Embracing Flexibility: Adapting Yoga for Diverse Abilities (Interview)
We know that the practice of yoga can bring immense benefits to children, especially those with diverse abilities.
But how can these practices be adapted effectively to cater to the needs and preferences of children with special needs?
To gain insight into this common question asked by our KYS community, I had a chat with seasoned yoga teacher, Rochelle Jewell of Yoga in Action.
In the video below, Rochelle shares her journey and how she followed her passion to become an expert in teaching yoga to people with diverse abilities and how to make these practices both fun and impactful for all her students.
3 Tips to Teach Yoga to Children with Diverse Abilities
From our interview, here are three top tips based on Rochelle’s experience and knowledge in her many years of working with children with additional needs:
1. Start Where They Are
Rochelle emphasizes the fundamental principle of meeting children exactly where they are.
This approach requires observing and understanding the unique conditions and needs of each child. In her practice, Rochelle adapts yoga sessions to accommodate various abilities, making modifications that help each student find comfort and success in their practice.
For example, if a child is non-verbal or has high sensory sensitivity, using visual props or tactile yoga mats can help them engage better with the practice.
This approach fosters an inclusive environment where all children feel seen and can benefit from the grounding and calming effects of yoga and mindfulness.
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2. Incorporate Mindfulness Practices that Cater to Each Individual
Highlighting the importance of tailored practices, Rochelle discusses the need for sensitive and personalized approaches, especially for children with diverse needs.
She includes various techniques, such as mindful breathing, guided imagery, and sensory activities, that cater to individual challenges.
Educators can incorporate these practices in the classroom through simple activities. For instance, starting the day with a five-minute guided breathing exercise can help set a calm tone for the day.
Tools like breathing balls or short mindfulness activities can be introduced to facilitate these exercises, making them accessible and engaging for every student.
3. Be Flexible and Creative to Meet their Needs
Teaching a diverse classroom means being prepared for unexpected behaviors or needs.
Rochelle shares stories from her experience where a flexible response was crucial. In dealing with disruptions or heightened emotions among children, she suggests using yoga’s grounding techniques, like the Tree Pose or calming yoga postures, which can be soothing and help children regain focus and control.
Creating a calm corner equipped with mats, cushions, and calming visuals or textures can be an effective strategy. This space offers a safe spot for any student who might feel overwhelmed and needs a moment for self-regulation.
Throughout this interview, Rochelle describes the transformative influence of yoga and mindfulness, especially for children with diverse needs. She invites us to be patient and to continue to plant seeds of mindfulness and empathy, which gradually help children to develop self-regulation skills and emotional resilience—ultimately to ensure that every child has the tools to navigate their world effectively and reach their potential!
Watch “How to Teach Yoga to Children with Diverse Abilities” here:
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