Teaching in a Virtual World, but I’m not a Virtual Girl
So I mentioned in my first Blog when all the Kids Yoga classes ended abruptly that it was soul crushing. Let me elaborate on that…teaching children is what gives my life purpose and meaning. When I am sitting with a group of children teaching yoga, talking about emotions, listening to feedback about yoga, reading a story, singing songs, dancing, or playing fun yoga games, I am in my element. That is my True Self.
With all of that gone, there was a big gaping hole in my life and I tried to fill that hole with continuing to teach classes virtually. Along with the rest of the world. I got on Zoom and offered classes everyday to all the students on a donation based system. And it was SO great!! It was new and different and brought joy to many in their homes. For at least a little while.
And then…we started to hit some road blocks. Engaging with children through a virtual format is tough. It is a challenge to redirect, reengage, or even receive feedback on how to readjust the lesson to meet the interests of the children. Parents still had to be involved. Students would watch me like a video, and at one point one child left the class and came back with a snack!
This just wasn’t working for me, it was outside my comfort zone. With all the virtual learning, classes and screen time kids were participating in at the time, I did not want to be another screen time class. Children need to be away from the screen more than on the screen. Children need to be outside more than inside.
Enter Yoga At Home. I was contacting by a wonderful little yoga studio that asked if I would develop a Yoga at Home program for Kids. Of course I said YES! This was a new way of thinking about offering yoga to children and families. Parents would buy the program and do yoga at home with their kids. Brilliant!!
In developing the program, I really enjoyed the creative process. I felt happy and joyful putting together the themed yoga lessons, guided relaxation audios and art projects so much. It felt good to create and put my creativity out there for others to enjoy. The creativity brought meaning and purpose back in to my life again. Did I mention the JOY??
I loved the creative process so much that it inspired me to rebrand myself Yoga with Ms. Brandon and develop a new and improved website that showcased all my offerings and an online store to share Kids Yoga lesson plans with the rest of the world. And I have.
Ms. Brandon, RCYT, RYT500, holds a Master's degree in Special Education from Western Carolina University, is a highly qualified educator, and has 20 years' experience working with children and children with special needs.
