We’re Yoga4Every1, based in Buffalo, NY. We create custom yoga experiences for people of all ages and all abilities.*
Yoga helps children develop:
→ Social Skills: One-on-one in-home yoga lessons can help children learn to interact with others in a low-stakes environment, and can improve social skills like cooperation and communication.
→ Sensory Integration: Yoga involves mindful awareness of the body and surroundings, which can help children develop an improved sense of their own physical boundaries and integrate sensory information more effectively.
→ Enhanced Motor Skills and Coordination: Yoga poses improve balance, coordination, and strength, which can be challenging for some children with autism or ADHD. Practicing in a comfortable, familiar space reduces sensory distractions, allowing them to focus on the content of the lesson.
→ Stress Reduction and Emotional Regulation: Breathing exercises and gentle stretches promote relaxation, which can help children manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelming sensory input. A regular yoga practice can also improve emotional regulation, helping them to process emotions more effectively.
→ Improved Focus and Attention: Yoga teaches children to concentrate on their movement and their breathing, which can gradually improve their focus and attention span in other areas of life.
→ Self-Confidence and Independence: Successfully mastering poses and routines can boost a child’s confidence and foster a sense of independence. Practicing at home with one-on-one attention allows them to progress at their own pace. What is SEL? SEL stands for Social and Emotional Learning. It’s an educational approach that seeks to develop the skills necessary for children’s social and emotional wellbeing. SEL focuses on five key areas:
→ Self-Awareness: The ability to recognize and understand one's own emotions, thoughts, and values, and how they affect behavior
→ Self-Management: The ability to regulate emotions and behaviors to achieve goals
→ Social Awareness: The ability to understand what others are feeling and take their perspective
→ Relationship Skills: The ability to communicate clearly, work well with others, and settle conflicts
→ Responsible Decision-Making: The ability to make thoughtful choices with regard to potential outcomes and how they affect others
Our workshops integrate yoga and social-emotional learning (SEL) by combining movement, mindfulness, and interactive small and large group activities. Activities utilize focus, teamwork, and responsible decision-making and promote skills like self-awareness, emotional regulation, and empathy. These workshops provide a supportive environment where students can build confidence, reduce stress, and develop essential SEL skills to enhance their overall well-being in school and beyond. Sound like something you're interested in? Message me or email me at littlelightyoga.wny@gmail.com to learn more!
*1:1 in-home yoga for individuals with developmental disabilities qualifies for self-directed services and is 100% free to you through New York State OPWDD. Email shannon@yoga4every1.com to find out how!
