Two Audio Practices for You to Download
As we come into the start of the holiday season here in the US it can be easy for us and our kids to get overwhelmed in all of the changes… Read more »
Resources
Articles and Resources
Helping Kids Manage Anxiety in Turbulent Times
LFY founder Jennifer Cohen Harper joined the Omega Institute’s community conversations series recently to discuss how we cans support our kids through the challenging times they’re living in. Listen in… Read more »
Self Care Practices for the Whole Family (30 Min Videos)
Self-care is vital right now and we want to support you! Join us, in partnership with the Positive Learning Collaborative every Monday at 3pm ET for a free 30 minute… Read more »
A Yoga Practice for Anxiety Relief (10 Minute Video)
Find the gentle strength to meet your anxiety head-on with this simple 10-minute yoga practice from Jennifer Cohen Harper, founder of Little Flower Yoga, created in collaboration with the Omega… Read more »
Yoga Practices for Kids 3-14 (10-15 Min Videos)
We’ve had a great time sharing 10-15 minute practices for children and teens live with Yoga International. We check in with our bodies and minds, move with power and purpose,… Read more »
5 Ways to Help Children with Coronavirus Anxiety
We are living in a time of high uncertainty, and with adults becoming increasingly anxious about coronavirus, including the impact on the economy, work, school, and family life, it’s inevitable… Read more »
How to Make Kids Yoga Engaging, Playful and Effective
I loved talking with Kathryn Ashworth of Yoga International for this article exploring children’s yoga and offering practical advice and encouragement. Check out the full article below and let me know… Read more »
Navigating Anxiety in Children with Compassion and Personal Power
Anxiety is on the rise in our culture, both for adults and for our children. As educators and caregivers, we want to do everything we can to reduce anxiety and… Read more »
Three Challenges Kids Face During the Holidays, and How You Can Help
The holiday season is wonderful, but it is also a challenging time for many, including many children. While this time of year is joyful and exciting and can be a… Read more »
3 Simple Chair-Based Mindful Movement Practices
Mindful movement is an effective way to reduce stress and its physical consequences. When we bring a mindful approach to chair yoga, we provide an accessible and simple way to… Read more »
Walk Stop Wiggle Sit: A Focus Building Game for Kids
We love this playful game, taught here by LFY Founder Jennifer Cohen Harper. It builds focus and concentration, and helps kids practice using their thoughtful brain to reduce impulsive actions.… Read more »
Six Classroom Management Strategies to Live & Breathe By
A few years ago I decided to take on a position as a full-time Yoga Specialist at a charter school. I was ecstatic about the groundbreaking experience that lay ahead. It… Read more »
Kind Wishes Practice: Compassion for Ourselves & Others
The Kind Wishes activity is a child-friendly version of a lovingkindness practice, a type of meditation that can help develop compassion for others, and crucially for the self. In a… Read more »
Working with Teens: Creating Engaging Mindfulness Experiences for Adolescents
As a high school teacher in the Bronx for 14 years I got to meet and deeply know a lot of teens. Having those relationships taught me a lot about… Read more »
Nurturing Gratitude in Young Hearts: Activities and Quotes to Inspire Appreciation
Gratitude is the ability to be thankful and to see and appreciate the good that’s in our lives. As an educator, mother of two children, and program director, gratitude is both… Read more »
Secularity: Guiding Questions for Inclusive Yoga in Schools
As the school year begins and we have the priviledge of working with children from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, it is essential that we work to create… Read more »
The Peace Corner: An Essential Classroom Resource
The peace corner is a powerful and touching space in the classroom that supports self regulation. It’s private. It’s structured. It includes choice. It’s an experiment. It’s inviting. It’s a… Read more »
Power Down: Robot Relaxation for Kids
With the increase of ADHD, behavioral disorders, child stress and anxiety, relaxation is becoming more and more important for children of all ages. With so much going on in their… Read more »
