Yoga For Children: A Complete Illustrated Guide To Yoga

by Swati Chanchani, Chandhani, Rajiv Chanchani

As yoga becomes more popular throughout the world, there is a pressing need for a good book on Yoga for children, which is authoritative, appealing, informative and enjoyable. Yoga For Children fulfills this need admirably. It traces the roots of Yoga in mythology and legend, and includes many stories and tales bringing out the quality of, and inspiration for, the postures. It also stresses the links of the postures to the natural world - trees, mountains, flowers, animals. The book lays emphasis on the universal moral and ethical values implicit in the practice of Yoga such as non-violence, truth, self-discipline, simplicity and contentment. Besides, it highlights the geometrical forms and precision in the postures, so that children can relate to these abstract concepts through what they have learnt in their body movements. Each Yoga posture is explained through photographs, drawings, stories and detailed instruction with figures illustrating several stages in performing the posture. Important 'dos and don'ts' and the benefits of each posture are also given. The highlight of the book is a detailed section meant for parents and teachers comprising specific guidance on keeping the children practising Yoga creatively, enjoyable and safely.

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 1997

Reviews

[Shubhada · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have book for aspiring yoga teachers- especially those who want to teach yoga to children.

Rajiv and Swati Chanchani- disciples of BKS Iyengar have thoughtfully unfolded the magic of teaching yoga to all children from small to the teenagers. They also explain how to subtly introduce the philosophy of yoga to the young minds through mythological stories from India. They unfold the secret of teaching yoga poses to children dynamically and at the same time making connection to their world- through nature.

The bonus features of the book are the chapters by Dr Geeta Iyengar. She endorsed that children’s yoga must be dynamic. And for that to happen the teacher has to be very proficient in her practice and in observing the students. She also insists not to limit the poses to easily attainable ones, as children get distracted and bored easily, they have to be kept curious and attentive. And they are not afraid to take risks, at the same time they have a natural self guarding intelligence present in them. So they don’t get injured very easily, as they will not do anything which will hurt them. And so the yoga teacher should take advantage of this tremendous strength to introduce difficult yoga poses as well.

“Aasanas are not merely physical movements. They have a far reaching impact on a growing child.”

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is essential reading for all would-be yoga teachers and parents who want to make yoga central to their child's well being and development. It's also a fantastic book for those who are yoga practitioners. The way in which the authors integrate the foundational philosophy and mythology for each pose with instructions on how to perform them correctly is sensational. I've been practicing yoga for seventeen years and I found the book a beautiful refresher course and quite inspirational, too. It's also, of course, an excellent guide for teaching as well as a collection of poses for one's own practice whether you're a beginner or experienced.

[Maricela · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an excellent book. Very useful.

[Ser Angelical · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro es maravilloso, no es solo para niños. Todo aquel que este iniciando su camino del yoga, esta es una perfecta herramienta para su retroalimentación.