Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco

Children's Teacher Training

"Health not disease, is our birthright. Strength, not weakness, is our heritage. Courage, but not fear. Peace, but not restlessness. Knowledge, but not ignorance. Bliss, but not sorrow. Certainly we all want our children to realize and appreciate their heritage and birthright. Children come into this world very pure and it is up to the adults to help them stay bright, strong, and healthy."

- Sri Swami Satchidananda

Program Description:
This in-depth study of teaching Yoga to children is an advanced training suitable for Yoga teachers from all lineages.

Children learn by modeling the behavior of adults and other children. Leading a Yoga class for children is not so much about teaching yoga but about sharing, inspiring, and uplifting play. Children benefit greatly from the joy of moving their bodies in creative non-competitive ways, and learning how to truly relax allows children to better face the challenges of our modern lifestyles. By providing engaging activities that are accessible to children, you can help children build the kind of self-esteem that is rooted in who we are rather then what we can do.

In the training we will cover age appropriate practices for centering, asana, relaxation/yoga nidra, pranayama, meditation, and chanting/sound vibration. This training prepares Yoga teachers to share the beautiful teachings of Yoga with children of all ages. This course will cover how to share all the aspects of an Integral Yoga class, incorporating all the paths of Yoga - Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga.

Also included will be:
Teaching skills to engage different developmental stages
Yoga Games
Storytelling
Creating content and using themes
Raja Yoga for kids - ethical and spiritual training
Anatomy of children’s Hatha Yoga

Dates: September 16 – October 14, 2008.

Time: Tuesdays 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm and Sundays 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Tuition: $800, or $750 for active SFIYI teachers.

Yoga Alliance Hours: 50.

Information: Please read the answers to Frequently Asked Questions, or call

Contact: Rev. Jivana Heyman, Director of Teacher Training, (415) 821-1117 ext.375, training@IntegralYogaSF.org.