What I notice about kids in my classes: Relaxation

I teach kids yoga. Sometimes, they are on and paying attention. Sometimes they are bouncing off the walls. But, I'm beginning to notice that when I say, "Time to breathe," they smile and sit up. It's a game to them. Darth Vader Breath. Then, Bunny Breath. Then, Snake Breath. Then Whisper Breath. I've never tried to teach a whole class just on breathing, but I bet they would hang with me.

Is it because they feel their bodies relaxing? Is it because everybody can do it and nobody can do it better or faster than the next one? I don't have that answer, but I do notice they get in gear when they breathe. They slow down, concentrate, focus, and are ready to listen. Amazing! So, the next time your kids aren't listening, or are having trouble getting their homework done, take a few minutes and teach them to breathe like a snake, or Darth Vader, or fill up the belly like a great big balloon and then slowly let it go, exhaling till every last breath is gone. Before you know it, they will be calm, focused, and reenergized.