namaste kids

Namaste KidsYoga for kids with special needs

By:Anna Marisol V. Rueda

What’s in the name?“Namaste” is a customary Hindu greeting upon meeting or departure. It is a Sanskrit word meaning “I bow down to you” and it is a gesture of respect usually spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together like in prayer.

Why choose the program?Numerous studies have been conducted about the effect of yoga to children with special needs such as ADHD, emotional and behavioral problems, autism, mental retardation and Down’s syndrome. These studies showed improvement not only in physiological aspect but as well as socio-emotional and behavioral. Some of the results of yoga practice include improvement

Why choose the program?in focus and concentration, better sleep pattern, eating habits, social adaptation, coordination and good academic performance.1

Namaste Kids is inspired by these studies. It is a multi-level yoga program to provide an alternative therapy for children with various disabilities.

I. ClienteleAdmission

- boys and girls aged 4 – 10 years old with ADHD, mild autism and mild to moderate MR

II. Curriculum Goals

MissionTo provide a comprehensive therapeutic program to children with special needs through yoga practice


VisionFor children with special needs to increase their awareness of the body and mind and improve bodily strength through yoga techniques such as pranayama (breathing) and asanas (poses) which can help them improve focus and concentration


Course ObjectivesA. General ObjectivesFor children with special needs to develop a

lifelong yoga practice to help improve their overall socio-emotional, behavioral and physiological health


Course ObjectivesB. Specific Objectives

1) To help children with special needs improve focus and concentration through mindful yoga practice

II. Curriculum GoalsCourse Objectives

B. Specific Objectives2) To provide children with techniques to

manage stressful situations through different breathing practice

3) To foster a well-balanced physical development (strength, flexibility, balance, motor skills, breathing)

II. Curriculum GoalsCourse Objectives

B. Specific Objectives

4) To provide opportunities for children with special needs to socialize through group classes

III. Philosophical Framework

Namaste Kids will follow the Sonia Sumar Method™. Sonia Sumar is an internationally-acclaimed yoga teacher for children with special needs. Her method is used by an international program called Yoga for the Special Child


help babies and children with cerebral palsy, Down’s Syndrome, autism, ADHD and learning disabilities. The method is an integration of traditional yoga practice with modern techniques to accommodate the special needs


of children such as the use of props and blocks, guided imagery and manual guidance in the movements, and coordination of age and developmentally appropriate breathing techniques and asanas (poses) to improve

III. Philosophical Frameworkrespiratory function, focus and concentration. The breathing and sound work such as the Ocean Breathe are also adapted.2 It also addresses the social problems of children with special needs since yoga classes are often in groups and provides an opportunity


to the children to socialize, relate and communicate with each other. In addition, children learn how to listen, follow instructions and manage emotions.

IV. Curriculum ContentThe program is divided into 2 categories according to the students chronological age: the Yogi Babies for children 4-7 years old and Yogeens for 8-10 years old. The rationale for these subcategories is to target same age group for their play and socialization.

IV. Curriculum ContentYogi Babies (40 hours)

Integrative play (5 hours)Breathing exercises (5 hours)

Basic Yoga 1 (20 hours)Basic Yoga 2 (20 hours)

Practicing yoga

IV. Curriculum ContentYogeens (65 hours)

Being mindful (10 hours)Breathe in, breathe out (5 hours)

I Am Strong (10 hours)Basic Yoga 1 (20 hours)Basic Yoga 2 (20 hours)

Intermediate/Practicing Yoga

V. Evaluation

Each program will be evaluated through Authentic and Formative assessments. Use of rubrics and checklists will be utilized to evaluate the progress of the students.

VI. Learning Environmenta. Teaching methods

- Kinesthetic and Auditory- modeling- meditative

b. Teaching materials- mats, props (blocks, ropes, stretch bar)- meditative music- age-appropriate toys

VI. Learning Environmentc. Class size

- small group (1 teacher: 3-5 students)

d. Time allotment- 1 hour a day

VI. Learning Environmente. Venue

Yoga practice is both physical and meditative in nature. An environment which will provide solemnity to the practice is necessary. Since the students also have problems on focus and concentration, it should ensure that the practice area is free from any distractions.

VI. Learning EnvironmentThus, a plain, simple and quiet space with enough room to accommodate the students. It should be well-lighted and well-ventilated. Since the practice focuses on breathing, natural ventilation is a priority.

VI. Learning EnvironmentTo provide accessibility to the students, the studio should be in a ground floor of the building.

namaste kids

Education