Getting your children to partake in physical exercise is one of the hardest things to do as a parent. When you have extremely entertaining devices such as iPads and televisions, indoor and outdoor playtime finds it difficult to compete. However, one library in the United States is implementing a new way to get children back on their feet.
The Keene Memorial Library has recently implemented a new program which has changed the game when it comes to story time. Aptly named Story Time Yoga, children of any age can visit the library to hear some compelling stories while becoming active at the same time. Sounds a bit crazy, doesn’t it?
But not as crazy as you think! Keene Yoga instructor, Kai-Helin Cooper, originally visited the library during the winter season last year. Cooper, alongside the library staff, devised a new program to get children active again while engaging them mentally through stories.
Once the program was in place, the first session commenced over the Memorial Day weekend. There are more planned throughout the first of the year. During each session, a new book is chosen to be read. The assistants, alongside Cooper, then devised a yoga routine that can be implemented as the story is being told.
Storytime Yoga?!
For example, the June theme for the story was ‘kindness’. This involved a book relating to kindness and yoga poses that physically made children to open their heart area of their bodies. The popularity of the program is increasing with every session. Children as young as 3 and as old as ten have been attending which is fantastic news for the library. Library assistants have explained that Cooper is fantastic with the children. It’s been noted that she can even change the program mid-session, depending on whether the children are enjoying it or not.
This is such a unique and engaging way of telling stories to children, especially while getting them physically active at the same. Only time will tell whether this latest trend will take off but there’s no reason for it not to. With the current levels of obesity, especially in some parts of the Western world, getting children active has never been more important.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter! Do you think this is a great idea? Do you have some more ideas of your own that you’d like to share? Let us know in the comment section below!
