GOYA-CCYS Standards

Understanding anatomy and physiology is paramount in a children's yoga teacher training. Children's bodies are in a dynamic state of growth and development, distinct from adults in both structure and function. A deep knowledge of anatomy and physiology equips teachers with insights into the physical capacities and limitations of younger practitioners, ensuring that poses and sequences are taught safely, appropriately, and in alignment with developmental stages. Moreover, this knowledge fosters an awareness of how yoga can support various physiological processes, from enhancing neuromuscular coordination to promoting healthy respiratory patterns. For teachers, it's not just about teaching postures; it's about nurturing a child's holistic development, respecting their unique anatomical needs, and laying a foundation for lifelong wellness.

Purpose:

This curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of how yoga can be specifically adapted and applied to children's unique physiological needs, ensuring that teachers are well-equipped to offer safe and effective teachings.

Required:

Curriculum must be focused on the following for age ranges: 3-17.

Curriculum:

Schools have the discretion to select and tailor topics that best reflect their unique expertise and philosophical approach, while also having the flexibility to incorporate additional subjects as they see fit.

The following topics are strongly recommended for inclusion in the curriculum:

• Basic Anatomy and Growth Patterns
  Overview of the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, and nervous systems.
  Understanding growth plates and their significance in children's yoga.
  The developmental stages of bone and muscle growth.
  
• Neuromuscular Development
  Coordination and balance as related to age.
  Motor skill development and refinement in children.
  
• Respiratory System in Children
  The differences between children's and adults' respiratory systems.
  Breathing exercises tailored for children to enhance lung capacity and calmness.
  
• Flexibility and Strength in Children
  Understanding the elasticity of children's muscles and ligaments.
  Safe ways to build strength without overloading young joints.
  
• Yoga for Special Needs
  How yoga can benefit children with various physical and neurological conditions.
  Tailoring practices to support kids with ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorder, and more.
  
• Impact of Yoga on Brain Development
  Exploring how yoga and mindfulness can influence neural pathways and cognitive functions.
  Techniques to enhance focus, memory, and emotional regulation.
  
• Physiological Responses to Stress
  Understanding the stress response in children and how yoga can modulate it.
  Techniques for relaxation and anxiety reduction tailored for young practitioners.
  
• Digestive and Immune Systems
  Overview of these systems and their importance in children's well-being.
  Yoga practices to support digestion and boost immunity.
  
• Adolescent Anatomy and Physiology
  Addressing the unique needs of pre-teens and teens, including hormonal changes and growth spurts.
  Techniques to support self-esteem, body image, and emotional well-being during adolescence.
  
• Safety and Precautions
  Recognizing the signs of overstretching or strain in children.
  Techniques to ensure safe practice, considering children's unique anatomy and development.
  

Understanding childhood developmental stages, especially from ages 3-17, is crucial for anyone aspiring to teach yoga to children. Each developmental stage signifies unique cognitive, physical, social, and emotional milestones that children pass through as they grow. It allows teachers to meet children where they are, offering them tools and insights that resonate with their current life stage, making the yoga journey more meaningful and transformative for them. Recognizing these stages enables a yoga teacher to align their teaching methods with the evolving capacities and needs of their young students.

Purpose:

This curriculum provides understanding of developmental stages ensures that children's yoga instruction is both age-appropriate and impactful. Curriculum must be focused on the following for age ranges: 3-17.

Required:

Curriculum must be focused on the following for age ranges: 3-17.

Curriculum:

Schools have the discretion to select and tailor topics that best reflect their unique expertise and philosophical approach, while also having the flexibility to incorporate additional subjects as they see fit.

The following topics are strongly recommended for inclusion in the curriculum:

• Introduction to Developmental Psychology
  Basic concepts and principles.
  Major theories: Piaget's Cognitive Development, Erikson's Psychosocial Stages, etc.
  
• Early Childhood (Ages 3-6)
  Cognitive: Introduction to symbolic thinking, basic reasoning.
  Physical: Gross and fine motor skills, body awareness.
  Emotional: Attachment, separation anxiety, understanding of self.
  Social: Play patterns, interaction with peers, and learning cooperation.
  
• Middle Childhood (Ages 7-10)
  Cognitive: Concrete operational thought, basic problem-solving.
  Physical: Refinement of motor skills, strength, and flexibility variations.
  Emotional: Developing self-concept, mastery of skills.
  Social: Friendships, peer groups, and basic group dynamics.
  
