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OMazing Kids LLC is an organization that promotes inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities. The blog and social media pages share information about books, DVD’s, CD’s, games and other products specifically designed for kids wellness, mindfulness and relaxation, product reviews & giveaways, lesson plan & activity ideas, research, kids wellness in the news and a connection corner with listings of individuals doing adapted yoga and those offering trainings.

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the crayons divider bar or any ads or unusual hyperlinks that may appear above. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here. I have attempted to remove the CouponDropDown but no luck so far…. DO NOT click on any hyperlinks unless you hover above them first to insure they are valid. Ones I included should appear in blue font.

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222 Books for Kids Yoga – a Resource List from OMazing Kids Yoga (updated 7-7-12)

Posted on July 7, 2012 by OMazing Kids

I just updated the resource list to add new books I have purchased since the original list was posted on 4/6/12 – (https://omazingkidsllc.com/2012/04/06/books-for-kids-yoga-a-resource-list-from-omazing-kids-yoga/). This is now a list of 222 kids picture books that would work well in a kids yoga class and includes the book title, author & themes .

Excel document (you can sort, search & print – must have MS Excel to open): Books for Kids Yoga Resource List (from OMazing Kids Yoga) – updated 7-7-12 (Excel Version).

PDF version (you won’t be able to sort but will be able to search and print – included this for folks who don’t have Excel): Books for Kids Yoga Resource List (from OMazing Kids Yoga) – updated 7-7-12 (PDF Version). Need help with “searching” for specific words in a PDF? Check this out:http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/search.html .

It does not include kids books specifically designed for yoga or mindfulness because the list was created to be a resource for folks like parents, teachers, childcare providers, therapists, etc…. I have reviewed several great kids books specifically designed for yoga &/or mindfulness, love them all and plan on making a separate list of those soon. In the meantime, you can find books I have reviewed by searching my blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com/category/books/.

Want even more ideas for books to use in a kids yoga class?

Check out the “Books, Books, Books” album on the OMazing Kids Yoga Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.338142666236745.94253.174264525957894&type=3. I post new books, links to free printables & story props in this album frequently. I also have an OMazing Kids Yoga Pinterest page where I share info: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/.

Also check out Storyoga for lots of book ideas (website: http://www.storyoga.com & Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Storyogafriends)

And the cool bibliography from Yoga in my School: http://yogainmyschool.com/pdf/yoga4literacy_bibliography.pdf (15 page PDF) and their Pinterest board: http://pinterest.com/yogainmyschool/books-for-kids-yoga/.

Can you tell that I LOVE great kids books?! Feel free to share any of your favorite books (including title & author) & details about how you use them in a kids yoga class either in the comments section below or on my Facebook page….. I love exchanging ideas

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

Review & Giveaway: Namaste Kid’s “Once Upon a Mat” DVD

Posted on June 21, 2012 by OMazing Kids

The new “Once Upon a Mat” DVD by Namaste Kid is a great combo of yoga storytelling with their signature distraction-free background & kid-friendly format!

The DVD is organized into 9 chapters.
Each chapter is a complete 3-5 minute yoga routine, identified by a colorful icon.
You can mix-and-match chapters to create your own unique yoga experience.
This DVD can also be played from beginning to end as a full 33-minute yoga routine.
I LOVE the storytelling format, short length of each chapter, distraction-free background, kid-friendly menu & that it includes affirmations!

See the “In the Garden” chapter from the DVD on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV6Aylq8WrE

Product Description: Once Upon a Mat brings your child on exciting yoga adventures, including an African safari, a trip to outer space, and getting caught in a thunderstorm!

Once Upon a Mat helps children exercise their bodies and expand their imaginations. Your little yogi will become a part of this adventure through real yoga poses and guided breathing.

Your child will love creating their own yoga adventure. Once Upon a Mat contains 9 chapters. Each chapter is a complete 3-5 minute yoga routine. This DVD can be played from beginning to end as a full 33 minute yoga workout. Your child can also mix-and-match chapters to create their own unique yoga story.

