Elementary School Kids, Mindfulness, Physical Activity, SEL Social Emotional Learning, Uncategorized

Yoga for Kids: Homeschooling Programs

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Mindfulness has seen an uptick in schooling. The benefits range from increased ability to focus, higher achievement ratings, better control of emotions, and less aggression. Many homeschoolers will also want to reap the benefits of mindfulness with their kids. But where can they start? Try yoga for kids.

pupils meditating on classroom desks

Yoga for kids can be a fun way of introducing young ones to the benefits of mindfulness. With so many YouTube videos with programs specifically designed for kids, teachers can easily introduce the moves and yoga practices. Sometimes students will meditate, and at other times, they will enjoy different yoga poses with a minimum of equipment – just a yoga mat.

Students and teacher doing yoga pose at elementary school

Yoga for Younger Students

One very engaging yoga activity is an adventure called “Yoga Quest” offered by Cosmic Kids.

Kids are motivated by learning opportunities that capture their imagination. Yoga Quest not only involves kids by completing the quest, but they offer 5 different maps that adults can print so the kids can check off where they are in their quest. And when they have every area checked off, there is a certificate waiting for them. 

Below is one such map of 5 in total. Shark’s Bay screams excitement. Start with Norris and end with Nibs. When they  finish the quest,  they will have done 

  20 yoga adventures

  that’s 6 hours and 25 mins, 

  or 375 minutes,   

or 22,500 seconds of yoga practice

Try out the Shark Bay section of the Quest to see how it all works and then get started on the quest with your kids.

Yoga for Kids Who Are Older

Younger kids will enjoy Yoga Quest, but the presentation is not appropriate for older kids. But do not despair. You do not have to opt-in for an adult program as there are many choices that will appeal to older kids, too. You can coninue yoga for kids throughout all of the grade levels.

Yoga Ed

Yoga Ed has some videos on the internet that you can try out with your kids. Start by building a routine of easy poses. You can gain more training through their website.

Yoga for School

Yoga for School  Rachel has some close-up sections to help you see the moves more clearly. Since this routine is for school, no equipment is included. 

Super Hero Yoga

Superhero Yoga may appeal to the  males in the classroom. This session comes with some advice on the importance of helping others.  You can also see yoga classes by spiderman’s alter ego.

Yoga With Adriene

Yoga with Adriene has yoga moves designed specifically for the classroom setting. No equipment is required. It is a low key workout perfect for beginners. (both teachers and kids)

A Convenient Source for Yoga Mats

If you need several mats for your kids, you will love this pack of 12. You need only a minimum of equipment when you start teaching yoga for kids.

Consider this mat if you are purchasing for an individual. The yoga moves are printed on the mat so your yoga enthusiast can develop their own sequence of moves.

Christmas, Holidays, Physical Activity, Play, teens

Christmas Gift Ideas – 13 year-old Grandson

Memo to Grandma

Photo by Brennan Martinez on Unsplash

Hi Grandma

Did you know it’s only 40 more shopping days until Christmas?  Time goes by fast in the Pandemic!  NOT.

I haven’t heard from you in a while through Facetime, but I thought I would help you get started on your Christmas shopping by letting you know about a few things I’d really like this year.  

Don’t you wish that all your grandkids could be so helpful as to give you a list?  After all, Santa gets a list, and he has millions of lists to compare, so he knows what is on everyone’s minds this year.

Relax. I have you covered, Grandma.

All teens like money and gift cards. But that is the old reliable, standby gift. If you want to really impress this year, seriously consider items from these categories I have developed for boys my age.

I know that it is pretty hard to beat our gift from last year – a trip to Disney Land. But since we are all committed to staying at home as much as possible,  I have these great ideas for you. 

I have also checked a few items with my cousins, Charlie and Samir. They are in total agreement. So, before you order those joke socks, take a look at these suggestions.

Technology

I know you use technology when you have to, but technology is melded to our lifestyle for our generation. So, any lit tech gifts are much appreciated.

1) Drone with a Camera – Many of the drones come with recommendations for kids over 14, and I am your oldest grandchild at 13 years old. Here’s something you need to know. Drones that are smaller than 0.55 lbs do not need to be registered, and therefore this is the best type of drones for kids. Also, it is advisable to always have the drone in eyesight. I can help you explain that to my cousins if you decide on this sic gift.

2) Remote controlled car, truck, boat: These are a safer option for some of my younger cousins, but I’d be pleased with them also. 

3) Build Your Own Robots Kit: All the cousins have scads of LEGO, but we don’t have any kits to make robots. Any sort of these kits would keep us busy for hours and add to our engineering abilities.

4) Rocket Building Sets:  You know how much I like to make things explode. A rocket building kit would channel my inner desire and teach me a thing or two about science.

Laugh It Off 

Kids Against Maturity Game: I have played this game at my friend’s house, and it is hilarious. I’d like to share this with my cousins just as soon as we can get together. We could also have a ZOOM session to play the game, if a couple of us had copies of it.

Ways to Visit My Friends

1) Bicycle: I have a bicycle that I got for my 11th birthday, but now I would like one with more options. My parents have told me that the old bike is still serviceable for me to get around town. But I disagree. You and I could talk about what would be suitable for me. Or maybe a gift card for the local bike store would be a way to solve this issue. Then I could get the exact bike I like.

2) Motorized Scooter: Wouldn’t it be great to see me zooming around the neighborhood on a motorized scooter? I would be able to cover distances without much effort. And an electric one would mean I wouldn’t have to buy gas.

Mini Entrepreneur

You know that I am interested in starting my own business as I love to spend money. My allowance never seems big enough. I heard that several eBooks could help me get some ideas. Perhaps Gramps has the time to help me plan a way to make money in my neighborhood. 



Along with some information, I could also use the tools I would need to start a yard service for my neighbors. I could earn some cash throughout the winter if only I had my own snow shovel and ice chipping tool. And for the summer, a lawnmower and bush clippers would allow me to offer summer care as well.

Cell Phone Accessories

Since almost all of your grandkids have a cell phone, they need some accessories. There are some GOAT belts that have a window for easy texting. It is unlikely that we will leave our phones behind if we have a place for them.

And How About Those Stocking Stuffers?

Now you may be wondering about stocking stuffers. Last year you made such a big hit with the hilarious games you found!   How can you top that this year?  How about . . .

1) LED Bike Wheel Lights with Batteries Included!  All your grandkids love riding bikes, and when we go on night rides, we will have the dopest wheels around.

2) Wireless earbuds . . .   because we need them!

3) A cell phone stand holder is a great idea for when we are at home and want to talk to you.

4) Trick Yoyo:  We love to keep busy, and this is easy to carry with us. 

Hey, my favorite grandma, take a look at my suggestions. I am sure there is something in this list that will tug at your heartstrings and fit your pocket-book.

Your favorite grandson,

Jamal

PS   – Don’t tell my parents about this list. I sent them the same one, as they are clueless about finding things I like.