Waikato kindergarten takes up yoga
A Waikato Kindergarten has started yoga sessions with the children on Friday afternoons.
Children as young as three are practising yoga at a small Waikato kindergarten – and they love it.
The Te Kowhai kindergarten has caught on to a trend in the United States and now has yoga instructor Anna Geard visit on Friday afternoons for half-hour yoga sessions with the children.
The idea was inspired by Geard’s nephew Jett, 3, who attends the kindergarten, after teachers saw him practising yoga moves.
Head teacher Alison Harlow said they have had positive feedback from parents.
“[They are] saying how calm their children were afterwards. Our young children lead increasingly stressful, busy lives and yoga is great to help them to relax and learn how to breathe.”
Geard said yoga also helps the children with strength, motor skills, balance, and self-confidence. “Yoga is not competitive. It helps with our inner self-confidence. They can achieve whatever they want to with it, there are no limits.”
Four-year-old Thomas has really been enjoying the yoga sessions, according to his mum Amanda Geddes.
She said it has been helping with his balance. “He really loves it… he’s been doing it at home too.”
Geard became a certified instructor in September last year but has been involved in yoga for years. “The kids love it, it’s playful and fun…we incorporate stories and play games.
