Children, along with their parents, participate in sensory integration activities, practice imitating movements, learn to follow directions, build awareness of their own body and gain a better understanding of personal space. Socialization is also a component of this new five-week class for those 3 to 8 years old.
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“I’m super excited about this class,” Hernandez said. “In addition to him learning some peaceful, mindful techniques, it will also be a time for us to connect, something that we will have in common.”
It will also be an opportunity for Hernandez to connect with other parents.
“We don’t go to restaurants or go out much, your whole life changes,” she said. “So connecting with other parents, seeing people in a similar situation and doing an activity together will be very nice.”
Yogability is the brainchild of instructor Lori Reazin, who has integrated yoga into her classroom at Centerville Primary Village South for a few years.
“I work with a special population and we’ve always used music and movement and it’s been a huge success,” Reazin said.
She integrated mindfulness with the music and movement as yoga became a regular part of the preschool experience for her students. The results have been noticeable.
“I’ve seen meltdowns become less frequent and shorter in duration,” Reazin said. “And the kids love it, they ask about it and they run to the door when it’s time. They tell me it just feels good.”
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She also receives feedback from the parents, some of whom have learned yoga moves from their children. One parent shared the story of her daughter using yoga to cope with the overstimulation of a grocery store trip.
“She told me her daughter got into quiet pose, in the cart in the middle of Wal-mart,” Reazin said. “That’s when you know it’s working.”
Anxiety and over-stimulation can be problems for some children – especially those with severe autism. Yoga's emphasis on mindfulness and breathing techniques can be especially helpful for those children.
“Yoga teaches you to stay calm,” Reazin said. “Any situation where a child is overstimulated can cause them to become anxious. This class will help them learn how to come back to themselves.”
Dim lighting, soft music and a parent by their side should help the young yogis feel comfortable.
“We would like the kids to do as much as they can on their own,” Reazin said. “We will definitely start with the basics and the parents can help their child as needed or participate side-by-side with them.”
The Yogability class is one of a growing number of programs at Inner Dance Yoga designed for young yogis.
“I am very excited that our family program is growing,” owner Debbie Stirsman said. “It is something that I have wanted for the studio for a long time. The Yogability class is especially exciting because I believe it’s a first in our area.”
Yogability
WHAT: A yoga class designed for children with special needs in mind. Through fun and dance, children will participate in sensory integration activities with their parents by their side.
WHEN: Saturdays, 10:15-11:15 a.m., April 22-May 20
WHERE: Inner Dance Yoga, 2600 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood
COST: $55 for 5 weeks
INFO: www.innerdanceyoga.com/
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