. That's the joy of yoga, you can pick
what's right for you.

I've got a one year old who likes to crawl between my legs and arms as I go
through my practice. I'm not as strict or diligent as a result as I often
have to modify my poses or just stop and laugh at his antics but I'm
enjoying my practice more than ever. I wonder when he'll start to practice
with me.....

Namaste,

Steve


>From: Bill Gray <billg@...>
>Reply-To: ashtangayoga (AT) yahoogroups (DOT) com
>To: ashtangayoga (AT) yahoogroups (DOT) com
>Subject: [Ashtanga Yoga] Re: Teaching Kids
>Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2006 12:58:35 -0800
>
>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.
>
>
>