Summer is over? Already? Time for Fall!

I have not been very active on this blog (that includes updating my schedule).  Please visit my Business Page for Facebook: Lauren Young Yoga for up to date information!  I post regularly over there.  You an also find a link to that Facebook page to the right of your screen!

Past:
Last week finished the Nashua YMCA's summer schedule.  What a wonderful summer it was with all of my little yogi and yoginis!

I enjoyed teaching kids & family yoga at the Rodgers Memorial Library!  I was able to teach two classes a few times over the summer.  The first class was aimed towards kids 3-6 years old and the second for kids 7-12 years old.  I had such a blast!

Lastly, I taught 3 Family Yoga classes at Banyan Tree Yoga!  For those of you who do not know, this is the Yoga studio that I fell in love with in the Nashua area.  I'm currently half way through my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training to become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) for adults!  We also have Kids Yoga scheduled as a specialty class randomly through out the year.  Please keep checking my schedule for updates! 

This summer I took two courses at ChildLight Yoga in Dover, NH to become certified in: Tween & Teen Yoga and Teens and Adults with Special Needs!  I am so excited to be able to teach these populations!  Keep on the look out for some new classes to be scheduled!

I'm over half way through my courses to become a Registered Child Yoga Teacher (RYT-95)!  The requirement is to become a RYT-200 and finish 95 hours of Child/Teen related yoga programs.  I will be attending the certification course in November to learn how to teach babies and toddlers yoga and my last course will be the Advanced Child Yoga course! 

This new career path has meshed so well with my previous career.  I am the happiest that I've been and so excited to share Yoga with so many different children, teens, adults, families, and other special populations!

Present: 

Starting Thursday, 9/1/16, I'll be teaching a Kids Yoga class at the Nashua YMCA for their fall schedule.  No registration required.  Must be a YMCA member.  Child must be in 2nd grade or ages 7-12 years old.  Class is every Thursday from 4:30-5:25 pm in Studio B.  I hope to see you there!

What is better than Yoga AND your local public library? Nothing!

Residents of Hudson, NH and members of George H. and Ella M. Rodgers Memorial Library!

Lauren Young Yoga will be teaching a few FREE classes this summer as part of the Children's Summer Program at Rodgers Memorial Library Children's Room! Registration is required and opens on Monday 6/13/16. You can register online or in person!

Free Yoga Summer Schedule:

Monday July 11, 2016:

9:30-10:15 am: 3-6 year old, Kids Yoga

10:30-11:30 am: 7-11 year old, Kids Yoga

Monday August 1, 2016:

9:30-10:15 am: 3-6 year old, Kids Yoga

10:30-11:30 am: 7-11 year old, Kids Yoga

Monday August 15, 2016:

9:30-10:30 am- Connect & Bond, Kids ages 7-11 and an Adult or 2,

Family Yoga.

http://events.rodgerslibrary.org/calendar/community

STEAM club and Low Self Esteem in Pre Teen Boys & Girls.

Last night I was lucky enough to be a Special Guest for my local Library's STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Club for children 9-13 years old.  I presented information on the Brain and nervous system and how stress affects both of those systems.

I shared information from a Peer Reviewed Journal that stated Yoga affects both of those systems and in tern, decreases stress in Children (teens and adults). 

After presenting the information, I told the kids that we would be learning about and practicing yoga.  The first thing I heard by a girl in 4th grade was, "I'm so bad at yoga, I can't do it!"  I asked her if it was okay to share with the group what she said (she said it quietly, so I'm not sure they all heard her).  She said it was okay.  I repeated what she said and told the kids that this is something I actually hear a lot.  What the girl was referencing wasn't Yoga so much, but was Asanas- which is just one part of Yoga.  It's when we make shapes with our bodies.  I then explained the other parts of yoga that we will practice. 

The different elements of Yoga that I was speaking of are:

• Asanas- various poses of the physical body
• Pranayama- various regulated breathing techniques
• Mudra- various hand gestures
• Meditation/Visualization- Learning to be still and relax, visualize something as if you are watching a movie in your head

I started the lesson by explaining mudras.  I let the kids know that there is no documented origin of mudras, but all cultures have practiced them for as long as we know.  Some examples of mudras that we use every day are: clapping, waving, thumbs up, okay symbol, and shaking hands.  I taught them two mudras that are used to decrease stress. 

