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mindfulness for children

                                         

                                          The Power of Play 

 

For all Ages 
Play is often seen as a way for children to pass the time or release energy.  However research shows that it significantly impacts children’s development and is also beneficial for adults too. In this blog we will explore how play support children’s development as well as boosting creativity and reducing stress in adults.  Introducing playful elements into your yoga classes can can encourage these benefits and help us all connect with our inner child. 
 
Benefits of Play for Children

When children engage in play, they often have to solve problems, think critically and make decisions. When a child builds a tower with blocks, they are not just stacking objects. They are learning about balance, gravity and spatial awareness. Research shows such activities enhance children’s mathematical and scientific thinking from a young age (Ginsburg, 2007).

Imaginative play, where children create scenarios and role-play, helps to develop language and literacy. Playing “school” or “house” allows children to use new vocabulary, understand sentence structures and grasp basic narrative skills. It lets them act out their feelings and learn to cope with different emotions in a safe environment. This kind of play is particularly important for children who may not yet have the verbal skills to express their emotions fully.

In team games, children learn to communicate, share and collaborate. Social interactions are essential in developing empathy and an understanding of others’ perspectives. During a game of tag, children learn to follow rules, take turns and negotiate, all essential social skills.

Benefits of Play for Adults – and how to incorporate it into your classes

Play has been shown to boost creativity and reduce stress in adults and it can also help develop a deeper awareness of our bodies.  Whilst yoga is traditionally associated with calm and focus, adding a touch of playfulness can make the practice more relaxing, engaging and joyful. 

Though not for everyone, one way to introduce playfulness is through partner yoga. Engaging in poses that require collaboration and balance with another person can inject a sense of fun into our practice. For instance, attempting a double dancer or supported tree pose encourages trust, communication and engagement.  When doing this you learn to synchronise movements and balance with someone else, helping you develop  proprioceptive awareness of your body and the space around you. 

Introducing play through activities such as a “mindful minute” helps students connect more deeply with each other. In pairs, each partner takes a turn to speak, uninterrupted, for one minute on a topic they are passionate about. The other partner has to listen intently and give feedback by simply repeating what they heard without advice or interpretation. You then swap over so each student has a turn to speak and to listen.  This is a great exercise for all ages and you can suggest age appropriate topics such as hobbies, food, my favourite place or nature.   

Bringing elements of improvisation to your class can not only deepen students’ understanding of yoga poses and sequences, it also offers the opportunity to explore them in a more creative way.  For example you could do a kneeling sun salute where you suggest and practise various elements and then give students the opportunity to come up with an individual 5 or 6 pose flow that incorporates the poses  that are most beneficial to them. This is also a great way to foster and encourage home practice. 

In summary, play  significantly impacts children’s development, fostering problem-solving, critical thinking and social skills. For adults, play reduces stress and boosts creativity. Incorporating playful elements into yoga classes, such as games, partner yoga or improvisation, enhances engagement, body awareness, and joy for all ages, making the practice more engaging and fun.