• Pre-Adolescence (Ages 11-13)
  Cognitive: Beginning of abstract thought, metacognition.
  Physical: Onset of puberty, rapid growth, body image issues.
  Emotional: Search for identity, increased emotional swings.
  Social: Peer pressure, desire for independence, and the importance of peer acceptance.
  
• Adolescence (Ages 14-17)
  Cognitive: Formal operational thought, critical thinking, future planning.
  Physical: Continuation of puberty, self-consciousness about body changes.
  Emotional: Identity versus role confusion, self-exploration.
  Social: Forming deeper relationships, confronting social and academic pressures.
  
• Special Needs Considerations
  Tailoring yoga sessions for children with developmental delays, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, etc.
  
• Yoga Techniques for Different Developmental Stages
  Age-appropriate asanas, breathing exercises, and meditations.
  Storytelling yoga, games, and activities tailored to developmental milestones.
  
• Addressing Challenges Through Yoga
  Techniques for bolstering self-esteem, combating anxiety, and fostering resilience.
  Yoga for dealing with bullying, academic stress, or family dynamics.
  
• Cultural, Socioeconomic, and Gender Considerations
  Recognizing and respecting differences in children's upbringing and environment.
  
• Safety and Boundaries
  Ensuring physical safety in poses considering growing bodies.
  Emotional and psychological safety, respecting individual boundaries.
  

Philosophy & Ethics are integral components of a children's yoga teacher program because they lay the foundation for imparting values, fostering self-awareness, and cultivating a deeper understanding of one's relationship with the world. In the context of children, introducing philosophical concepts and ethical principles adapted to their level can nurture critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and a sense of responsibility. These teachings go beyond mere physical postures, infusing the young practitioner's journey with lessons of compassion, integrity, and respect — qualities that will guide them both on and off the mat, molding them into conscientious and mindful individuals in the broader tapestry of life.

Yoga Studies: Philosophy & Ethics

Purpose:

By integrating these elements into the curriculum, children's yoga teachers can ensure that their young students are receiving not just the physical benefits of yoga but also the deeper, transformative insights that can shape their character and world-view.

Curriculum:

Schools have the discretion to select and tailor topics that best reflect their unique expertise and philosophical approach, while also having the flexibility to incorporate additional subjects as they see fit.

The following topics are strongly recommended for inclusion in the curriculum:

In children's yoga teacher training, the inclusion of asana technique, methodology, and teaching is paramount because it ensures that teachers are equipped to deliver age-appropriate, safe, and engaging yoga sessions. Children, with their unique developmental stages, necessitate a tailored approach that balances playfulness with structure. Proper technique ensures the physical well-being of the child, while effective teaching methodologies ensure that the essence of yoga is conveyed in a manner that resonates with their cognitive and emotional stages. Integrating these elements is vital not only for the child's physical development but also for fostering mindfulness, concentration, and a lifelong love for the practice of yoga.

Asana: Teaching Methodology & Techniques

Purpose:

This portion of the curriculum is designed to offer trainees a comprehensive understanding of how to teach yoga to children, taking into account their physical, emotional, and cognitive development stages. 

Required:

A minimum of 15 children's asana are required to be taught in a Children's Yoga Teacher Training.

Curriculum:

Schools have the discretion to select and tailor topics that best reflect their unique expertise and philosophical approach, while also having the flexibility to incorporate additional subjects as they see fit.

The following topics are strongly recommended for inclusion in the curriculum:

While the significance of practice teaching is universally acknowledged, the way in which they are integrated into the training curriculum may vary from one school to another. Schools are granted the autonomy to tailor these practices based on their philosophy, resources, and the specific needs of their trainee cohort. This flexibility ensures that the teaching methodologies remain organic, innovative, and resonate with the unique ethos of each institution.

This curriculum component ensures that yoga teachers emerge not just as instructors of poses but as guides, mentors, and lifelong students of this ancient practice.  As each school navigates this journey, their discretion in integrating this component ensures that the essence of yoga remains fluid, vibrant, and ever-evolving.

The manner in which content is delivered can take various forms, either being a singular approach or an amalgamation of multiple methods, ensuring versatility and adaptability for diverse learning preferences.  This inclusive model ensures that all students can engage and benefit, irrespective of their circumstances. Additionally, it offers schools an economical method for content distribution, reducing conventional financial barriers and broadening the spectrum of available choices.

From hybrid learning models that combine both online and in-person sessions, to entirely face-to-face environments, and even to fully on-demand digital platforms, our experience post-pandemic has shown that each of these methods is effective. The mode of delivery does not compromise the program's quality. Rather, it offers flexibility and caters to diverse learning preferences, ensuring that the essence of the curriculum remains robust and impactful, regardless of the medium.