(c) Can Stock Photo / Choreograph
Whenever we speak about the yoga we do not become taciturn about telling how beneficial yoga is. We can be sure that you have read a lot about its advantages and positive effects that it may have. Now, we are going to speak about the yoga for children with special needs. If you are a yoga teacher or someone who has to deal with a child with special needs these points will help you organize the yoga practice in a more effective way.
Stay open to changes
If you are a yoga teacher, then start with creating a plan. Make sure you are organizing everything as you would do for the other children. However, in this case all you have to do is staying open for sudden changes. Be as open and changeable as possible, do not get concentrated on your scheduled. Do not stick to the idea that you have to manage all of the poses: keep calm and do however the lesson tells it should go. With the help of changing this or that pose you will make the whole class more fun and enjoyable, children will really get pleasure from it.
The physical limitations of your students are important
Before starting the practice learn about the physical limitations of your students. You can learn this by asking to their doctors or caregivers. Let them tell you which movements especially are limits for them and from which ones they should escape. This will help you escape further difficulties. Also, learn the movements which are not limited, but need assistance while practicing and make sure you are there with them, while doing this or that pose.
Become happy from the small things
This is not something you are obliged to do. However, we think that everyone who starts working with the children with special needs would become happy with the small changes they make. Just in case you forget to say about that and express your happiness, we are here to remind you: the energy and motivation you give them is important. So, don’t forget to give them that support.
Use visuals as a help
If you feel like words are not enough, not hearable etc., make sure you use some visual effects. Post some pictures on the walls. Another option is using audio or videos. With every child with a special need you can decide which one to choose and to which one give a go.
Let them tell their opinion
Whenever the class finishes, let them tell what they feel about the class. Ask them various questions not to hear the same “it was good” answer. On the contrary, with this point your goal will be asking and knowing what is bad. How it feels for them? Which changes do they need to be taken? Are they happy and satisfied? Do they feel like they are treated specially? Would they like to be treated specially or not? Are they coming to the practices being forced or because they are really enjoying it? This questions will help you a great deal. They will let you understand what they feel and what you need to change for them to feel better. In this case, remember about the first point and stay open to changes. Make all of the possible changes and ask again and again about the feedback. If you do this right with every day and week you will see the difference and know how their feelings are changed every day.
Those are really helpful tips for everyone who are working with the children with special needs. All you need to do is continuing enjoying your job of sharing and giving. And yes, one more thing: becoming happy from the fact that you are making other people and their parents, their relatives happy as well. We wish you a good luck in this. Namaste!