What is Yoga Service: A Working Definition
Yoga Service: A Working Definition: The intentional sharing of yoga practices that support healing and build resilience for all, regardless of circumstances, taught within a context of conscious relationship rooted in… Read more »
Finding Your Anchor: 3 Creative Ways to Explore Mindful Breathing with Your Students
Anchor breath is one of my favorite practices to teach my students. Anchor breath is the practice of using your breath to help focus your mind on one point. The… Read more »
Managing Frustration – Empower Tools for Children
Life comes with a lot of challenges. Sometimes these challenges can lead to frustration. I find one of my most effective ways to empower the children I work with is to… Read more »
What Can We Do When The World Feels Like It’s Falling Apart: Cultivating Safety in Community
I recently had the pleasure of being a panelist for the East Harlem Scholars Academy charter network community in a discussion about how to cope in the face of the rash of conspicuous police… Read more »
The Upside of Stress: Book Recommendation
LFY founder Jennifer Cohen Harper was recently interviewed by Yoga City NY for their must read book club series. Learn why Jenn recommends Kelly McGonigal's newest book, The Upside of Stress,… Read more »
Bringing Best Practices to Yoga in Schools
LFY founder Jennifer Cohen Harper was recently interviewed, along with Traci Childress, by Kelli Love for YogaDork on the process of creating Best Practices for Yoga in Schools, a guidebook… Read more »
So What Is It That First Year Teachers Need To Know?
This year as an adjunct lecturer at Hunter College’s Department of Curriculum and Teaching I’m getting the opportunity to work with a lot of first year teachers and that’s made… Read more »
Beginning with Intention by Kelli Love
As I explore my intentions for the beginning of another school year, I take a look at what I want for my teaching practice and turn to vital topics such… Read more »
Practice: Relaxation – What Can Be Done For A Sleepless Child?
A lot of children tell me they have a hard time falling asleep. Thoughts about the day, stress about schoolwork and tests, worrying about the wellbeing of mom and dad,… Read more »
My First Year as a Yoga Teacher
My first year as a yoga teacher was the best year of my life; it was full of unexpected surprises, so much love and loads of gratitude. I never missed… Read more »
Queens Students and Little Flower Yoga on NY 1 NEWS
NY1 News came to visit us recently at one of our school sites, PS 205 in Bayside, Queens. Little Flower Yoga is very proud to be teaching Yoga and Mindfulness… Read more »
From The Field: The Power in Family Engagement
I've been thinking about how to bridge the school to home connection a lot lately and how it can be a missing link for educators and parents. Developing deeper relationships… Read more »
Connect with Your Kids: Layers of Sound Exercise
LAYERS OF SOUND: This mindful listening practice asks your students to explore what they can hear around them in an intentional way. Our hearing is so sensitive. We don't have… Read more »
4 Steps to Getting Started – Life After Kids Yoga Teacher Training
So… you dove into children’s yoga trainings, voraciously read and wrote about your experiences, apprenticed through the mentorship program, have been hugely inspired by your peers in training and how… Read more »
Wishing Tree Reflection – Music, Yoga & Mindfulness
Each month Lianne will be writing a reflection on each one of her songs on her soon to be released album, “Breathe In”. Her first song and reflection is called… Read more »
Cultivating JOY While You Teach
As we embark on the holiday season, I am realizing more and more that joy is an essential quality of life that needs to be present when I teach. Oftentimes,… Read more »
From the Field: The Value in Allowing Kids to Share What They Learn
As a children’s yoga and mindfulness educator I enter each lesson with a plan in mind, but there is also a grand scheme, my ultimate purpose for exploring this work… Read more »
Let It Go: The Importance of Reflective Teaching
Did you ever have a moment teaching where you say something or do something that in retrospect was not supportive to your students? Yes, is the answer, no matter who… Read more »
