ERIC Number: EJ1047162
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 5
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1054-0040
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Yoga for Montessorians
Smith, Olynda
Montessori Life: A Publication of the American Montessori Society, v26 n3 p50-54 Fall 2014
When the author tells someone who does not do yoga that she is a yoga teacher, she often hears that they could not possibly do yoga. The most common reasons they give for this are: "I am really not flexible! I really don't like stretching!" and "Oh, but I wouldn't be any good at yoga!" Smith explains that, contrary to popular belief, yoga is not actually about being flexible; yoga is about learning to be one's healthiest, calmest, wisest, most free, strongest, and best possible self. Yoga, a Sanskrit word often translated as "union," aims to unify all aspects of one's being, and, by doing so, to help each of us know our true self. The work done in the Montessori classroom is very physical, there is constant motion, and because of this, many Montessori teachers suffer from knee, ankle, and lower-back problems. And yet, even a very basic physical yoga practice can help them learn to sit, stand, and kneel in a way that decreases the likelihood of long-term injury and pain. If someone would like to give yoga a try, this article presents a short practice intended for beginners. Practice can begin using the pictures provided herein, however, nothing can replace taking class with a live instructor.
Descriptors: Montessori Method, Physical Activities, Health Related Fitness, Metacognition, Theory of Mind, Best Practices, Teacher Education, Elementary School Teachers, Secondary School Teachers
American Montessori Society. 281 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010-6102. Tel: 212-358-1250; Fax: 212-358-1256; e-mail: info@amshq.org; Web site: http://www.amshq.org/publications.htm
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A