Happy Holidays!
We are winding down the year and this session. Stay tuned for information on new classes beginning in January!
Peace and Hugs!
Candace
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Childhood, Creativity, and Yoga
Think back to your childhood for a moment. If it were even remotely close to my own, your day may have went something like this...
Wake up, eat breakfast, walk to school, school (where you actually had music, art, P.E., recess, library), walk home, snack, outside to play, homework, dinner, and hopefully more outside play time until the porch came on. On the playground and on the "playstreet," many a problem was solved and so many games were invented -- complete with rules for how to play. None of it came from a box, a video game, or a TV. We learned conversation, how to get along or not. WE HAD IMAGINATION.
Remember that? What happened to our world? We've taken it all away, and it is our children that can suffer.
In a recent Newsweek article, "The Creativity Crisis," they give this definition of creativity:
"The accepted definition of creativity is production of something original and useful, and that’s what’s reflected in the tests. There is never one right answer. To be creative requires divergent thinking (generating many unique ideas) and then convergent thinking (combining those ideas into the best result)."
So, creativity isn't just for those in the art world? Of course it isn't! Creativity is for everyone and it needs to be taught in our schools once again. Children need to learn how to creatively solve problems, children need to question the world around them and figure out the answers.
I was looking back at my teaching journals. At the time I was reading, "The Eureka Effect" by David Perkins and "Cracking Creativity" by Michael Michalko. I was so into how kids learn and using creativity to help themselves and each other learn. If my students thought they were the only ones who could ask a lot of questions they were wrong! The learning in this way became theirs, not mine.
What would this look like? Here are a few examples of what I did in a kindergarten classroom.
I put in what I called "The Creation Station" during center time. Two tasks that I asked the children to complete: 1. Can you make a boat out of one piece of foil that will stay afloat and hold ten pennies? 2. Can you build a bridge using only straws between two tables 16 inches apart?
I remember watching them figure it out. How for some reason most kids chose to work individually on the boat task and they came together as a small group to work on the bridge project. The discussion the went on, the questioning, experimenting, stopping, drawing diagrams -- it was wonderful.
Another example. We studied Native Americans in the first 3 years that I taught at this school. Everything about the unit was me telling the children about this group of people. But, what were they learning? Did they have a clue as to why Native Americans lived as they did? What necessitated some living one way and another group living a different way. Remember these are 5-6 yo, so I still had to bring it to their developmental stage of learning. We looked at their learning from the standpoint of Native American children, long ago. I put away lots of the store bought games. I brought in things from outside -- rocks, sticks, leaves, nuts, dried corn cobs, etc. The children had to think of ways to use these things as if they were Native American children long ago. They created dolls and games. They began to understand why girls played with certain things and boys with others. Some made connections to playing dress up like their parents and how that play was to teach them how to be as an adult. Girls questioned if they had to stay home and take care of kids like their moms and boys asked if they could stay home with the kids if they wanted to. They discussed how people and life changes. They had what some would call, AHA! moments.
How does all of this play into yoga? Because of so many things being taken out of our schools, because our children are being "taught to the test", because video games and cell phones and TV can be such a huge part of their lives, because we are running through this existence at neck breaking speed -- our children need yoga more than ever.
To calm the mind, to find balance in the body, to close your eyes and visualize yourself in your very own private garden created just for you, to discuss and question. These are reasons why our children need yoga.
Yoga -- it does the body, mind, and spirit good.
Peace and Blessings,
Candace
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Developmentally Appropriate Practice
As a teacher I would often hear the term, developmentally appropriate practice or DAP often. It is used to refer to a set of guidelines that describe best practice in educating young children birth through 8 years of age.
Because these guidelines were developed for educators, people outside the education world may not always recognize these principles when working with children. I believe these principles in its most basic form still apply in any teaching environment of children -- yoga included.