Once Upon a Mat simply features Jessie and her mat. Jessie engages your child in the yoga story, as she guides them through yoga poses and breath work. The distraction-free background is perfect for little yogis, allowing their adventure to go as far as their imagination will take them.

This DVD is ideal for kids ages 2.5 to 7. There are also tips to help your child maximize the benefits of the DVD.

DVD Price at the time of this post: $15.49. Available for purchase on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XILW5O

Website: http://www.namastekid.com/products/kids-yoga-dvds/once-upon-a-mat-dvd/. Check out the cool pose library: http://www.namastekid.com/learn/kids-yoga-poses/ & find kids yoga classes in your area: http://www.namastekid.com/learn/kids-yoga-classes/.

More about the unique “distraction-free” background: While the DVD was designed for young kids (2.5 to 7 years old), it also would be appropriate for older kids that need a simplified format with no distractions. I have found that this format works well with young kids short attention spans and also works well with kids who have ADHD, Autism, etc…..

Why does a “distraction-free” background matter?….

(FYI… the blue painting in the background above is a portion of “Sensory Chaos” by Donna Proctor: http://fineartamerica.com/products/sensory-chaos–autism-donna-proctor-poster.html)

Free Printable Choice Cards: I made these by taking screen shots off the DVD of the icon for each chapter. Many of the kids I work with have very limited verbal skills so I needed a way for them to be able to make a choice of what yoga adventure we should do. One of our TV’s is wall mounted so the kids can’t just point to the menu on the TV plus many of our kids can’t make a choice out of a field of 9…. but can out of a field of 2 or 3 choices. I cut my cards apart and laminated them so I can offer 2 choices at a time….. but you could also leave all 9 choices on 1 sheet if the kids you work with can handle that many choices. (1 page PDF: Namaste Kid Once Upon a Mat – Choice Cards)

Disclaimer: I received a free sample of this product to facilitate my review. Opinions expressed are my own.

How to enter the giveaway:

Enter via the “Giveaways” tab on the OMazing Kids FB page (http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga?v=app_197602066931325) & mention how you would be using this DVD with your child or the children you work with. (comments must be in English; must include full first & last name; 1 entry per Facebook account).
For one additional entry, leave a comment on this blog post. Must mention how you would be using this DVD with your child or the children you work with. (comments must be in English; 1 entry per person; must have a valid e-mail address)
Tips: You increase your odds of winning by entering via both methods. Entering via the “Giveaways” tab will save me the step of having to obtain your mailing address – the info you complete on the tab comes directly to me via an e-mail.

Entry Deadline: Enter by any of the methods listed above by 11:59pm CST on June 23, 2012.

Rules of Participation:

Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
Entries from the USA & Canada are being allowed for this particular giveaway.
Employees or family members of OMazing Kids, LLC or the product’s company are not eligible.
No purchase required.
Comments submitted via the Enter Giveaways Here…. tab on Facebook may be copied & pasted into the blog post.
Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received.
One (1) winner will be chosen via a random drawing of valid entries on June 24, 2012.
The winner will receive one (1) copy of the DVD.
The winner will be notified via e-mail and will be posted on the blog post.
If a winner only entered via blog post, their mailing address will be obtained via e-mail.
In the event that a winner does not respond within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected via a random drawing.
The winner’s address will be forwarded to the company and they will be mailing the book directly to the winner.
Prize Value: $15.49

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just a kids yoga DVD but just to be safe here is all the legal stuff…

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

Review & Giveaway: Madame’s Journey Home (Madame Viaja A Su Casa)

Posted on May 30, 2012 by OMazing Kids

Madame’s Journey Home is an endearing, heartfelt story of a Monarch Butterfly’s journey. A young boy and his mother grow vegetables for farmer’s markets and while gathering pumpkins discovered an injured Monarch butterfly. Follow their adventures as they care for the butterfly and help her make her journey home.

This book would be a great addition to discussions about butterflies, migration, life cycles, caring for others, etc. It would also be a fun addition to a butterfly-themed kids yoga class. The paperback book is small (8.25″ x 6″) so it is best suited for small groups or 1-on-1 reading.

