What is YogaKids?

YogaKids is a unique approach to integrative learning using yoga as a pathway. Reading, storytelling, music, creative arts and earthcare blend seamlessly with yoga movement to educate the "whole" child. The YogaKids curriculum provides children with an exciting new way to explore and appreciate their academic and creative potential. Children learn invaluable skills that set the groundwork for meeting challenges and growing strong physically, mentally and emotionally, cultivating self-esteem for a lifetime of successful achievement.

In YogaKids classes, traditional yoga techniques have been recreated in playful, simple and fun ways. Using the Multiple Intelligences Theory of Harvard educator Howard Gardner as a foundation, each pose becomes a springboard for activities that open the doorway to fully integrated learning. 14 YogaKids elements enhance the learning experience and tap all of the senses.

The Parent's Choice Award Winning YogaKids has been featured in TIME Magazine, NBC News, CHILD Magazine, Inside Edition, PBS, Yoga Journal and many other publications and broadcasts worldwide. Drs. Deepak Chopra and Andrew Weil have endorsed YogaKids .

For more information, visit the YogaKids, Intl. website.

Dear Parent,

I believe that as parents we are vital educators of our own children, and it is our utmost aim to provide them with experiences that will give them a GREAT foundation for developing beautiful minds, healthy bodies, and to become responsible and compassionate beings.

I am a Yogakids facilitator and teacher, having said that I am also an enthusiastic learner! I facilitate daily activities and learn with my children in every opportunity that we have together. I treasure "moments of learning" more than teaching! I am constantly amazed of the cognitive inquiries that come from my three-year old. I admire my six-year-old who reminds me of what it's like to desire respect at such an early age. Since children tend to learn by observation and imitation rather than by instruction, I aim to teach by example.

With that said I am extending an invitation to you and your children to join our wonderful world of YOGAKIDS! It is a unique approach to integrative learning using yoga as a pathway. Storytelling, music, creative arts and earth-care blend seamlessly with yoga movement to educate the "whole" child.

Through YOGAKIDS, your children will also learn more about anatomy and physiology. They will be able to relax and sleep better as well as exhibit an increase in focus, concentration and attention span. These are just some of the benefits and gifts that YogaKids has to offer! You as parents will see the difference of a Yoga Kid in no time!

Avail of my FREE trial Yogakids classes and take time to attend "Tastes of Yogakids", a 1-Day Parent workshop, so you too can teach by example and experience how fulfilling it is to bond the Yogakids way with your children at home. Click on the Classes link at the right for venues and schedules.

This is the most precious GIFT you can give to yourself and your children!

Sincerely,

Grace Hetherington
Certified YogaKids Teacher (CYKT)
kidzyogaasia@mac.com
(852) 9861-6227

"Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo"
I greet the wise teacher within me and around me!

- a chant I learned on my YK Foundation
Training that remained in my heart

Dear Teachers,

Somebody told me once, "you teach only the things you know and are passionate about!"

I have been practicing the Yogakids Curriculum since November 2005 and am getting more and more passionate about it everyday. I see the most fulfilling results in my own children and most of all in me!

The memories of my own teachers - both those I remember dearly and those I refuse to forget because they were just purely "unforgettable" in so many not so amiable circumstances - made me decide to become a yoga facilitator and trainer.

Through these amazing 1-day Yogakids Seminars, my purpose is to introduce teachers and other professionals to the principle and techniques of the Yogakids Way. Each participant will leave with a fundamental understanding of the Yogakids philosophy and a set of basic fun tools to use at home, in the classroom, therapeutic settings or wherever they gather with children to connect in the best possible way to our brilliant new generation in a way that they will not only respond beautifully but magnificently as well. As Mama Marsha says, "watch them shine!"

Let us unite as educators and acknowledge that our vital role is not to "instruct" but to lead by example, remembering that children are great imitators, we encourage them to express and not suppress... this is what Yogakids is all about!

Best regards to all, and looking forward to meeting you in one of my future Yogakids Seminars!