As a teacher of yoga, my goal is still to teach and for children to learn. In order to do this I must design my lessons so they will be understandable to the children I teach. The heart of DAP are these three principles:
1. Knowledge must inform decision making.
2. Goals must be challenging and achievable.
3. Teaching must be intentional to be effective.
An example of this would be the class I teach -- Big Yogi, Little Yogi. The class is intentionally shorter time wise than other classes and also purposefully has an adult that must attend with each child. This is all based on where the 3-5 yo child is developmentally. They are completely capable of trying the poses and fully capable of learning, but they can also at the drop of the hat switch their attention to a spider crawling up the wall-- which is completely okay.
In this class one of the topics we discussed and built our practice around was the topic of family. All children have an idea of what family is and the type of family they live in -- which varies so much today. It gives kids the opportunity to talk about something they each know well from their individual perspectives as well as relate too when we do poses that have to do with family. Also, picking a piece of literature such as, My Daddy Is a Pretzel, helps them to listen to jobs that family members might do, poses that we can associate with those jobs, and opens up the door for their own creativity and making up poses that fit their family.
The most important part of this all is the idea of learning through play which is key and of course FUN!
For more information on DAP please visit NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children).
Peace and Hugs,
Candace
Because these guidelines were developed for educators, people outside the education world may not always recognize these principles when working with children. I believe these principles in its most basic form still apply in any teaching environment of children -- yoga included.
As a teacher of yoga, my goal is still to teach and for children to learn. In order to do this I must design my lessons so they will be understandable to the children I teach. The heart of DAP are these three principles:
1. Knowledge must inform decision making.
2. Goals must be challenging and achievable.
3. Teaching must be intentional to be effective.
An example of this would be the class I teach -- Big Yogi, Little Yogi. The class is intentionally shorter time wise than other classes and also purposefully has an adult that must attend with each child. This is all based on where the 3-5 yo child is developmentally. They are completely capable of trying the poses and fully capable of learning, but they can also at the drop of the hat switch their attention to a spider crawling up the wall-- which is completely okay.
In this class one of the topics we discussed and built our practice around was the topic of family. All children have an idea of what family is and the type of family they live in -- which varies so much today. It gives kids the opportunity to talk about something they each know well from their individual perspectives as well as relate too when we do poses that have to do with family. Also, picking a piece of literature such as, My Daddy Is a Pretzel, helps them to listen to jobs that family members might do, poses that we can associate with those jobs, and opens up the door for their own creativity and making up poses that fit their family.
The most important part of this all is the idea of learning through play which is key and of course FUN!
For more information on DAP please visit NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children).
Peace and Hugs,
Candace
Friday, August 6, 2010
September Is Almost Here!
Wow, time flies! Hopefully everyone has had a wonderful summer and is almost ready to settle back into the routine that fall brings.
This September I have two classes that are the same and one that is brand new!
Our yoga classes will continue this September.
Little Yogi, Big Yogi will take place again at the Tucson Children's Museum on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:15. Class will begin on September 7 for a Little Yogi and an adult of their choice. This class is fun, themed based, and developmentally appropriate for the younger yogis. We have fun with poses, games, stories, stuffed animals, and art!
Our Wednesday class will continue beginning September 8 for 6-10 yo. The location of this class has changed. We will now hold class at the Tucson Dance Company (TCD) on Forth Avenue. This class continues to build and introduce poses to children. We also discuss topics that help us to understand ourselves and others as we continue to grow and learn in this life. TCD is located next to Creative Ventures. The back studio is accessible from the alley. They also have lots of dance classes for adults and children -- check them out!
A new class for Lotusmoon beginning September 11 is a pottery class for children 6-12 yo. This class is a hand-building class and will focus on techniques of this sort (pinch, slab, coil). The class runs for 6 weeks for 2 hours each week. The class will be held in my backyard (once signing up I will send an email with address, but I am located near the U of A). The price of the class includes all materials. Children will be able to make wonderful projects to cherish for a lifetime!
