New research shows that yoga and mindfulness practices decrease stress, anxiety, and depression in children, while improving emotional regulation, ability to focus, and social relations—all proven contributors to academic achievement. This 5-day training gives educators, parents, and childcare providers the practical tools they need to bring the many benefits of mindfulness and yoga to children in grades K–12. Led by cutting-edge instructors Daniel Rechtschaffen and Jennifer Cohen, our training begins with personal retreat time for our own practice of mindfulness and yoga. As we learn to embody these teachings for ourself, we train in offering mindfulness and yoga to children in both educational environments and our own homes. We learn to teach children of different populations and needs mindfulness practices, yoga and body awareness, compassionate communication, cooperation based play, emotional regulation, and nature awareness. We also discuss current research and learn how establishments are already successfully integrating these practices. No mindfulness or yoga experience is required. Daniel Rechtschaffen, MA, is the developer and organizer of the Mindfulness in Education Conference at Omega. His organization, Mindful Children, collaborates with schools and organizations, leading trainings and implementing mindfulness-based curriculum. Rechtschaffen has a master’s degree in counseling psychology and maintains a private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. mindfulchildren.com Jennifer M. Cohen, MEd, a certified yoga teacher and the founder of Little Flower Yoga, teaches yoga to children of all ages. She holds a master’s degree in education and youth development and has spent many years working with children with physical handicaps as well as developmental and learning disorders. littlefloweryoga.com |