We then moved onto regulated breathing.  The kids were taught four different breaths that they can use to calm themselves and decrease stress.  We talked about which breath has the best effect and that not all breaths work the same for everyone- so choose which one works the best for you.

For asana work, we used pose cards and each taught each other the different poses.  I kept an eye on the girl who said she couldn't do Yoga, and she tried every single pose!  We later moved onto partner poses and ended in a visualization activity.

After our group Yoga class, the STEAM club went back to the children's room to work on a craft.  I made my rounds to the different tables and asked each group what they though of the Yoga class. The little girl who "couldn't do yoga" was so excited.  She couldn't wait to show her aunt and her friends mom the partner poses we learned.  One 7th grade boy connected some of the poses to one of his gymnastic classes.

ALL OF THE BOYS (5 OF THEM) ENJOYED THEMSELVES!

I wasn't surprised at all, but it's still portrayed as something girls do.  One of the boys- around 11 or 12 years old said to me, "I'm really surprised how well I did.  I didn't think I would be able to do it because I'm not flexible, because I'm so fat."  My heart sank!  This awesome little kit, who was by no means "fat" probably would have never tried Yoga because of his negative body image.  I told him that he wasn't fat and he was like, yeah yeah... I know I am.  I told him that Yoga is for everybody and even if you aren't "great" at a certain pose, you practice and get better at it every day.

It sort of broke my heart hearing that he thought he was fat and therefor wouldn't be good at something.  This is another reason why I want to spread Yoga to all children.  It builds confidence and positive self image- who doesn't need that?  Children as such a tender age need it the most!

Family Yoga at the Lake- Private Session

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting a friend and her two girls (ages 8 & 9) at their new Lake House in New Hampshire.  The girls haven't practice Yoga before and we thought it would be fun to practice outside in front of the beautiful lake! 

It was a bit of an informal session.  We went over the breath work while sitting around the kitchen table in side.  It was interesting because right before I got there, the little one was having a rough day and having a bit of a meltdown.  We went over the different breaths for when you are angry, need to settle down from having too much energy, and are sad and need to refocus yourself.  After teaching and practicing the breaths, I checked in to see how they were feeling.  The oldest flopped down on the floor with her eyes closed in a relaxed slump.  I told her, "that's exactly what it's supposed to make you feel like!"  Then I told them how I felt (after practicing and modeling with them), "my shoulders are really light and I feel a bit sleepy.  I could probably lay down right now and feel completely calm."

After practicing breath-work, songs, and showing my magic mist (lavender essential oil and water)- we were off to the backyard to practice asanas.

It feels so great to see children be patient and listen to the directions.  They try the pose and if they do it, there is so much excitement and feelings of accomplishment.  If they don't do the pose right away, they keep trying! I take the time to model and show them step by step the set up and how the pose is supposed to feel with some gentle adjustments.

If you look close at the photos, you can see the girls looking at me to make sure they are hearing the directions correctly.  They are also looking at each other and it's pushing them to work together!  I loved every minute of this session!

Housekeeping! Updated schedule of Yoga classes, Contact Information, and Summer trainings for Lauren

 Housekeeping!

• Please see the page on the top of the blog labeled "Schedule of Kids Yoga Classes & Contact Information" for the most up to date classes for Lauren Young! 

• You can also find information on her Facebook Page, "Lauren Young Yoga."  You can click the link on the right of the blog for up to date information!

• Lauren has a lot of great things coming up!  She will be teaching Kids Yoga at various places in Southern, NH this summer for children of all ages and families!  

• May 15, 2016, Lauren starts her training to become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), 200 hours!  She will be attending classes through Banyan Tree Yoga in Nashua, NH ,which is part of the Yoga NH program!  In December 2016, Lauren will become Registered by the organization Yoga Alliance and will be able to teach adult Yoga classes!  

• July 2016, Lauren will be attending classes in beautiful Dover, NH at Child Light Yoga studios to attend two courses.  By August, she should become certified to teach Teen Yoga (13-18 year old) and Teens & Adults with Disabilities. 

Nashua, NH! Kids' Summer Series at Banyan Tree Yoga studio! 6 week session, June 23-July 28, 2016

As events are scheduled, they will be posted on my blog.  This summer, I will be teaching a 6 week series for children ages 6-12! The class will be held on Thursdays from 11-12 pm, from June 23-July 28, 2016.  Registration will be made through Banyan Tree Yoga's website under "Workshops & Specialty Classes."  

