The Wonder Tree yoga

General information

About Me
I am a mother of two young children and until recently have been working as a fully qualified primary school teacher for the last 9 years. I qualified as a children’s yoga teacher through the Yoga Alliance accredited ‘Yoga Banana’s’ course in London in 2008. Over the last 8 years I have experienced the vast range of benefits yoga can have on children and as a result have set up The Wonder Tree, yoga and mindfulness classes for 3 – 10 year olds. I have experience of running children’s yoga classes as after school clubs, for my Reception and Year 1 classes, in a nurture group, at pre-schools, as school workshops and in PE lessons.

The Benefits of Yoga
Yoga connects children’s hearts, bodies and minds in a way that no other form of exercise can. Today’s children live in a busy, materialistic and technology focused world. Too many children suffer with stress, mental health issues and obesity. Yoga is a non-competitive, fun, energetic and relaxing form of exercise, which children of all ages, fitness levels and abilities can enjoy.

Yoga sessions will:
• help to develop concentration, listening skills and confidence
• gently stretch and strengthen muscles
• help to develop co-ordination, balance and flexibility
• help children to gain a better understanding of their own bodies
• teach calming techniques

Buds
Pre-school yoga class for 3-5 years olds and their parent/carer. Sessions will start with calm, deep breathing games, followed by stretchy stories (such as ‘We Are Going on a Bear Hunt’) or games, and end with relaxing activities. The fun, playful yoga sessions combine young children’s love of stories, songs and rhymes (which are great ways to help their talking and listening skills) with their need to be active.

Blossoms
For primary aged children. Sessions incorporate flowing yoga sequences and have more emphasis on mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Children will develop a sense of awe and wonder at their own strong and stretchy bodies. They will gain a relaxed and positive frame of mind in a healthy, non competitive setting.