Chair Yoga for Schools and Clinical Settings (Online Course)

This online course is offered as a series of live, interactive webinars. The four dates are a total price of $95 and if you are unable to make the live event you will receive the recorded link and handout information the next day. Each session builds upon the previous, and if you miss a live session we recommend watching the recording before participating in the next one.

Course Dates: Aug 2, Aug 9, Aug 16, Aug 23

Course Time: 7:30 - 9:00 pm EST

Many public schools have limited access to gymnasiums and larger spaces more suitable for yoga classes, and transitioning children to these kinds of spaces can be time consuming and logistically complicated for administration. In a system that is increasingly promoting rigor, standardized assessments, and cutting important hours dedicated to the arts, health and physical education; children are sitting still at school for developmentally inappropriate periods of time. Chair-based practices provide a sustainable option for schools, both those bringing in external providers, and those classroom teachers who wish to incorporate yoga daily in their classes.

This 4-part webinar series is appropriate for both yoga teachers working in schools, and classroom teachers and clinicians interested in incorporating yoga into their work with children and adolescents. We will explore current research connecting movement based practices to learning readiness, and discuss implementation strategies for schools that support both student and teacher self-care and wellness. Participants will experience sample chair-based practices incorporating movement, breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation and learn a variety of activities available for immediate use. Additionally, SYP Program Director, Mayuri Gonzalez will explore how this kind of movement can be a powerful compliment to mindfulness programs to create meaningful and engaging experiences for students.

Based on this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Teach a variety of yoga poses, breathwork, mindfulness and relaxation practices to students either seated in chairs, or using chairs as a support without the need for a yoga mat.
• Articulate the benefits of chair yoga practice to a school or clinical setting
• Share simple chair yoga practices with school staff, teachers and administrators.
• Create chair yoga practices to meet the needs of students of all ages
• Create chair-based yoga and mindfulness lesson plans rooted in the 5 elements of LFY