YES - YOGA FOR KIDS

Priceville, Ontario, Canada
By Nilmini

I began teaching yoga classes for kids in the elementary school where I teach in Collingwood. Ontario. The classes began as a regular part of the physical education program but due to popular demand I formed a yoga club and children from grades 2 to 6 participate in the program. Children with autism, Downs Syndrome and Spin bifida are an important part of our club. The high needs children have educational assistants that work with them who help me to understand the children’s strengths and vulnerabilities. I spend a lot of time on deep breathing because all the students lack the ability to do this. We always begin our classes with a short meditation. This is difficult for most of the students; however, I continue to encourage them to find that quiet place deep inside them. There is one particular student with Downs Syndrome who loves to sing Baba Nam Kevalam. He sings it at the top of his lungs. Now, whenever he sees me in the hallways of the school he breaks out singing Baba Nam Kevalam.

 
 
STUVOL
 
ABC - Anti-Bullying Campaign
Anti-bullying campaign is a project of CNS in Karlovac schools. (In some parts of the
world, bullying is a problem among young people in school, the bully being a person who is habitually cruel or overbearing, especially to smaller or weaker children.) We have printed promotion material (leaflet, posters, T-shirts, hats). We gave workshops in communication skills, responsibility and conflict resolution. A roundtable was held in Grabrik Primary School with the director, a UNICEF worker and representatives of all the five primary schools of Karlovac and community workers. One group of trained students of Grabrik school prepared their
own presentation with drama and powerpoint for their whole school. This project received funding from the National Foundation. We hope to carry on with this project as it is very much needed and appreciated.

Peers and Helpers
Peers and Helpers is another project of integration of school children with children with special needs. Through workshops and activities children from regular schools and special schools exchange and interact. This project aims at helping children develop their self-esteem, service spirit and friendship.
YES – STUVOL – SPROUT – ELF
NHE Teachers: Please share your classroom and community activities in these areas for the next issue.