Namsate!
My last day at Creekside after-school program was yesterday. I reviewed with the kindergartners and first graders what they learned by asking them what can they take home with them and do this summer?
Kids tell me that Mr. Bones taught them to bring and drink water, lots of kids did! That was great! And to eat healthy food. I reminded them about processed snacks in packages. I reminded them about being aware of the food they eat, get mom and dad to grow something at home, have a connection to their food.
We sat in listening lotus posture for breathing, helping us be present and feel good.
We did sun salutations. Kids screamed how great they feel. Kids did their favorite poses they learned and reviewed them. We had storytelling and relaxation.
There are a lot of immigrants in the class. They are not as verbally participatory. The Asian kids radiate self-esteem, which is great, but you can see the difference in Hispanic kids. All kids – Anglo, Asian, Hispanic, across all socio-economic lines – have difficulty listening or sitting still, so we move a lot and I have to dole out the discipline or rewards. But many immigrant Hispanic kids do face tremendous disadvantages and have bigger gaps, due to family and economic pressures. Many come from big homes where the littlest kids are parenting the younger ones, spending time alone, not getting enough attention, have frequent moves or both parents working long hours.
I had kids sit in the middle and each were showered with great love and attention. I’ve noticed the Hispanic boys’ chests are more collapsed and had a harder time working them. I assisted them in adjusting their posture and rounded shoulders and collapsed chests, and had each feel how special and important they were. I didn’t have to speak any Spanish (although I do) but the body does the talking! You could see the difference in his body and his eyes! I emphasis to all kids how powerful, special and talented they are and to use yoga and the power of education to make all their dreams come true. I taught them a little bit of Raja Yoga to repeat their own name over and over again, to feel good but to also connect with the divine!
One Hispanic girl is rather boisterous and moves around a lot and doesn’t always listen. I have had to call in help with her, and she improved today. I recognized this and made her aware of her power that is so focused and disciplined. She moved around a lot later, but had huge improvements. I know she’s from a big family and doesn’t get a lot of attention. SO! We provide a lot of love and care for all the world’s children! And education truly is the power for all children and adults for a better society and world peace. All children deserve quality education. In my book there are no immigrants, illegal or legal. There are only children and human beings.
- Like this post? Pass it on:
Recommend on Facebook- Tweet about it
