The yoga program that is described here follows a series of stages that progress according to the child's abilities. The program is applied to the individual child based upon the initial evaluation and the child's needs and, therefore, begins with the stage that is most appropriate for the child. An older child would most likely begin with the Interactive or Imitative stage. Once the child is capable of independently performing most of the asanas in her or his yoga routine, the child no longer needs individual lessons and may begin practicing yoga in a group format.
Preparatory Stage (approximately birth - 6 months) - Designed to prepare the infant/child for the practice of asanas. The infant/child is passive in this stage. The therapist provides range of motion (stretching) exercises to improve muscle tone as well as additional postures and activities that help circulation, relieve gas, colic and constipation, and induce relaxation. A few moments of deep relaxation ends the session.
Inductive Stage (approximately 6 - 12 months) - May include exercises from the preparatory stage, depending upon the needs of the infant/child. Additionally, the preliminary form of basic asanas are begun. The therapist begins to perform exercises with minimal active participation from the infant/child that strengthen muscles. In addition to the benefits derived from the preparatory stage, more benefit can be gained for the organs and glands. A few moments of deep relaxation ends the session.
Interactive Stage (approximately 1 - 2 years) - The child begins to independently perform some movements that comprise an asana. During this stage the child will achieve the ability to perform some asanas without assistance, if physically possible. As the child masters more asanas, more benefit is derived. A few moments of deep relaxation ends the session.
Imitative Stage (approximately 2 - 3 years) - To participate in this stage, the child must have the cognitive and motor skills to understand and imitate movement. The child will learn a variety of asanas that he or she can perform independently. At this stage, the session will begin with singing, which teaches turn taking and imitation, and involves tempo, volume, breathing and pitch. There are also breathing exercises which help to calm and increase attention. A gazing/focusing exercise which helps concentration is also introduced. A few moments of deep relaxation ends the session.