Sincerely,

Grace Hetherington
Certified YogaKids Teacher (CYKT)
kidzyogaasia@mac.com
(852) 9861-6227

Workshops

I offer FREE workshops to parents and educators who are volunteers of children's charity institutions, and would also LOVE to hold FREE classes monthly to kids ages 3-teens in charity institutions once a month (e.g refugee camps, home for the orphans, etc.). Please contact me!

What is it? A 3-hour introduction to the YogaKids way of teaching yoga to children based on the book,"YogaKids, Educating the Whole Child Through Yoga" by Marsha Wenig, Founder of YogaKids International. Take away ideas you can use right away in your work with children. Who should attend? Parents, physical therapists, yoga teachers, educators, healthcare professionals, psychologists, or anyone inspired to bring yoga to children. No prior yoga experience is necessary.

Date and Time: 29 August 2009 at 9:30AM-12:30PM; New World Apartments, 24 salisbury Rd, TST

Price: HK$ 750

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This 3-hour, experiential workshop offers fresh ideas to unite youth's balance, harmony and healthful life choices. YogaKids Grow Up is based on 20 years of YogaKids techniques. This seminar will equip you with a “teen toolbox” of poses, cooperative games, music and meditations to help you share the benefits of yoga with the teens in your life! Help Teens: Improve coordination and physical performance Improve academic performance Reduce stress Increase self confidence and self esteem Connect to their inner strengths No prior yoga experience necessary, perfect for: Yoga Teachers Educators Health Professionals Coaches and Parent

Dates and Times: 29 August 2009 at 2-5PM; New World Apartments, 24 salisbury Rd, TST

Price: HK$ 750

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BUNDLED WORKSHOP

Sign up for both "Taste of YogaKids" and "Teaching Yoga to Teens" and get a 10% discount!

Date and Time: 29 August 2009 at 2-5PM; New World Apartments, 24 salisbury Rd, TST

Price: HK$ 1,350

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What is it? This 3- hr experiential workshop is perfect for school teachers, child specialists, school nurses, PE teachers, sports coaches or any individual who wants to incorporate yoga in their teachings with children in the school set up. Enhance your teaching ability NOW! Our Mission, "Less Stress and Greater Success for both Students and Teachers" Click here for more info.

Date and Time: 30 August 2009 at 9:30AM-12:30PM; New World Apartments, 24 salisbury Rd, TST

Price: HK$ 750 Includes the "Tools for Schools" Pose Box

Other Services

Click on our various services at the right to view the description for each.

Ready for some new party themes? A yoga party with all your friends is a great way to celebrate! Let us coordinate a unique yoga experience reflective of the traditional YogaKids class. The party consists of 1 hour 30 minutes of fun filled yoga with props, music, art and homemade favors. After a great yoga workout that's challenging, fun and entertaining, you will be soothed with gentle and relaxing restorative yoga poses along with calming breathing and visualization techniques. Imagine The Possibilities... Parties are held at a location of your choice. * Dream Rides * Traveling! * Gayo (Pirate Adventure) * Girls Night In * A day at the beach * A trip to the zoo * Rainforest adventure * Under the sea * Safari world * Spa time * Pet store * Create your own! Sample Fee: HK$3000 for up to 15 guests. A non-refundable deposit of $1500 to hold your time slot is due when you book a party (preferably 30 days prior).

Today's employees often face a long sedentary day in front of a computer screen. Physical exercise alone may not be enough to cope with the stresses of the workplace. Our capacity to make informed decisions and to effectively handle stress in fast-paced business situations rely on our capacity to be focused and present. No matter your age, strength or flexibility level, yoga is for everyone. Yoga combines physical activity with breath to reduce stress, control weight, relieve lower back pain, and enhance focus. We can provide you with a custom-designed program integrating the benefits of yoga into your work environment. We offer on-site yoga that will make health and well-being an integral part of the workday. This stress busting sessions will leave you at EASE and at PEACE, while feeling wonderful and powerful! Choose from: * traditional hatha yoga * chair/office yoga * partner/group yoga * family yoga We can schedule a regular weekly meeting at your location, or we can schedule a workshop depending on your needs and desires. Workshops and classes can also be integrated into your regular routine, such as: * New Employee Orientations * Ongoing Employee Trainings * Department Meetings * Board Meetings * Award Ceremonies * Retreats Sample Fee: HK$3500 for 90 minutes.

