yoga for children & middle schoolers

Our children's yoga teacher, Tara Rachel Jones, has been a pioneer of children’s yoga in the Boston area. She has worked professionally with children since 1989. She has developed her own approach to children’s yoga which is simply, yet uniquely a synthesis of education, developmental movement and yogic teachings and has been teaching yoga to young people from the ages nursery through high school since 1997. She obtained a B.A. in Early Childhood Education (N-3) from Simmons College in 1991. She became a certified Montessori Teacher in 1992. Tara Rachel was introduced to Waldorf Education in 1997 while implementing her first children’s yoga program at a Waldorf inspired school. She completed the two- year Foundations Study Course in Waldorf Education in 2005 and now holds an M.Ed. from Antioch Graduate University in Waldorf Education. Tara Rachel teaches yoga in schools, organizations and studios all around the Boston area and runs a Teacher Training Course for those interested in teaching yoga to Toddlers, Children, Youth, Teens and Families. For more info on Tara and her teaching, visit www.floweryoga.com

Seasonal Family Yoga Classes for Parents/Caregivers of Children ages 3 - 6

Children have great imaginative capacity and enjoy becoming part of nature. Yoga practice is a way of playing together and exploring movement, relaxation, breath and silence in a fun and creative way. Through story, song, and verse in content with the season of the year, families learn the practice of yoga in this child- centered class. Each month will bring a seasonal theme.

Yoga for Children ages 7-10

Elementary ages children are ready for fun challenges, are thoughtful and engaged in how to be helpful in their family and community. Yoga and Mindfulness practices introduce a doable, incremental and FUN approach to these unique needs at this age range. These classes present a consistent series of postures to explore flexibility, encourage concentration and stimulate inner curiosity through meaningful legends, myths and stories. A seasonally-inspired small craft is included as well.

Middle School Yoga: Restless to Relaxed 

These years are bringing the childhood era to a close. Hormonal changes begin and the child prepares for the coming phase of becoming a teen. Maintaining a balance between relationships to community and a relationship to the self can be challenging. It is quite helpful find a place to just relax, share life stories find tools for inner peace and really let go and have fun with friends. This class routine consists of a flowing series of postures and breathing practices. Students are introduced to the foundations of yoga philosophy and quieting the mind through relaxation and meditation. Journal writing and drawing may be a component. Yoga began in India with it’s first teachers living in nature, up in the mountains. Although we do not live outdoors, yoga is a practice that gives us a personal space to chill out. Bring your friends to learn tools to go from Restless to Relaxed:
Yoga Poses are a fun way to gain flexibility, strength, and stamina.

Breathing Practices increase concentration and focus 

Relaxation reduces stress and anxious feelings 

Mindfulness inspires positive thinking and safety