5 Reasons Teens Love Partner Yoga
In my last fifteen years of teaching yoga in schools, community centers and studios, one of the most effective methods I have found for engaging adolescents is partnership. ! Developmentally, teens… Read more »
Layers of Sound
This mindful listening practice asks your children and students to explore what they can hear around them in an intentional way. Our hearing is so sensitive. All of the sounds around… Read more »
Less Reactivity and More Reflection
Simple tools to create more space in student/teacher interactions Every so often teachers are caught up in interactions with a student or even a whole class where they feel… Read more »
5 Tips to Reduce Anxiety
“Give It A Try” So simple yet so full of power – yet so scary for some of us. This morning I was fortunate enough to attend a conference at… Read more »
Mindfulness for Kids – A 5 Second Practice
Well-Wishes Creating a practice takes time for all of us and for children it’s no different. In our home I like to think of it as building a house. First… Read more »
The School Yoga Project and Social Emotional Learning: Research
CLICK HERE FOR ENLARGED VERSION OF RESEARCH POSTER Database Coding and Interpretation: April 20, 2014, Colin Pearsall Social emotional learning (SEL) theory posits that a child’s capacity for self-understanding… Read more »
Chair Yoga Exercises for the Feet and Toes
by Mayuri Gonzalez, The School Yoga Project Director and Little Flower Yoga Teacher Trainer Chair yoga is beneficial for teachers to practice during their long stretches of desk-time and… Read more »
How to Start and Maintain an At-Home Yoga Practice
My yoga practice really deepened and developed when I started to practice at home by myself. When you give yourself the opportunity to practice alone with only your… Read more »
How to Make a Glitter Jar
What you need: Container, water, glitter &/or glitter glue, food coloring (Optional: dish soap, glycerin) (And bring kids of all ages – this is a favorite for sure)! Why to… Read more »
10 Easy and Fun Ideas to Help Your Kids Relax!
Summer is here everybody and I have 2 questions for you. 1. Who is ready to run all day and night to keep up with the kids? 2. And… Read more »
Yoga & Mindfulness for Kids – What 10 Years of Research Reveals
The efficacy of yoga and other mindfulness practices are supported by thousands of years of tradition. Now, science is confirming the benefits for kids, too. (exceprt from Little Flower Yoga… Read more »
A Counselor’s Thoughts, Ending On a High Note
Throughout the country, as the warm weather settles in, schools are beginning to wrap up their academic year. Excitedly, we as teachers welcome the final months of the school year… Read more »
Six Simple Ways to Help Your Child Increase Focus Today: Tools from a Yoga and Mindfulness Practice
We often ask our children to pay attention. Pay attention to your school work, pay attention to your father, pay attention to your teacher. But we don’t always have a… Read more »
Yoga Nidra – Practice Surrender for Children and Adults
Yoga nidra is an ancient but little-known yogic practice that's becoming increasingly popular as both a form of meditation and a mind-body therapy. It is a systematic form of guided… Read more »
Joyful Commitment to the Local and the Global: An Interview with Karen Gilmour
We are so proud to spotlight Little Flower Yoga Teacher Karen Gilmour! Karen is the director of Alluem Kids, an ever-growing yoga program for kids, teens and families located in Alluem Yoga… Read more »
A Counselor’s Thoughts: Let’s Get Moving
As a former school counselor, LFY teacher Jess Belanger has a unique perspective to share with us. She will be contributing a monthly article to our conversation, offering information to… Read more »
In the Spotlight: The School Yoga Project – Montebello Road Elementary School
The School Yoga Project, a program of Little Flower Yoga, is honored to work with some incredible schools. Each month we will be sharing the story of a school with… Read more »
3 Things I Learned From The Whole Brain Child
As a yoga teacher, a mom and a person that is around children a great deal I found The Whole Brain Child by Dr. Daniel Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne… Read more »
Tree Pose Exploration