Is your family constantly busy? Are your lives moving in too many different directions? Are you always on the run, multitasking instead of focusing on each moment at a time? Improve your focus, concentration, and balance... together. Reunite your family with yoga. Bond. Breathe. Laugh. Love. Yogakids-Asia will come to your home or your chosen venue for this amazing reunion. We will tailor a fantastic Yoga session for your family, relatives and friends, so everyone will feel at EASE and at PEACE. Sample Time per session: 90 minutes (Hk$1500 max of 10 pax)

A personal Pre-Natal Yoga in the comfort of your own home! This course adopts some traditional yoga postures called Asanas in order to meet the needs and changes during pregnancy. All movements are done gently, never forcing a stretch. During this fabulous session, we will breathe together and open up the body and mind to embrace motherhood more deeply and sincerely with happiness and blissfulness! Course consists of: Pranayama (deep breathing) Asanas (poses that will help relieve tension in the neck and shoulders opens up the chests and upper back, poses that relaxes yet energizes, strengthens the ankles, legs, groins, hamstrings, hips, opens the pelvic area and tones abdomen. Yoga Nidra (a guided relaxation that is wonderful and calming experience. This induce complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation.) Time per session: 75 minutes (HK$600)

Earn badges while having FUN with yoga! We will utilize breath play, stretching, and relaxation poses to learn how to relieve stress. Our classes are tailored to meet the requirements in order to earn specific badges. Troop leaders will learn techniques to meet their group's individual needs. $80. 00 per child. Minimum of 10 scouts. We can facilitate a YogaKids class to meet your individual group needs. Here are just some of the ways YogaKids can fit in your troop meetings based on what you are doing in your troop: Beavers: Respect Myself and Others- We will talk about respecting ourselves through exercise, nutrition, and relaxation. We will do fun yoga poses to relax or energize our bodies. Brownie- My Body Try-It- We will learn about anatomy while doing fun yoga poses and seeing our muscles and bones in action. Junior- Stress Less Badge- We will practice breathing, stretches, and relaxation poses to learn how to handle stress. Well also do an art project to help us stress less. Troop leaders will learn techniques to help them too! From Stress to Success Interest Project- Well learn breathing techniques and stretches to relax the body. We will learn about reflexology and massage, and well do lots of yoga poses too. Fee: HK$80 per child. Minimum of 10 scouts.

YogaKids-Asia Teachers Association

One of Grace's mission when starting her Yogakids Journey is to reach children and teens and those with special needs all over Asia and share the GIFT of Yogakids.
This became possible when she formed the Yogakids-Asia Teacher's Association in Hong Kong.
All members of this prestige association, has completed the rigorous Yogakids International Teacher training program and earned the title of Yogakids Certified Teachers (CYKT)

L-R Grace with Annie, Sujal and Hema

Who they are and where they share their love for Yogakids:

Hema has been a yoga devotee for many years and is a certified Hatha Yoga instructor. She completed her training under Debbie Cohen in Boston, USA, and is certified by the Yoga Alliance. Hema expanded her training by attending the first teacher training at Pure Yoga as well as completing the ‘Radiant Child Yoga program' under well-known yogi and author, Shakta Kaur Khalsa. Hema has taught the children’s Yoga program for two years at Flex Studio in Stanley and has made yoga for kids a major area of specialization in her teaching. She is a Yogakids Certified Teacher since May 2009. Hema is currently managing her own studio in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong called The Yoga Room where she offers Yoga Kids classes in English on Fridays and Saturdays.

For additional information see www.yogaroomhk.com

Sujal has been practising yoga for the last 7 yrs. She experienced the healing power of yoga when she used yoga therapy for her injuries.The combination of Yoga and Energy healing (EFT-Emotional freedom techniques) were the only therapies that allowed her to move out of the pain from her injuries and naturally heal her body, leading her towards health and well-being. She joined the Teacher's Training programme from Yoga Alliance at Yogalimbs under the tutelage of "Wanda Hewitt". As Yoga nourished her body and mind, she developed a yearning to share and teach not only adults but children this ancient practise, so they too would be better equipped to enjoy each moment of their growing years in balance, harmony and yoy. Sujal is a Certified Yogakids Teacher since May 2009. She enjoys her new life today, planning to heal the world one child at a time towards happiness,well-being and joy. She teaches her classes in English and Hindi.