More about the story behind the story: http://madamesjourneyhome.blogspot.com/p/story-of-story.html

Sneek peek inside the book:

Also available in a Spanish version (Madame Viaja A Su Casa):

And it includes a coloring page at the end of the book:

Author’s Blog: http://madamesjourneyhome.blogspot.com/

Author’s Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/mariosamariosa

Available for purchase at:

Createspace: English version: http://www.createspace.com/3550337; Spanish Version: http://www.createspace.com/3667916

Amazon: English version: http://www.amazon.com/Madames-Journey-Home-mariosa/dp/1460911202/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338410524&sr=8-1#_; Spanish Version: http://www.amazon.com/Madame-Viaja-Casa-Spanish-Edition/dp/1466222298/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338430592&sr=1-1

Price at the time of this post: $9.95

Disclaimer: I received a free sample of this product to facilitate my review. Opinions expressed are my own.

How to enter the giveaway:

Enter via the “Giveaways” tab on the OMazing Kids FB page (http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga?v=app_197602066931325) & mention how you would be using the book with your child or the children you work with. Must also indicate if you want the English or Spanish version of the book. (comments must be in English; must include full first & last name; 1 entry per Facebook account).
For one additional entry, leave a comment on this blog post. Must mention how you would be using the book with your child or the children you work with. Must also indicate if you want the English or Spanish version of the book. (comments must be in English; 1 entry per person; must have a valid e-mail address)
Tips: You increase your odds of winning by entering via both methods. Entering via the “Giveaways” tab will save me the step of having to obtain your mailing address – the info you complete on the tab comes directly to me via an e-mail.

Entry Deadline: Enter by any of the methods listed above by 11:59pm CST on June 1, 2012.

Rules of Participation:

Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
International entries are being allowed for this particular giveaway.
Employees or family members of OMazing Kids, LLC or the product’s company are not eligible.
No purchase required.
Comments submitted via the Enter Giveaways Here…. tab on Facebook may be copied & pasted into the blog post.
Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received.
One (1) winner will be chosen via a random drawing of valid entries on June 2, 2012.
The winner will receive one (1) copy of the book. It will be in the language (English or Spanish) specified in the winner’s entry.
The winner will be notified via e-mail and will be posted on the blog post.
If a winner only entered via blog post, their mailing address will be obtained via e-mail.
In the event that a winner does not respond within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected via a random drawing.
The winner’s address will be forwarded to the company and they will be mailing the book directly to the winner.
Prize Value: $9.95

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just a kids book but just to be safe here is all the legal stuff…

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

3…2…1…. Blastoff! Ideas for an Outer Space Kids Yoga Class

Posted on April 14, 2012 by OMazing Kids

Want some fun ideas for an Outer Space kids yoga class?

We recently had a great discussion on the OMazing Kids Yoga Facebook page and lots of cool ideas were shared. I’m saving them here on the blog so folks will be able to find the info more easily.

Updates: Here is my new playlist for Outer Space & Star Wars themed yoga

Update 2/17/13: New song added to my “space” playlist. “Rocket Ship” by Bari Koral: http://www.amazon.com/Rocket-Ship/dp/B007U2LKLO

See an album of pics of ideas on FB: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga#!/media/set/?set=a.342172392500439.95278.174264525957894&type=3 (new pics added frequently)

Here are the ideas folks shared:

Laurea Palmantier Hello! Just wondering if anyone has some ideas on outer space themed yoga? Thank you!

Kara Best Oh my yoga kids love when we go to outer space! We use chair pose as our rocket and I let the kids take turns counting down fm 5 to blast off where we come out of chair with a lil jump. We ‘land’ on the moon (crescent moon pose), twinkling stars (supine or standing, touch opposite hand to foot), saturn (group pose holding hands, leaning back), mars (lots to do with aliens ie inversions or make up their own shape as examples), space rocks (childs pose) and more I end resting on clouds.