If you have any questions, please feel free to send an email at lotusmoonkids@yahoo.com or call.
Hope to see you this fall!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Practicing Non-Violence
This past week in class I introduced the Eight-Fold Path of Yoga or the Eight Limbs of Yoga. Using a picture of a tree as a visual, we discussed these eight limbs briefly.
Specifically our class focused on the first limb Yama. This first limb speaks to the Universal Commandments as listed by Patanjali: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Apaigraha. In this class we focused on the first of the five, Ahimsa.
Ahimsa means non-violence. This non-violence relates to the ways in which we think, what we say, and how we act. For children it is easy enough for them to see how this relates to others. We have an understanding that we should be kind and loving toward those we interact with. To illustrate this I told the story of one of the greatest teachers of non-violence Lord Buddha. The story speaks to how Buddha when coming face to face with an angry elephant, charging in his direction to trample him did not run. He did not fight. He simply held out his hand in a gesture of non-violence and the elephant not only stopped in his tracks, but kneeled at his feet. I use this illustration as a way to get children to understand that we need not argue or fight and often times the way to peace and understanding is truly through showing kindness.
A harder point for many of us to understand is non-violence toward ourselves. How easy it is for us to quickly get caught up in demeaning our own selves. We don't like our hair, we don't care for the way we look, or walk, or talk, or, or, or. The list goes on. As adults we can continue to struggle with this. So, it is important for children to realize early this way of thinking and how to work toward showing non-violence to ourselves in this manner. We need to teach children to be accepting of who they are and love who they are -- just as they are. Here I told a Hindu story of The Cracked Pot. This story tells of a farmer who carried two pots to the river each day -- one perfect and the other cracked. The cracked pot knowing of his "short coming" felt bad for not being able to hold all of the water he should as he leaked half of the water to the ground from the walk to the river back to the farmers home. He decides to tell the farmer that because of this he should get rid of him. The farmer tells the cracked pot that he long ago realized how special this cracked pot was. He tells the pot that he planted flowers on the side that he carries the cracked pot and everyday the pot waters beautiful flowers that farmer enjoys on his dinner table every night. Finding the good and sometimes making the good are things children and adults should practice daily.
Our asana practice included poses to deal with strength, flexibility, and grace. When practicing Warrior I, we said the affirmation I am strong. In Warrior III we spread our arms to send love to those around us. In Tree, we swayed back and forth with the understanding of strength and flexibility. In Eagle, we recognize our accomplishments so we may soar above the clouds. Dancer, we are graceful and loving.
We ended our class in savasana with a visualization called Power Shield. This visualization asks children to see in their mind their dreams, personal fears, skills, and wishes. I then asked the children to draw their own power shield using the images they saw to represent the above or to write words for what they saw. Children drew and wrote about parents arguing, fear of ghosts, wanting happiness for their family, being different, the color red for strength and love, wanting to be an actress, and so on. This is a powerful exercise and it is a wonderful way for children to begin to discuss what they are feeling inside. I ask the children to hang their shield in place they can see so that it remains in their mind and is then usable to them.
Understanding ourselves can be a difficult step, but it is often the step that will help us to really begin understanding and loving those around us with a full heart. Practice daily Ahimsa by first loving yourself.
Namaste,
Candace
Specifically our class focused on the first limb Yama. This first limb speaks to the Universal Commandments as listed by Patanjali: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Apaigraha. In this class we focused on the first of the five, Ahimsa.
Ahimsa means non-violence. This non-violence relates to the ways in which we think, what we say, and how we act. For children it is easy enough for them to see how this relates to others. We have an understanding that we should be kind and loving toward those we interact with. To illustrate this I told the story of one of the greatest teachers of non-violence Lord Buddha. The story speaks to how Buddha when coming face to face with an angry elephant, charging in his direction to trample him did not run. He did not fight. He simply held out his hand in a gesture of non-violence and the elephant not only stopped in his tracks, but kneeled at his feet. I use this illustration as a way to get children to understand that we need not argue or fight and often times the way to peace and understanding is truly through showing kindness.
