by Kathe Hudson

Master Certified Storytime Yoga Teacher/Librarian

 

Aloha and welcome to Story and Yoga in the Library.  Brrr, the chill of January, a time of stillness, an occasion for anticipation. We prepare for the New Year and new beginnings. We settle in and observe our foundation. In this moment of becoming motionless I found repose and I relax knowing my foundation is secure. Picture books hold me up!

Picture books are the cornerstone of storytelling, the foundation of early literacy. A lifelong love of story, books and reading begins with picture books. Picture books capture children’s interest. They want to know the story behind the pictures. They invite children into the story and allow them to explore. Picture books are a window where we can look out into a magical world. The imagination flows freely providing the possibility of adventure and awe.

Children become storytellers, telling their own story just by looking at the pictures. This is much like the images that are created as we teach with the Storytime Yoga method. The interplay of this visual and text based literacy enhances oral literacy. The left brain and right brain connect, enabling effective communication and creating imaginative storytellers.

The chill of winter calls to us; cuddle up, find a cozy chair, share a story. Moving Tale took me on a Yoga Storytelling Adventure and I searched for a story of kindness . Kindness, ahisma another foundation, the cornerstone for a lifelong love of yoga.

I discoveredPlant A Kiss by Amy Krause Rosenthal, published 2012.  Little Miss plants a kiss, watches and waits, doubts and pouts, stares and shares. She reaps what she sows and receives endless bliss. Perfect for sun salutations and filled with potential poses aplenty. Sweet and simple yet full of life’s lessons. Share it and see where it may lead.

As we guide children along the path of yoga they learn to love life, themselves and others. And in doing so may we remember the joys that are inherent in life, one of which is sharing a sweet simple picture book. They have the power to capture our hearts and transform our souls, much like storytelling and yoga.

Namaste and may you enjoy the moments you spend with the children in your life.

Mahalo, we serve.

Kathe Hudson