Alicia Fry LaGrassa Loving the ideas…Kara has good ones, and I like the Star Wars idea as well. I was just pondering this last week, and I jotted down to use “Rocketship Run” by Laurie Berkner. (And there’s a countdown to blastoff for Kara!)

Laura Fuller Something anti gravity. And moonwalking.

YogaBugs North & East London See the YogaBugs Fun Zone at www.yogabugs.com. We have a free Intergalactic Space Adventure to download plus a colouring-in sheet to go with it. (Note: See the info below for a direct link to that info on their website).

Garland Caz Rainbow kids yoga has also got ideas about space x (Note: See the info below for a direct link).

Nancy Williams I use helicopter to fly and everyone takes a turn discussing just where, in outer space, they will travel. We have also done any moving pose in incredibly slow motion, i.e. yoga walk, warrior, cat, triangle, etc. A guided imagery geared to this theme is also well received and eye bags become moon goggles.

Jeanette Runnings We do a rocket taking off by squating down and then jump pu to blast off. Sun breaths, star pose, moon pose(side stretch) half moon (if older kids), moon rock pose(child’s pose) Falling star pose -shifting weight to each foot.

OMazing Kids Yoga ‎- Nancy Williams shared this guided imagery script today….. reposting here so everyone in this discussion thread will see it:

MISSION PEACE – Today is an important day and you feel excitement growing inside of you. Taking a deep breath through your nose you begin to feel calm and more focused. Today you will travel with your fellow astronauts into outer space. You slip one leg and then the other into a silver jumpsuit that has been selected as your official uniform for your travel. You fall in line with your team and find yourself walking through the exit door and down a ramp towards the shuttle. You climb the steps that have been placed in front of the shuttle and wave at the people that have gathered to watch the blast off. Inside the shuttle you see a circle of seats and you land in the nearest one. You slip one shoulder and then the other into the harness seat belt that will secure you in this powerful take off. You look in front of you and notice the floor is a window and you will be able to view the entire landscape around you during your travel. The intercom announces your departure and the four… three… two…one…launch has become a reality. You feel the power of the release as you are sent into the atmosphere and find yourself looking at the earth as if it were a pea. You see the light change as you move into outer space and take a deep breath to calm your ever- growing excitement. You now see particles of light, chards of meteor and a darker horizon. The atmosphere has shifted and you observe a hair comb float by you. Your team member laughs as he realizes he forgot to take his comb out of his pocket before entering the shuttle. You know your trip will be short as time is reduced when you travel this fast. You look forward to your mission. Stars are around you now and there are wifts of hazy matter you are not familiar with. The area is dark and you realize you have traveled far beyond the earth’s orbit. The intercom informs you that you will soon be landing on your destination and you take yet another breath to calm your building anticipation. You feel the landing and are instructed to release your harness, move into the outer chamber and suit up for your mission. It is only ten steps to the exit and you begin to move. As you place the outer-wear over your jumpsuit you find that you are weightless and must move slowly in order to keep your balance. You place the helmet with oxygen over your head and as the inner chamber door locks you step through the opening outer exit. Out into a world that is unfamiliar and resembles a mystical version of your planet earth. You have been chosen to place the flag into the crust of this new planet and you begin to do so with the support of your team. You stand back and admire the design that has been developed for this mission and notice the colorful symbol and letters warm your heart. Each letter has been carefully designed to put the intention of your mission into the energy of this place. You smile, and know that the PEACE you have chosen to represent this mission will generate the intention of the entire planet earth. Peace, shanti, the message we all wish to place into our future. Feeling complete and content you move with the small team back through the shuttle door and decompress in the inner chamber. Removing your suits, you move back into the inner shuttle where you secure your seat belts and prepare for the return voyage. Taking a deep breath you now relax and know you have made a contribution to the world and can feel proud of your mission. The Peace shuttle lifts and propels from the new found planet to carry you home.

Laurea Palmantier Pure Awesome! “Once Upon a Pose” by Donna Freeman has a space adventure story in her book as well. Thank you everyone!

