Share Circles in Kids Yoga Classes
Jan 25, 2016
A simple question I like to ask kids at the end of class is, “What did you like about your yoga class today?” I ask for several reasons. One is knowing what they like allows me to better plan a practice they will enjoy. Another is that it helps all the kids in class to review what they did.
Another question I like to ask is how the kids will use what they learned in Yoga class during the upcoming week. These questions help them remember the class better and be more likely to try something at home before the next class. These questions form a section of class we call “Share Circle.”
In addition to asking a question about their practice, they may share a drawing they just created or a word that describes how they are feeling.
We call it a “Share Circle” because often we teach kids Yoga in a circle and because the tradition of sharing was most often done within a circle. It helps develop a sense of community in class and promotes a safe space where kids often are more willing and able to explore in a more collaborative environment. It also supports self-reflection and empathy.
Share circles work best with groups of 3 to 10 children. Any more and it can take too much time. If you do have a bigger class, and the kids are about 10 years old or older, they can break up into smaller groups and share amongst themselves. Then, come back together to share any highlights or ask questions.
Here are some tips for facilitating a Share Circle in your kids’ Yoga class…or in any group activity with children.
Be patient. Some children need time to get their thoughts together and communicate what they have to say. Others may be shy and reluctant to share.
Give choices. Never insist a child share. Ask if she would like a turn. If not, move on to the next child. You may want to go back and ask that child again at the end of the process. Maybe she just needed to watch others for a while to get comfortable with or better understand the process. If she says “No” a second time, keep it neutral and move on to the next activity.
Commit to the set time. Some kids will want to share…and share and share. Acknowledge this child by saying something like, “Wow! You have so much to share. I wish we had more time to hear all you have to say. Now it is Jeni’s turn.” And move on.
Trust the process. Don’t evaluate the experience or be seeking an outcome. This is something that may unfold over many weeks and sets the stage for sharing in general. I often have children approach me after class to share something more than they felt comfortable (or had time) to share in the group.
After a “Let’s Go Camping” theme Yoga class, I ask the children how this practice has helped them feel closer to nature…and for kids over age 8, how this practice has helped them feel closer to their own nature.
So when asked, what do kids say they like about Yoga class? The response is very often, “The rest part at the end of class.” Another common response is the game or partner poses we did that day. Some kids will recall a certain pose, usually a challenging one. They get to share their excitement about their evolving practice, and in the process they are developing community and a sense of connection.
