Blossom Yoga was formed by Jacinda Butterworth and Keeley Baigent in 2007. We are trained YogaBugs, Yoga’d Up and Sun Power Yoga teachers, bringing the benefits of yoga to children in the East Midlands.
In nourishing fertile earth, the blossom tree flowers. In the same way children grow when they are given positive affirmations in a stimulating and encouraging environment. Through yoga, children learn techniques to rid themselves of negativity so they can blossom into positive and healthy individuals.

“Know you what it is to be a child? It is to turn pumpkins into coaches, and mice into horses, it is to see a world in a grain of sand, and a Heaven in a wildflower, hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour.” English poet Francis Thompson (1859 – 1907)

Today’s children grow up in a busy, stressful and fast paced world, experiencing awkward growing spurts, crazy hormones and powerful media messages about body shapes and sizes. School exams, bullying and parental separation are issues many children face. With less emphasis on PE in schools and more on literacy and numeracy to meet ever demanding education targets, children are being denied their natural freedom of movement, imagination and inherent creativity. Added to which the popularity of television viewing and computer games have led to postural problems and not surprisingly childhood obesity.

“Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.” Dr Haim Ginott (1922 – 1973)

Blossom Yoga develops creativity and expression. It nurtures children without being exclusive and moulds bright, perceptive, sensitive and happy young people. Every part of the child is invigorated – mind, body and spirit.

• Postures include stretches, back arches, forward bends, twists and inversions which recharge weak immune systems, strengthen core muscles, promote healthy bones, maintain natural flexibility, improve co-ordination, tone bodies and reduce obesity.
  
  
• Balances improve focus, poise, strength and grace.
  
  
• Breathing exercises improve concentration and energy levels.
  
  
• Relaxation techniques clear the mind, allowing for better memory retention and children become calmer with improved sleep patterns.
  
  
• Vocalisation techniques manage emotions and eliminate anxiety and negativity.

(3-7 year olds)

Children take part in creative stories and exciting adventures, such as pirate treasure hunts or trips to the circus. Their imaginations are stimulated whilst practicing safe yoga postures that represent animals or objects which feature in the adventures. In effect, the children perform yoga without knowing it!

“I love jumping as a monkey in the African adventure, it makes me laugh and feel happy!” Tabitha aged 5

(8-12 year olds)

Children are led through creative themes, such as the Olympics or parts of the body. The themes are educational too!

“I achieved shoulder stand in the class today and I’m really proud of myself!” Katie aged 9

Click here to download a Blossom Yoga feature from The Leicester Mercury. (Pdf format, approx 0.5MB)

Click here to download information about Blossom Yoga’s new syllabus. (Pdf format, approx 0.1MB)

Click here to visit the Leicester Mercury Website to view an article about Blossom Yoga (15/01/2010)

Click here to download 2009 Blossom Yoga Grade One presentation photos (Pdf format, approx 0.1MB)

Click here to download 2010 Blossom Yoga Grade presentation photos (Pdf format, approx 0.1MB)

Blossom Yoga can contribute towards the themes required for prestigious awards such as National Healthy School Status and ActiveMark status, including Personal Social and Health Education, physical activity, emotional health and wellbeing and healthy eating.

Blossom Yoga also fulfils many objectives of the PE curriculum and the literacy framework which promotes the use of drama, speaking and listening before writing and the stories and themes can follow aspects of the National Curriculum.

“Feedback from children after being taught by Blossom Yoga has been very positive and some of them have now taken yoga up as a regular hobby. The classes help to develop energy, strength and confidence and leave the children feeling re-energised, calm and ready to focus on learning with a clear mind. By using different themes like the Olympic Games, which link with our current year 5 topic on Ancient Greece, the yoga classes are even more exciting for the children.” Tim Sutcliffe. Head Teacher, Glen Hills Primary School

When and where…

• Saturday morning classes at Knighton Parish Centre, Church Lane, Leicester, LE2 3WG.
  Lil’ Buds: 10.00am – 11.00am,
  Big Buds: 11.00am – 12.00pm
• 2010 Autumn Term half term dates:
  First half term starts: Saturday 18th September to Saturday 9th October inclusive.
  Closed for half term: Saturday 16th October to Saturday 23rd October inclusive.
  Second half term starts: Saturday 6th November to Saturday 11th December inclusive.
  
  

We also offer…

• ‘One off’ classes for nurseries and schools
  
• Regular classes for nurseries
  
• Regular classes for schools as a PE activity, PPA activity, breakfast or after school club
  
• School holiday courses
  
  

How to contact us…

For further information about Blossom Yoga or for bookings for our Saturday classes, school holiday courses, school or nursery ‘one off’ or regular classes or clubs, contact Keeley on tel: 07761 813360 or Jacinda on tel: 07739 507960 or e-mail: blossom@blossom-yoga.co.uk