A fun outer space kids yoga lesson plan & free coloring page from YogaBugs Ltd: http://www.yogabugs.com/images/YogaBugs%20-%20An%20Intergalactic%20Adventure.pdf & http://www.yogabugs.com/images/YogaBugs-Colouring-In-Space-Mission.pdf

A fun outer space kids yoga lesson plan from Rainbow Kids Yoga: http://yoganomics.net/2010/06/holiday-vacation-in-outer-space/

Love this from Cyn Narcisi Illustration! http://cynnarcisi.blogspot.com/2010/01/yoga-is-good-for-artists-and-jedi.html And check out: http://cynnarcisi.blogspot.com/2010/07/yoga-with-yoda-how-to-do-virabhadrasana.html (PDF: http://www.cynnarcisi.com/YOGA_Yoda_W2.pdf)

All the Star Wars Yoga pics are from: http://robosborne.net/shop. Also check out a video of the pics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJgDgm6orU4

Hilarious Star Wars inspired yoga YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZLXQyF58i8

“Yoga Warriors” yoga pose card deck from Radiant Child Yoga! I have them and boys, especially those with a facination for Star Wars, Power Rangers and/or Transformers, etc… love them 🙂 http://store.childrensyoga.com/Yoga-Warriors-Cards-p/yoga%20warriors%20cards.htm

“Roaring Rockets” by Tony Mitton will be fun to use with an Outer Space kids yoga theme 🙂 Here’s a peek inside the book: http://www.amazon.com/Roaring-Rockets-Amazing-Machines-Mitton/dp/0753453053#reader_0753453053

Coloring Page: http://icoloringpages.com/wp-content/uploads/wallpapers/Space-Ship-Coloring-Page.gif (links to several more fun coloring pages: http://www.squidoo.com/space-coloring-pages2)

(Update 7/3/13: Check out the Cosmic Kids website for a fun new lesson plan inspired by the book “Aliens Love Underpants”: http://www.cosmickids.co.uk/aliens-love-underpants-a-kids-yoga-class-plan/)

Have more ideas that you would like to share for “Outer Space” kids yoga? Feel free to comment below 🙂

Looking for “Robot-Themed” kids yoga ideas? Check out this post: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2013/02/02/robot-themed-kids-yoga-lesson-plan-ideas/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – wellness & inclusive activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

Earth Day Every Day – ideas for teaching kids about eco-friendly living

Posted on April 9, 2012 by OMazing Kids

Earth Day is April 22. But to make a true impact make every day Earth Day.

Commit to protect the environment. Take action. Learn – teach – share. Want info about “Earth Day”? Check out the EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/earthday/ & http://www.epa.gov/students/teachers.html. And a great blog post: http://www.ecobabysteps.com/2011/07/19/how-to-teach-your-children-about-eco-friendly-living/. I love the tips they give, especially about being “easy going”, giving kids a little information at a time, don’t scare them, and let them arrive on their own at the place where it clicks.

Here are a few suggestions for things to use in teaching kids about eco-friendly living. ….

Books (Earth Day, Conservation, Recycling, Environment, etc…):

10 Things I Can Do to Help My World by Melanie Walsh (free activity guide: http://www.walker.co.uk/UserFiles/file/Ten%20Things/10Things%20Activities-02.pdf)

All Around Me I See by Laya Steinberg (activities: http://dawnpub.com/activities/Camo_Activity.pdf, free teachers guide from the author: http://www.layasteinberg.com/AAteacherguide.pdf)

All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon (post from Alluem Kids Yoga: http://alluemkids.blogspot.com/2011/03/all-world.html – includes a great visualization idea & a free teachers guide from the author: http://www.lizgartonscanlon.com/PDFS/All%20The%20World%20TG.pdf )

Care for Our World book & playset from Compendium / Live Inspired

Earth Day: An Alphabet Book by Gary Kowalski

Earth Day Birthday by Pattie Schnetzler

Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger (video trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVQeY8bodYs)

How Can I Help? (series of 3 books: Protect the Land, Protect the Ocean, Save the Wildlife) by Earthwise Kids

Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel

My Mama Earth by Susan B. Katz (See a video preview on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-joIbJSDN4o)

