Integral Yoga Institute New York

Karma Kids Yoga (KKY) Teen Yoga Intensive

This course is suitable for teachers, caregivers, social workers, and other caring adults who have the desire to bring the practice of Yoga to teens. 

Teenagers today are more stressed than ever, and sharing the practice of Yoga can transform them and influence the rest of their lives positively. These are the years when they begin to explore who they are and may dive into the deeper dimensions of Yoga. This course will teach you how to guide students ages 13–19 on a journey of self-exploration, giving them effective Yogic tools for handling stress, anger, anxiety, depression, and other challenges facing teens. You’ll learn how to help students develop compassion and self-confidence so that ultimately they will be empowered to be agents of peace in the world. You will also learn:

The benefits of Yoga for teens

Teen-appropriate Yoga poses, class themes, relaxation exercises, visualization, and meditation techniques, including laughter meditation

How to develop a Yoga class that is fun, safe, effective, and engaging

Yoga practice for insomnia

Breathing techniques to calm, energize, and balance the nervous system

To identify teaching objectives

How to connect with teens and hold the space in the classroom

How to make Yoga philosophy—including such Yogic principles as the yama and niyama, nonviolence, and karma—accessible to teens

To establish the balance of discipline and order in the classroom with spontaneity and play

How to work with at-risk populations

Games and activities that address such issues as self-esteem, body image, nutrition, stress, anger, forgiveness, relationships, addiction, and sexual health

Creative ways to build confidence, trust, a habit of teamwork, focus, concentration, and a sense of peace from within

How to incorporate props, music, art, and poetry into teen classes

To help teens overcome self-destructive behaviors and attitudes, replacing negative habits with healthful ones

To help teens identify negative thought patterns and replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations

The male/female dynamic in the Yoga classroom and how to avoid pitfalls

How to teach with confidence, creativity, patience, and acceptance, with an open heart and an open mind

To establish appropriate teacher boundaries

How to inspire teens to create goals and develop the courage and perseverance to follow their dreams

The cost includes a comprehensive course manual, a CD of guided meditations, a certificate of course completion, a listing on the Karma Kids Yoga website, and an opportunity to observe and assist in a Teen Yoga class. Qualifies for 30 CEUs (continuing-education units).

This course was developed in collaboration with Shari Vilchez-Blatt, founder and director of Karma Kids Yoga. www.karmakidsyoga.com

Teachers

Erin Lila Wilson, E.-R.Y.T.

Teacher Bios