Her classes are at Laguna City, Kowloon on Fridays and Saturdays. Call Sujal for more info at 90409776.

Several years ago new mother and many years yoga practitioner, Annie noticed her toddlers would mimick her yoga poses, it was not only fun and natural, but helped improve their mood and focus as well. In her own practice, Annie loves the feeling of "being" in yoga movements, breathing life consciously. Being a mother of 2 kids prompted her to become a kids yoga teacher professionally, as she experienced the benefits of yoga on herself & her children. With her post-graduate education in psychology at HKU, Annie's teaching focuses on bringing both physical and mental awareness & balance to children's individual needs. She is extremely grateful to be able to combine the knowledge in psychology with her love of yoga & children. Her intention is to empower children to find peace, harmony, happiness, self-worth, along with nurturing a sense of discipline and gratitude as well as empower the youth to realize their fullest potential in all areas of their lives. Providing children with techniques they can use for a lifetime of health & wellness, great fun & relaxation. She completed her advance training as YogaKids Certified Trainer/Teacher (CYKT) in May 2009 and has been teaching children for 1.5 years. Annie teaches in English / Cantonese / Bilingual. Visit website: www.yogakiddo.com Contact 9408-4366 / annie.walle @ gmail.com

Where she teaches:
Hong Kong Gold Coast Yacht Club, Tuen Mun
Gold Coast PII Residential Clubhouse, Tuen Mun
One Music Centre, Prince Edward Wednesday
Music Fun House, Wan Chai
Tregunter Residential Clubhouse, Mid-levels
Redhill Residential Clubhouse, Tai Tam

Private classes available

About Tools For Schools

The award-winning YogaKids® International program introduces a proven teaching solution for children ages 5-12 with the primary goal of creating less stress and greater success for teachers and students.

YogaKids Tools for Schools links movement and creative activities to the subjects educators need to cover over the school year. Fun and easy-to-use yoga lesson plans are used as a springboard to explore a full range of classroom curriculafrom the creative arts and physical education/health, to math, history and the sciences.

Teachers will:

• earn one professional learning unit for taking 10 hours of the Tools for Schools training
• gain methods of incorporating movement with curriculum
• learn how to utilize multiple intelligence. teaching to reach all students
• increase their ability to work with children with special needs
• understand how to easily meet state requirements for physical activity in the classroom
• increase student participation, comprehension and retention
• learn innovative techniques for classroom management

The YogaKids Tools for Schools program is a complete package that integrates in-depth teacher training, materials, classroom media and ongoing support.

Each teacher receives:

• A comprehensive teacher's manual
• Ten Interdisciplinary Lesson Plans
• Classroom Posters
• Assessment tools
• Information documents for Parents
• 50 oversized, colorful Pose Cards
• Award-winning YogaKids DVDs and music CD
• On-going teacher support including on-line reference and teacher forums
• And More....

With these elements, educators learn how to seamlessly incorporate yoga into their lesson plans and classroom management techniques, helping students manage their energy and stay centered throughout the day.

This 3, 6 or 10 hour training provides invaluable skills for educating, exercising and empowering children. No previous yoga experience necessary.

We welcome the opportunity to customize the training and materials package to suit your specific needs. For more information, please email Amy@yogakids.com or phone 678-362-9990.

Click on the following link to see the complete calendar of Tools for Schools trainings and request registration:
http://www.yogakids.com/toolsforschools/calendar.html

New Tools for Schools Study by Purdue and Indiana Universities Shows Success of Program

The six month study called Factors Affecting Student Achievement and Related Behaviors" came to the following conclusion:

YogaKids Tools for Schools has a significant positive effect on the academic achievement, general health, personal attributes and relationships of students in Kindergarten through 5th grade."

To download the full study in PDF format click here.