Yoga with French termly summary
How has Yoga gone so far?
Being a qualified PE teacher, when arranging Yoga with French I wanted to ensure that the quality of session was maintained in regards to physical activity. Having now observed Steph several times the balance of Yoga and French works well with the child’s ability in both aspects.
Yoga with French at Dial Park Primary School on a special occasions day at their school
The sessions offer a different slant on physical activity, yoga is a mindful activity and one which requires focus, grit and determination just like many other sports and activity. Observing the sessions, it was good to see children so keen to learn about yoga, and see pupils thrive where perhaps in other environments they might not.
St Barnabus have booked in 3 sessions in which they are really enjoying developing their yoga and French
It was also great to see boys in the classes take part fully in the sessions, they really enjoyed the challenge aspects as well as the relaxation and breathing parts which is great to see. One of the key aspects of PE teaching is introducing activities that children can take part in for life and Yoga certainly ticks this box
French aspect
Steph adapts the ratio of French/ English well with the children she is teaching. Children use a lot of new and already learnt vocab throughout the sessions and will come away with a more heightened perspective on using languages in a different environment other than in the classroom. Children are excited to use the French vocab in the class and throughout are challenged to use as little English as possible.
[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbhN5ibjYu8&w=854&h=480]
Uploaded by Will Lloyd on 2016-12-12.
In the above video you can see all children (including a child with a physical disability) not only engaging fully in hat is quite a demanding yoga pose, but also applying their knowledge of French by counting to 10!
Meditation aspect
Meditation is a fantastic tool to increase your mindfulness and improve your own daily productivity and happiness. In the sessions, Steph (a big advocate of meditation) goes through short sequences allowing children to experience techniques in regards to practising the art of meditation and breathing.
Children at Moston Lane Primary School practicing deep breathing techniques. Year 5's have been practising for 3 of 6 weeks and are looking to improve their own focus and determination towards their studies!
Teacher Responses
The teachers at the school have really enjoyed having Yoga with French at their school, as you can see from their positive tweets and comments, it seems to be having a positive effect, with schools lined up after Christmas ready to go it seems that active lingo is starting to pick up some momentum!
“‘It’s always beneficial for children to realise that language can be used in a real context and isn’t just some abstract thing that we do in the classroom’”
So far Yoga with French has been a fantastic success within primary schools and is something we will continue to offer to schools.
If you are interested in yoga with French at your school, don't hesitate to contact me (William@primarylanguagesnetwork.co.uk) or visit the active lingo homepage by clicking on the logo below! Follow me on twitter @activelingo