Tree Pose Exploration Tree pose is among the most recognizable of yoga poses for a good reason. It is a balancing pose that is both challenging and achievable, and once you’ve practiced… Read more »
How to Use Books in Kids Yoga Classes
Reading meaningful and engaging books can really add to a child's experience of yoga and mindfulness. When we chose relevant books for our kids, we provide opportunities to connect more… Read more »
A Counselor’s Thoughts: Autism Awareness
As a former school counselor, LFY teacher Jess Belanger has a unique perspective to share with us. She will be contributing a monthly article to our conversation, offering information to… Read more »
A Counselor’s Thoughts: Reaching Every Student
As a former school counselor, LFY teacher Jess Belanger has a unique perspective to share with us. She will be contributing a monthly article to our conversation, offering information to… Read more »
Expanding Energy Meditation
This meditation is a favorite for many children. When you are really focusing in on the practice, it is an exciting way to feel the energy that makes up the entire… Read more »
A Counselor’s Thoughts: Snowed In? No Problem
As a former school counselor, LFY teacher Jess Belanger has a unique perspective to share with us. She will be contributing a monthly article to our conversation, offering information to… Read more »
Kids Reading Recommendation: The Museum
Check out this fantastic book by LFY teacher Susan Verde! It is an amazing exploration of feelings experienced by a child visiting a museum. My daugther, Isabelle, loves it and… Read more »
Cultivating the Social and Emotional Competencies of Educators, A Report from The Garrison Institute
A couple of weeks ago I had the tremendous good fortune to spend my time with about 90 educators of educators. This inspiring community is made up of people who… Read more »
A Counselors Thoughts: Children and Holiday Stress
As a former school counselor, LFY teacher Jess Belanger has a unique perspective to share with us. She will be contributing a monthly article to our conversation, offering information to… Read more »
Yoga for Common Childhood Challenges
Childhood today is filled with challenges, stressors and obstacles that can be overwhelming for parents and children alike. We want to support our kids and keep them safe and healthy,… Read more »
Kids Reading Recommendation (and great gift!): Visiting Feelings
This gorgeous book is a wonderful holiday gift for the children in your life. I am considering buying an extra copy, so I can cut it apart and frame the… Read more »
Heart and Belly Breathing
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO AUDIO GUIDE
Reading Recommendation: Learning to Breathe
Reading Recommendation: Learning to Breathe, Patricia C. Broderick I had the good fortune this weekend of spending some time with author and creator of the Learning to Breathe program, Patricia Broderick,… Read more »
A Counselor’s Thoughts: Yoga and Academic Success
As a former school counselor, LFY teacher Jess Belanger has a unique perspective to share with us. She will be contributing a monthly article to our conversation, offering information to… Read more »
I’m Full of Love
This children’s meditation is a variation on a traditional kundalini yoga meditation. It is an active meditation that reinforces your child’s capacity for kindness. It is accessible and engaging for… Read more »
Recommended Reading: Brainstorm
I just pre-ordered my copy of Dan Siegel's newest book, Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain. Pre-ordering the book gives you access to a brainstorm video, and… Read more »
Our Book!
We are so thrilled to introduce LFY Founder Jennifer Cohen Harper's new book: Little Flower Yoga for Kids: A Yoga and Mindfulness Program to Help Your Child Improve Attention and… Read more »
Back to Basics Reading Recommendation
As we all get back into the swing of the school year, it seems like a good time to brush up on the fundamentals. This year we have added a… Read more »
Single Pointed Focus Meditation
A very simple but effective type of meditation is the practice of fixing your gaze on one steady object for a set period of time. You may have heard of… Read more »
A Cooling Practice: Seethali Breath
As we make our way into the hottest time of year, Seethali Breath is a great practice to try at home with your kids. This is a cooling breathing practice… Read more »
Flower Pose: Welcome Spring!