A harder point for many of us to understand is non-violence toward ourselves. How easy it is for us to quickly get caught up in demeaning our own selves. We don't like our hair, we don't care for the way we look, or walk, or talk, or, or, or. The list goes on. As adults we can continue to struggle with this. So, it is important for children to realize early this way of thinking and how to work toward showing non-violence to ourselves in this manner. We need to teach children to be accepting of who they are and love who they are -- just as they are. Here I told a Hindu story of The Cracked Pot. This story tells of a farmer who carried two pots to the river each day -- one perfect and the other cracked. The cracked pot knowing of his "short coming" felt bad for not being able to hold all of the water he should as he leaked half of the water to the ground from the walk to the river back to the farmers home. He decides to tell the farmer that because of this he should get rid of him. The farmer tells the cracked pot that he long ago realized how special this cracked pot was. He tells the pot that he planted flowers on the side that he carries the cracked pot and everyday the pot waters beautiful flowers that farmer enjoys on his dinner table every night. Finding the good and sometimes making the good are things children and adults should practice daily.
Our asana practice included poses to deal with strength, flexibility, and grace. When practicing Warrior I, we said the affirmation I am strong. In Warrior III we spread our arms to send love to those around us. In Tree, we swayed back and forth with the understanding of strength and flexibility. In Eagle, we recognize our accomplishments so we may soar above the clouds. Dancer, we are graceful and loving.
We ended our class in savasana with a visualization called Power Shield. This visualization asks children to see in their mind their dreams, personal fears, skills, and wishes. I then asked the children to draw their own power shield using the images they saw to represent the above or to write words for what they saw. Children drew and wrote about parents arguing, fear of ghosts, wanting happiness for their family, being different, the color red for strength and love, wanting to be an actress, and so on. This is a powerful exercise and it is a wonderful way for children to begin to discuss what they are feeling inside. I ask the children to hang their shield in place they can see so that it remains in their mind and is then usable to them.
Understanding ourselves can be a difficult step, but it is often the step that will help us to really begin understanding and loving those around us with a full heart. Practice daily Ahimsa by first loving yourself.
Namaste,
Candace
Friday, June 11, 2010
New Classes in July
Hi all! The June sessions are going great! We are having fun and learning lots with yoga. Two classes will begin in July.
Beginning Tuesday, July 6 a class for Big Yogis and Little Yogis at The Tucson Children's Museum. The class runs from 3:30 - 4:15 every Tuesday for 5 weeks.
Beginning Wednesday, July 7 a class for 6 -9 yo at Zuzi Dance Company. The class runs from 4-5 every Wednesday for 4 weeks.
Lotusmoon will be taking the month of August off and will be back in September to start yoga fun all over again.
Hope to see you in a class soon.
Peace and Hugs,
Candace
Beginning Tuesday, July 6 a class for Big Yogis and Little Yogis at The Tucson Children's Museum. The class runs from 3:30 - 4:15 every Tuesday for 5 weeks.
Beginning Wednesday, July 7 a class for 6 -9 yo at Zuzi Dance Company. The class runs from 4-5 every Wednesday for 4 weeks.
Lotusmoon will be taking the month of August off and will be back in September to start yoga fun all over again.
Hope to see you in a class soon.
Peace and Hugs,
Candace
Friday, April 23, 2010
Yoga at the Tucson Children's Museum!
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Lotusmoon Yoga for Kids will have a new class beginning June 1, 2010 at the Tucson Children's Museum.
The class is designed for children 3-6 and their parents! Start time for the class is 3:30 and it will run for 45 minutes.
Please call 792-9985 x114 to register or feel free to register here with a card payment.
Hope to see you there!
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