One Child, One Planet: Inspiration for the Young Conservationist by Bridget McGovern Llewellyn (website: http://onechildoneplanet.com/)

Our Big Home: An Earth Poem by Linda Glaser (free activity guide: http://www.lindaglaserauthor.com/Our_Big_Home.pdf)

The EARTH Book by Todd Parr (free coloring pages: http://www.toddparr.com/imgs/fun/earthbook_coloring.pdf, the author reading the book: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXnWUS_K0XQ)

The Happiness Tree by Andrea Alban Gosline (free teachers guide: http://www.ambledance.com/media/pdf/HT_Teachers_Guide.pdf)

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (see website below)

This Tree Counts by Alison Formento (free teachers guide: http://www.alisonashleyformento.com/Alison_Ashley_Formento/MY_BOOKS_files/Teacher%27s_Guide_THIS_TREE_COUNTS.pdf)

Where One There Was a Wood by Denise Fleming (free activities: http://www.denisefleming.com/pages/activities-wood.html)

Coloring Pages (to be eco-friendly, use both sides of the paper):

“Save Our Species” free coloring book from US EPA – http://www.epa.gov/espp/coloring/cbook.pdf

Free kids Earth Day Booklet from US EPA – http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/k12_schools/KidsBrochure.pdf

Environmental Websites for Kids:

Conserving Now: http://www.conservingnow.com/parent-resources#pre

Dr. Seuess’ The Lorax Project – http://www.seussville.com/loraxproject/ & http://www.seussville.com/Educators/lorax_classroom/educatorlorax_discuss.php

Kids for Saving Earth – http://www.kidsforsavingearth.org/

Leave No Trace – http://www.lnt.org/programs/peak.php

PBS EekoWorld – http://pbskids.org/eekoworld/

Planet Pals – http://www.planetpals.com/

Check out this fabulous post on the Small Potatoes blog! http://mysmallpotatoes.com/2012/04/20/namaste-mother-earth/

Free Earth Day lesson plan from Kids Yoga Stories: http://www.kidsyogastories.com/free-resources/

Printable Earth Day Memory Game from LearnCreateLove.com: http://learncreatelove.com/?p=7018

natural kidz

Check out the Natural Kidz website for lots of eco-friendly products: http://naturalkidz.com/

Share your ideas for helping kids learn about being eco-friendly & going green by leaving a comment below or joining the discussion on the OMazing Kids Yoga Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga 🙂

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – wellness & inclusive activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

Books for Kids Yoga – a Resource List from OMazing Kids Yoga

Posted on April 6, 2012 by OMazing Kids

Thanks to everyone who shared ideas as part of the discussion we had about kids books on the OMazing Kids Yoga Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=344588795592132&set=a.191017694282577.62242.174264525957894&type=1&theater)! I bought several new books based on your recommendations.

I went through my entire personal library of kids picture books to see which ones would lend themselves well to use in a kids yoga class and compiled a resource list with the book title, author & themes in an Excel document (so it can be sorted by title or author and can be searched by keywords). There are 188 books on the list so far and I plan on updating the list periodically as I buy new books 🙂

Excel document (you can sort, search & print – must have MS Excel to open): Books for Kids Yoga Resource List (from OMazing Kids Yoga)

PDF version (you won’t be able to sort but will be able to search and print – included this for folks who don’t have Excel): Books for Kids Yoga Resource List (from OMazing Kids Yoga). Need help with “searching” for specific words in a PDF? Check this out: http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/search.html .

Want even more ideas for books to use in a kids yoga class? Check out the “Books, Books, Books” album on the OMazing Kids Yoga Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.338142666236745.94253.174264525957894&type=3. I post new books, links to free printables & story props in this album frequently 🙂 I also set up an OMazing Kids Yoga Pinterest page so I may start using that to share info too: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKidsYoga/.

Also check out the cool bibliography from Yoga in my School: http://yogainmyschool.com/pdf/yoga4literacy_bibliography.pdf (15 page PDF) and their new Pinterest board: http://pinterest.com/yogainmyschool/books-for-kids-yoga/.

