Objectives
We developed the S.T.A.R. program for Children at Yoga Mandala in 2003 as a way of introducing children to the art of self-respect and social responsibility. S.T.A.R. stands for Success Through Accepting Responsibility and is demonstrated through the following actions:
• Stop
• Think
• Act
• Respond
S.T.A.R. is designed to encourage our students to:
• Take responsibility for his or her actions (this includes class attendance, timeliness & behavior in and out of the yoga studio,etc.).
• To approach and resolve conflicts with understanding and self-control.
• Develop and improve self-confidence, self-esteem, and positive attitudes.
• Set and achieve realistic goals.
The S.T.A.R. program has been integrated into a systematic method of teaching the core value of yoga to our students. We also use S.T.A.R. to show yoginis how yoga can be applied to day-to-day living (we encourage parents to ask their children about the topics covered weekly in class to engage them in discourse).
Each class includes a quiet period of seated meditation (5 minutes), physical action (35 minutes); focus on breath & relaxation (5 minutes); satsung, or open circle discussion based on session theme (10 minutes); a closing or dedication; and cleaning up of personal space (5 minutes). Each 10-week yoga session explores a particular theme in-depth and how to integrate it into our day-to-day lives, At the end of each 10-week session your child will receive a colored sash, symbolic of their participation and personal growth over the course of the program.
Themes include:
• SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (Respect for others) – yamas;
• RESPONSIBILITY TO OURSELVES (Self-Respect) – niyamas;
• RESPECT FOR OUR BODIES & HEALTH – basic nutrition; basic bone & muscle anatomy; anatomy of movement, or asana; anatomy of a yoga class &
<sequencing-kids will design their own class!
• ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY (How to help our planet);
• BEAUTIFUL BREATHING – pranayama: techniques for reducing anxiety, hyperactivity, depression, insomnia, anger
• COMMUNICATION – drawing (mandalas), writing (meditations), storytelling (based on Indian mythology), dialog & direction – kids will have the opportunity to <direct part of each class.
• DEVELOPING CONCENTRATION – hand & eye mudras; chanting; meditations – children will create their own meditations.
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