The Yoga Adventure for Children: Playing, Dancing, Moving, Breathing, Relaxing

by Helen Purperhart, Barbra Von Amelsfort (Illustrator)

The Yoga Adventure for Children is an illustrated manual for teachers at primary schools and yoga teachers who wish to create children's classes. Featuring 80 drawings of poses, the book playfully acquaints children with yoga stretches and postures and the philosophy behind the practice. Blending yoga, play, dance, music, drama, and drawing, the book requires very little preparation before use. Parents too can share The Yoga Adventure for Children with their child at home. Practicing yoga together offers an opportunity to both parents and the child to laugh, play, and have fun together.

Many yoga positions are inspired by animals and stimulate suppleness and strength, and all aspects of yoga are included in the relaxation, breathing, concentration, meditation, self-awareness, and visualization. Concepts like karma, chakra, and the elements are explained and developed without too much confusing detail. The games in this book can also be used to increase children's concentration and self-esteem, and to stimulate them to express more creativity, imagination, and better social skills.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clever little book. It's simply written so that even a child can read and implement the instructions, and the drawings of poses are helpful. I also like organization of information. There are sections for breathing, yoga, visualization, etc. At the end of the book is a handy index showing which exercises and games require props and which don't. The only device that isn't as helpful and I found confusing was the way the exercises are identified by age group. The icons representing the four different groups look too similar, making it difficult to remember if it means the age group for ages 4-8, 4-12, 6-12, or 8-12. On the whole it's a useful guide for teachers, parents, kids, and childcare providers.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a second book I used to develop a yoga program for kids. I think this one is even better because it has more poses, meditation, and incorporates stories into the yoga. It has been valuable at helping me learn beginning poses and how to teach them in ways kids will understand. It's a great resource I've considered buying for my personal collection because I used it so much!

[Maricela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like it.