Can you tell that I LOVE great kids books?! Feel free to share any of your favorite books & details about how you use them either in the comments section below or on my Facebook page….. I love exchanging ideas 🙂

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC – inclusive yoga for kids & teens of all abilities in Norman, Oklahoma

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKidsYoga/

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Review & Giveaway: Yoga-Yingo Games

Posted on March 31, 2012 by OMazing Kids

Looking for fun games to use in your kids yoga classes, therapy sessions or on family game night? Then check out the Yoga-Yingo games……. yoga+bingo = Yoga-Yingo!

Yoga-Yingo games are a fun way to introduce yoga poses and “play” yoga with the children in your life. Designed for play at home, children’s yoga classes, schools, daycares, and therapy sessions. They’re played like bingo except everyone’s “a winner” at the same time!

Game Contents: 12 game cards, 8 pose cards, 120 colored square markers, game instructions and a yoga pose instruction sheet. Games are packaged in Ziploc plastic bags.

How to Play: All players start by covering the center square “Breathe” with a colored square marker. Breathe in Mountain Pose to start the game. The pose cards can either be shuffled and done in a random sequence or arranged in a specific sequence (ex: easier to harder, a yoga flow of poses, etc…). All players do the poses together at their own pace and ability level. The game ends when all the poses have been completed & covered by markers on the game board. End the game by coming back to the center square and breathing in Child Pose.

There are three different Yoga-Yingo game sets available:

Classic Set: Consists of traditional yoga poses: bridge, cat-cow, cobra, downward facing dog, forward fold, tree, spinal twist & warrior II. Has the “breathe” – mountain/child poses in the center. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Farm Set: Consists of farm-themed poses: cat-cow, downward facing dog, egg-to-chicken, duck, horse, pig, plow & rabbit. Has the “breathe” – mountain/child poses in the center. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
Nature Set: Consists of nature-themed poses: butterfly, crooked branch, frog, half moon, rainbow, star, sunflower & tree. Has the “breathe” – mountain/child poses in the center. Recommended for ages 6 and up since some poses are a little more challenging.

Here’s what I love about the Yoga-Yingo games:

Most children & adults have played “bingo” before so this is a fun way to infuse yoga into an activity they are familiar with.

Love the cooperative, non-competitive nature of the game.

Love that the game starts & ends by “centering” in the center of the board with breathing! Mountain pose is a great pose to begin the game and it would be easy to add a “sun stretch & breath” as a warm-up from this position. Child Pose is a wonderful calming pose that almost every child can easily do and is a great way to relax at the end of the game.

Love the use of real photos of the poses on the game board & pose cards. Photos tend to be more concrete & easier to understand than line drawings or illustrations so this should help younger kids and those with special needs.

Love that each set includes a sheet with step-by-step simple instructions & modifications for each pose. This makes it user-friendly for families or therapists who may not be familiar with yoga.

Love the variety of ways these games could be used. These games could easily be used in an individual or group setting. It would be fun to incorporate the Farm Set & Nature Set into larger themed activities by adding music/songs, a book, crafts, etc. It would also be fun to make picture cards of the animals & nature items to use as non-identical matching with the pose cards in therapy sessions. Another idea would be to hide the yoga pose cards and find them in a Yoga-Yingo scavenger hunt…. Doing poses on the go 🙂

Available for purchase on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=yoga-yingo&x=16&y=17

Price (as of the date of this post): $17.99 per set.

Info about the creator of Yoga-Yingo: Jeanette Runnings is a pediatric Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience. She has been trained in children’s yoga through Karma Kids Yoga and the Radiant Child yoga programs (2005). She received her 200 hr. Yoga Teacher training at Gilbert Yoga (2011). She is a Certified Laughter Leader through the World Laughter Tour (2012). She created the Yoga-Yingo game series in 2005 to help families learn yoga in a fun way.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeanette.runnings

Website: www.yoga-yingo.com

E-Mail: jeanette@yoga-yingo.com

Product Swap: Jeanette is interested in doing “product swaps” with other folks who have kids yoga products. If you are interested in doing a “product swap” with Jeanette, you can contact her directly via e-mail: jeanette@yoga-yingo.com.

