|
I have taught yoga to my daughter’s Grade 2 class in the past and I was there again this week to lead them in yoga during their gym class. We were all sitting in a circle and I asked them if they had liked the yoga class last time. Some people said yes, some said no.
I asked them to raise their hands if they liked yoga, and all of the hands of the girls went up. I asked them to raise their hands if they didn’t like yoga, and all of the boys’ hands went up. I said that we were going to do yoga together anyways and proceeded with the class. Both boys and girls participated equally and messed around equally. Even though they said they liked it or didn’t, it wasn’t reflected in how they participated in the class. When we got to a seated move with the feet together I normally call “the Butterfly,” the boys started to look bored. Remembering what they had told me earlier on, I said we could call it “the Pterodactyl” and all of the boys looked excited and got more into the movement and the girls got mad. I said they could call it the butterfly and the boys could call it the pterodactyl. The level of participation went up on both sides and they started calling out requests – a boy wanted the Lion, a girl wanted a Pigeon – they were involved and excited. I had a lot of fun and look forward to being with them in yoga again soon! Copyright Jamine Ackert |
