Instructor: Wendy Handrich
Plan Creation Date: July 28, 2010
Community: Classroom, Ages 8-12
Yoga Calm Principle/Lesson Goal: Strength
Calm
- Belly Breathing using Hoberman sphere for ten breaths with one student using the Hoberman and another student counting off the selected number of breaths.
- Compliments to the counter and the Homerman Leader
- Pulse Count/Stillness for 15 seconds
- Read Aloud: I’m Gonna Like Me – Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell
- Volcano Breath using student-led drum beat to pace breathing (students remember a time when they felt very strong in their body and they send that strength out to be shared by all in the room).
- Compliments to the Drummer
Activate
- Dancer Modified – Read the positive self-talk from the Yoga Calm Poster: “I am strong. I am in control. I can do it.”
- Star – Students activate (firm) muscles and then expand (extend) through arms, legs, head, and tail. After spreading fingers like rays of the sun, the students will create a “Galaxy” by forming a circle and pressing their hands together while each is in the Star.
- Woodchopper – Students will make the “huh” sound from the deepest part of their belly as a student drummer hits the third of three beats on the drum.
- Compliments to the Drummer
- Warrior I – Students will be reminded to lift from the belly, head and heart in this pose. The students will pair up and face each other so they can feel each other’s strength. The cue of “Send lasers from your belly out through your fingers” will be used.
Calm
- Mindful Moment Card – “Remember a time when you felt very strong in your body. What were you doing? Who was there? How did you feel about yourself?” Provide time for students to share their memories.
- Progressive Relaxation – Follow the script on page 133 of the Yoga Calm manual. Prior to beginning the relaxation, have the students practice activation of various body parts so they can feel the strength and then the contrast when they deactivate (relax) the body part.