How to enter the giveaway:

Enter via the “Giveaways” tab on the OMazing Kids Yoga FB page (http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga?v=app_197602066931325) & mention how you would be using this game with your child or the children you work with. (comments must be in English; must include full first & last name; 1 entry per Facebook account).
For one additional entry, leave a comment on this blog post. Must mention how you would be using this game with your child or the children you work with. (comments must be in English; 1 entry per person; must have a valid e-mail address)
Tips: You increase your odds of winning by entering via both methods. Entering via the “Giveaways” tab will save me the step of having to obtain your mailing address – the info you complete on the tab comes directly to me via an e-mail.

Entry Deadline: Enter by any of the methods listed above by 11:59pm CST on April 2, 2012.

Rules of Participation:

Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
Only USA & Canada entries are being allowed for this particular giveaway.
Employees or family members of OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC or the product’s company are not eligible.
No purchase required.
Comments submitted via the Enter Giveaways Here…. tab on Facebook may be copied & pasted into the blog post.
Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received.
Three (3) winners will be chosen via a random drawing of valid entries on April 3, 2012.
The winners will each get one (1) Yoga-Yingo game set. Yoga-Yingo will decide which set to send each winner.
The winners will be notified via e-mail and will be posted on the blog post.
If a winner only entered via blog post, their mailing address will be obtained via e-mail.
In the event that a winner does not respond within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected via a random drawing.
The winner’s address will be forwarded to the company and they will be mailing the product directly to the winner.
Prize Value: retail price $17.99.

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just a yoga game but just to be safe here is all the legal stuff…

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You are providing your information to OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for our internal purposes in relation to the administration of the giveaway. Your information will NOT be sold to any outside parties.

Indemnification/Hold Harmless: By participating, entrants agree: (a) to the decisions of OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC, which shall be final in all respects; (b) to release, discharge, and hold harmless OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC and its respective representatives and agents from all liability, injuries, losses or damages of any kind to persons or property resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the acceptance, possession, misuse or use of a prize, or from participation in and/or entry into the Contest or any Contest-related activity and for acceptance, delivery, or use of any prize; (c) that the foregoing parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guaranty, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, relating to any prize.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC – inclusive yoga for kids & teens of all abilities in Norman, Oklahoma

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

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Happy 1st Blogiversary on OMazing Kids Yoga!

Posted on March 30, 2012 by OMazing Kids

I just realized that today is the 1st “blogiversary” of the OMazing Kids Yoga blog! It has been such a fun way to connect, share ideas, do reviews & host giveaways for great products, etc…. Looking forward to the year ahead 🙂

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC – inclusive yoga for kids & teens of all abilities in Norman, Oklahoma

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

http://www.kizclub.com/storypatterns/folktales/goldilocks(C).pdf

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

Goldilocks & the 3 Grounded Bears – a classic tale with a kids yoga twist

Posted on March 21, 2012 by OMazing Kids

We have been having a fun discussion on the OMazing Kids Yoga Facebook page about great picture books and stories to use in yoga with kids 2-10 years of age!

One of the many great ideas shared was to use Goldilocks & the 3 Bears. Several folks were intrigued by that so Jessica Millen at Grounded Yoga Chicago (http://groundedyogachicago.com/) e-mailed me the details to share since it was too long to post in the comments on Facebook.

Here are the details in a 1-page printable PDF:

If you have questions about the lesson plan, feel free to send Jessica an e-mail: warm123@me.com

Free printables to use with the story:

http://www.kizclub.com/storypatterns/folktales/goldilocks.pdf

Get in on the fun discussion thread of great kids books by adding your comments on the photo on the FB page – https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=344588795592132&set=a.191017694282577.62242.174264525957894&type=1&theater

Love the creative & fun ideas being shared

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC – inclusive yoga for kids & teens of all abilities in Norman, Oklahoma

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com