I can't wait to teach at this studio.  It is so beautiful with hardwood floors and big windows.  We also have access to Mine Falls Park and will probably practice yoga outdoors!

Please follow the link for registration: Lauren Young's Kids summer series at Banyan Tree Yoga

International Kids Yoga Day!

Friday April 8, 2016 is the First Annual International Kids Yoga day!

At 11 am, Kids around the world in classrooms, parks, daycare, and home will be participating in 5 minutes of yoga!  What a great idea!  I wish I heard about this earlier.  I would have made sure I got myself into a classroom at 11 am to teach some wondering breath word and poses!  Next year I'll make sure I'll be in a classroom helping out!

If you have a child, please think of stopping whatever you're doing at 11 am and doing 5 minutes of yoga with them!  There are a lot of great videos on You Tube if you search "Child Yoga" or "Kids Yoga"  you might even try "Kids Yoga breath work"  Unlike adult yoga, the names are "lions breath, bubble breath, bumble bee breath, conductors breath, flying breath"... actually- those might be great ideas to google before 11 if you can! 

Have a great day on Friday!  I'll be getting my certification in First Aid/CPR for adults and infants/AED training!  Safety first!

For more information on Kids Yoga Day, please visit their website

Big news in the Nashua, NH area for Summer 2016! Please help me by filling out this quick poll!

Big news coming up! If you are a local family (in driving distance to Nashua, NH), please fill out this quick survey! This will help me with summer plans! *Disclaimer- the photo is not of me, we will however be doing that activity! 

https://poll.fbapp.io/kids-yoga-summer-schedule-what-do-you-prefer

Where do I find the different pages?

To the right of the blog, there will be different pages listed.  I just added the sample of my consent/ Release of Liability Waiver form on it's own separate page! You will find different pages there over time that share my resume, pricing, and other things.

I will be using the blog to share great articles that I find, events that I'm participating in and/or created, and any other information and news that I come across!

I will leave you with a great article and fun craft project that is great for mindfulness in children!  This can be a great activity to do with your children to create calmness and help them develop a way to express emotions and feelings.

How to Create a Glitter Jar for Kids from mindful.org

About Lauren Young!

A little bit about me...

I began my journey with Yoga in 2006 in Austin, TX.  I wanted something to relax me, challenge me, make me stronger, and ease my adult worried mind. I found Yoga and fell in love.

Fast forward to January 2016- I found a training program not far from me that certified educators (or anyone who worked with children and wanted to learn) as a Basic Yoga Teacher for Children ages 2-12.  Knowing what Yoga brought to my life, it seemed that Yoga for Children would be the perfect fit for what I was looking to accomplish as an Educator.

I fell in love and after teaching community classes, I became certified.  I incorporate games, music, yoga poses, mindful meditation, visualization, arts and crafts, magic mist (water and essential oil), and children's literature into my teaching.

I plan on attending the Teen Yoga Teacher training and Teen and Adults with Special Needs Teacher Training this summer to become certified in those areas.

Not only does Child Yoga fascinate me, but Yoga for adults does as well!  Knowing what Yoga has brought to my life encouraged me to start a new journey.  In May 2016, I begin a Yoga Teacher Training program that will lead to me to become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)-200 hours by Yoga Alliance. 

 I have worked with children, pretty much all of my life!  I remember babysitting my neighbors when I was around 10 years old and once able to work a "real" job, I became an after school counselor at the local YMCA.

I worked in various non-profit organizations with children through and after college.  I graduated with my BA in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire-Durham in 2002.  Soon after I made my way to Austin, TX!  That is where I received my teaching certificate in Special Education (K-12), Elementary Education (K-6), and English as a Second Language (K-12).

I taught as a Special Educator in a public school in Texas for students with multiple disabilities.  I LOVED it!  I decided at that point to further my education in the area of Elementary Education and Reading.  While working as a long term substitute teacher as an interventionist, a math tutor, a diagnostician at a tutoring company, and a library assist- I received my Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in 2011.

I am now a certified teacher in the State of New Hampshire for the above areas.  While working as a Special Educator in the public school, I realized there is an enormous need for programs that focus on: social skills, performance anxiety, depression, PTSD, sensory processing, body awareness, and overall confidence building for children.

I would love to share this passion with you and your children.  Please contact me with any questions @ lauren.scire.young@gmail.com! I am also a Young Living Essential Oil distributer.  Contact me if you have any questions regarding oils as well!