WHOLEHEARTED KIDS YOGA TEACHER MENTORSHIP
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Wholehearted Kids Yoga Teacher Mentorship is a 95 Hour multifaceted program designed to equip yoga teachers, classroom educators, and childcare givers with tools to engage, inspire, and empower children ages 3-10 years old through the practices of yoga.
This training is rooted in alignment based, heart centered Hatha yoga. Participants will develop a deep understanding of:
best practices in children’s yoga
child development and anatomy
ways to engage learners through multiple modalities
how to guide students to self regulate and manage their bodies
developmentally appropriate yoga poses/asana and sequencing
methods of weaving themes and stories throughout a practice
ways to connect with community, the natural world, art, and the deepest parts of our own hearts through a yoga practice
And of course much more…
Participants work at their own pace through a series of practicum opportunities and online synchronous and asynchronous sessions.
MODULE 1- THE HEART OF KIDS YOGA
Explore WHY we teach yoga to children. Experience and design yoga sequences with themes children ages 3-10 will relate to. Build a strong foundation of how to teach a well rounded class that will keep students engaged, safe, and excited to come back again and again.
Total- 13 Hours
MODULE 2- THE YOGI’S TREASURE BOX
Discover the many components that can make up a fabulous kids yoga class- songs, mindfulness exercises, asana/poses, games, and art. Learn how each component connects to one of the 8 limbs of yoga and can support children’s self esteem, collaboration skills, and ability to express themselves authentically.
Total-13 Hours
MODULE 3- ANATOMY + STORYTELLING
Learn how to teach asana/poses in a way that will build students’ strength, endurance, and flexibility. Develop an understanding of which poses to avoid with young children and why. Explore how to weave storytelling with developmentally appropriate pose sequencing to create yoga classes your students will remember and retell for years to come.
Total-13 Hours
MODULE 4- CONNECTED + CALM KIDS
Young children are naturally curious about the world around them AND their own inner world. As adults we can help the children in our lives to understand their bodies and their minds by providing intentional opportunities for physical expression and exploration, tools for learning focus and attention, and practicing relaxation. Let’s get playful, engage our own inner child and get right down to the heart of the matter— supporting our children to grow up connected and calm. This module will focus on early childhood birth-4 years.
Total-11 Hours
MODULE 5- COMMUNITY+ COLLABORATION
Let’s take our yoga out of the studio and into the world! Family yoga at The Bay Park, kids yoga at Selby Gardens, yoga and paintings at Sarasota Art Museum- the possibilities are endless. Learn how to craft children’s yoga classes that are site specific and relevant to our community and culture.
Total- 11 Hours
MODULE 6- LIFESTYLE + TRADITIONS
Using strung beads to practice repeating affirmations (mantra), exploring Ayurveda- the science of yoga to understand what our bodies need to feel healthy and energetic, and using visual art to set intentions and create a focal point- these are just a few of the ancient yoga practices we will cover in an engaging, child centered way throughout this weekend. Get ready to make and take home your own mantra bracelet, create your own focal point, and taste some dosha balancing kid friendly foods!
Total- 11 Hours
MODULE 7- HEARTFULLY CREATING A BIZ
We’ll explore kids yoga business strategies that feel authentic & on purpose. We’ll review marketing and social media tips, website design, and building an email list and newsletter. In addition to the business side of things, we’ll create a community mural that will celebrate our individuality and collective brilliance.
Total- 6 Hours
PRACTICUM HOURS
Participants will have multiple opportunities each month to observe and reflect on children and family yoga classes. As participants hone their teaching skills, they will have the opportunity to step in to co-facilitate!