Thank you so much for teaching my class yoga! Now I know what to do whenever I'm stressed out!

- Jockabeth, Grade 4

Teachers Forum| June '09

Using Yoga to Teach the Concept of Personal Space

Q "I often observe that my students have a difficult time with the concept of 'personal space.' How can yoga help my students understand and respect their own bodies...along with those of their peers?" - Question submitted by an Intermediate Teacher on Chicago's west-side

A Our students often come from domestic situations where 'personal space' may be a challenging concept to grasp. Often, our students share a bedroom or bed with more than one sibling and have difficulty creating boundaries for themselves or others.

To begin cultivating an understanding of personal space, have your students practice 'Seated Arm Stretch' in a large open space. Ask the students to separate themselves by least one arm's length. (Remind them that they should be able to extend their arms and not touch another person in either direction.)

Have the students practice the pose with their eyes open at first. Describe the space around them as their own, personal yoga space. Next, have the students close their eyes and visualize filling this space with their inhalations and exhalations. Remind the students that is their own personal, safe space to relax and concentrate on their breathing.

To conclude the activity, have the students briefly journal about how they can find their own personal space at home and in your classroom. Also, ask how they can be more mindful or cognizant of respecting the personal space of their peers. If time allows, expand this activity to a double entry or peer response journal, to allow the students a chance to reflect on and process this new concept.

- Question Answered By: Carla Tantillo, founder of Mindful Practices

Teachers Forum| June '09

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