Yoga in DES Primary School

Yoga has become an increasingly popular activity in DES schools due to its numerous benefits for children’s physical and mental well-being. Integrating yoga into the school curriculum helps promote physical fitness, enhance concentration, reduce stress, and improve emotional regulation among young students. One particular approach to yoga in schools that has gained attention is using partner yoga poses, also known as yoga shapes.

Partner Yoga Poses (Yoga Shapes)

Partner yoga poses are exercises where two students work together to create specific shapes or perform synchronized movements. These activities are not only fun but also serve several educational and developmental purposes:

1. Teamwork and Collaboration

Partner yoga poses require students to work closely with peers, fostering a sense of teamwork and cooperation. Children must communicate effectively, synchronize their movements, and support each other to complete the poses successfully. This collaboration helps them understand the importance of working together towards a common goal, a valuable skill inside and outside the classroom.

Trust and Community Building

Engaging in partner yoga is more than just physical exercise; it’s a powerful tool for building trust and fostering a sense of community. Many poses involve balancing or leaning on one another, which requires trust and confidence in each other’s abilities. This trust-building exercise can enhance the sense of community within the class, making students feel more connected and supportive of one another.

Fun and Engagement

Partner yoga poses are not just exercises. They’re adventures in physical activity that children eagerly look forward to. The sheer joy and excitement of creating different shapes with a partner can transform yoga sessions into something truly engaging. This positive association with physical activity can inspire a lifelong habit of regular exercise in our young ones.

Physical and Emotional Benefits

Partner yoga is a holistic activity that benefits children both physically and emotionally. While engaging in partner yoga, children develop physical skills such as balance, strength, and flexibility. Additionally, these activities can have emotional benefits, including reduced anxiety and improved mood. The supportive environment of working with a partner can also help boost self-esteem and confidence.

Examples of Partner Yoga Poses

1. Double Downward Dog: One child performs a traditional downward dog pose while the other child places their hands on the first child’s lower back and extends their legs into the air, forming an inverted ‘V’ shape together.
2. Partner Boat Pose: Both children sit facing each other, with their knees bent and feet touching. They hold hands and lean back slightly, lifting their feet off the ground to balance only on their sitting bones, creating a ‘V’ shape with their bodies.
3. L-Shaped Handstand: One child stands straight, and the other places their hands on the ground in front of the standing child, kicking their legs up to rest on the standing child’s hips or back, forming an ‘L’ shape.
4. Back-to-Back Chair Pose: Partners stand back-to-back, linking arms, and slowly lower into a squat position, creating the appearance of sitting on an invisible chair while supporting each other.

Conclusion

Partner yoga poses offer a unique blend of physical exercise and social-emotional learning when incorporated into primary school education. They teach children the importance of teamwork, trust, and collaboration in a fun and engaging way. This contributes to their physical health and fosters a positive and inclusive classroom environment, helping students build strong, supportive relationships with their peers. In conclusion, partner yoga poses are a valuable addition to the primary school curriculum, promoting the overall well-being of young students.