Welcome the first day of spring with Flower Pose! A seated balance that is very accessible. It is both grounding and uplifting, bringing balance to your physical body and to… Read more »
Valentine’s Day Loving Kindness Practice
Happy Valentines Day! We hope that you are enjoying a day filled with love for your family, your friends, your children, and yourself! Here is a child friendly version of… Read more »
Contemplative Education Database
We are so happy to be a part of the Garrison Institute's newly launched, free, publically accessible database of contemplative teaching and learning programs. Users can search the database according… Read more »
Back to School Practice: Mindful Listening
This mindful listening practice asks your students to explore what they can hear around them in an intentional way. Our hearing is so sensitive. We don’t have any way to… Read more »
Teacher Reflections: On Gratitude and Teen Girls
Teacher Reflections: Mary Gillen Blog posts from our Little Flower Family I’ve been teaching yoga to pregnant teens at a youth correctional facility in the NY since May. Each week… Read more »
Natural Elements: Connect, Move & Relax
This activity, inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh's pebble meditation, connects students to aspects of nature, and the different kinds of strength that make up the whole. In this Little Flower… Read more »
Teacher Reflections: Back to School
Teacher Reflections: Salvador Martinez Blog Posts from our Little Flower Family Oh, yes! It’s time to store the bathing suit, shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops, and bring forward the layers. … Read more »
Falling Leaves: A Relax Activity
This is a great relaxation exercise to try any time you feel tired, stressed, angry or frustrated. It is also very helpful if you can’t fall asleep. Begin with a… Read more »
Back to Back Breathing: A Partner Breathe Activity
This is a simple activity that many students (adults and kids alike!) get into and don’t want to get out of. It is a safe and comfortable way of offering… Read more »
The Five Elements of a Little Flower Yoga Class
Often we are asked what our children's yoga classes actually look like. What are we teaching? Are we just practicing movement? Where does the mindfulness come in? Do kids actually… Read more »
Crossing the Line: A Connecting Activity
Crossing the Line is a group activity that has a very strong impact on both children and adults. It is a quiet, meaningful experience of recognizing our similarities, and is… Read more »
Shining a Light on Domestic Violence: LFY Founder on WFUV Radio’s Cityscape Program
Domestic violence knows no boundaries. It can happen to anyone – regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, orientation or socio-economic status. This week on Cityscape the subject is explored in a… Read more »
Earth Day Mindfulness Practice: Exchanging The Breath
Exchanging the breath is a beautiful meditative breathing practice that encourages people to mindfully consider their connection with each and every person and living thing on our earth. It is… Read more »
Loving Guidelines for Showing a Child All That is Possible: An Elephant Journal Article
As we come to the end of Autism awareness month, I am very aware of all the information and advice that has been swirling around the children’s yoga world talking… Read more »
Movement Activity: Seed to Forest of Trees
This simple activity is a great way to welcoming in the Spring with your children! Tree pose connects you deeply to the earth, sharpens your focus, strengthens your legs and… Read more »
International Journal of Yoga Therapy: Teaching Yoga in Urban Elementary Schools
Teaching Yoga to children is a fulfilling but challenging journey, particularly in poverty-stricken urban school districts. The physical, mental, and emotional impact of poverty on children has serious implications for… Read more »
Yoga Service Council
Little Flower Yoga is one of the founding members of The Yoga Service Council, an organization dedicated to using the tools of yoga to foster joy, resilience, and well being… Read more »
The Home for Little Wanderers
The Home for Little Wanderers is a Boston based organization dedicated to ensuring the healthy behavioral, emotional, social and educational development and physical well-being of children and families living in… Read more »
Sanctuary for Families
Sanctuary for Families is a vital organization that provides shelter and support to victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking. Women and children who have suffered abuse have often had… Read more »
LFY on “Here Women Talk” Radio.
The Topic: Who owns Yoga's Soul? as written about in The New York Times. Co-hosts Jessica Durivage and Diane Ferraro, both with extensive backgrounds in yoga, wellness and holistic health,… Read more »
Music for Yoga
Little Flower Yoga has partnered with amazing singer and songwriter Celia Rose to develop our new collection of Children's Yoga Music! Celia is a truly wonderful spirit, who has been… Read more »