Guided Relaxation

 Most classes have regular 10-15 minute Guided Relaxations. They sit comfortably on their chairs and start with a mindful breathing exercise. Their teacher then talks them through an imaginary journey whereby they go to a magical garden and enjoy being surrounded by nature.  The aim is just to be still and to enjoy the feeling of having a total break from activity, both physical and mental.

Most children start off being quite fidgety or unable to close their eyes longer than just a few seconds. Gradually, they learn to relax and trust their environment and themselves enough to keep their eyes closed for the duration of the relaxation.

Quite a few children tell us they are now able to go ‘to their garden’ by themselves, when they feel they need some time-out! In this age of non-stop communication, visual stimulation and electronic demands on everyone’s attention, it is invaluable to learn to be still … and do nothing occasionally.

Yoga

Children will be practising breathing exercises and Yoga poses as part of P.E. lessons and mindful moments in the classroom.  Numerous studies have shown that Yoga can have huge benefits to children’s and adult’s physical and mental health.

• Increased focus
• Improved self-esteem
• Increased sense of calm
• Flexibility, balance and improved circulation
• Awareness of the mind-body connection