Relaxation+and+Yoga

Why use relaxation? Rickard (1992) describes relaxation as “getting our whole body to be calm and peaceful” and offers the following benefits of using relaxation techniques with children. It helps to: Why use relaxation with children with special needs? Relaxation using Yoga "is an effective therapy that aides children with disabilities in developing greater concentration, cognitive and motor skills as well as reducing hyperactivity. Breathing exercises strengthens the respiratory system. By doing diaphragmatic and belly breathing, the digestive system is improved and constipation is relieved".(www.kidsinaustralia.com.au) However, before starting a relaxation program with young children it is important to prepare. This means preparing the children, preparing the space, setting up the routine and being aware of your role. Preparing children (Although this relaxation program is aimed at 3 to 5 yr olds, it can be adapted to other ages) **Preparing the space ** Together with children: **Setting up the Routine of the session ** An overall guide to the routine as offered by Thomas (2002) is to start with: The teacher’s role: The teacher: References Websites  [|www.kidsinaustralia.com.au] accessed 9th July 2011
 * Use of Yoga and Relaxation with Children with additional needs - RBloomfield1**
 * quieten the mind
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">provide rest and rejuvenation
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">open creativity and imagination
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">provide time-out and solitude from busy days;
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">develop coping skills
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">develop self-awareness; and
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">provide enjoyable, uplifting experiences
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Young children must have relaxation and its benefits explained to them.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You need to know the children and their capabilities well as for some children even lying down and closing their eyes may be difficult at first
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">you need to talk to the children about how relaxation may make them feel and that this is a safe environment to express their feelings.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Prior to commencement you need to be sure they are familiar with all parts of their bodies.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Find a quiet space or corner of the room which becomes your relaxation space.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">make sure there is plenty of space for children to lie down without touching each other.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">tidy the area as it needs to be clean, carpeted and away from main thoroughfares.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">decorate this space with peaceful items. Examples could be incense (sandalwood is particularly good), flowers, running water, beautiful fabrics etc.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">put in a tape/cd player to play appropriate relaxation music. Thomas (2002)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">a beginning circle,
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">tai chi and/or yoga,
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">progressive relaxation
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">visualisation and
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">a sharing circle.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">needs to participate in the exercises, to demonstrate them, not just explain them to the children.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">sets the tone for the session, by showing acceptance of each child, and
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">when difficulties occur, these need to be dealt with quietly so as not to distract the rest of the group.(Rickard, 1992).
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Needs to use their voice intonation to emphasise words and speak slowly and calmly. (Thomas, 2002).
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thomas, C., (2002). //The magic of relaxation//, Pademelon Press:Sydney
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rickard, J., (1992). //Relaxation for Children//, HarperCollins Publishers:Vic