CHILDREN at an Aberdeenshire primary school have been learning the ancient art of yoga as part of a week of healthy activities.
Pupils of Lairhillock Primary, near Stonehaven, spent yesterday morning rolling, stretching and bending as they worked their way into classic yoga positions.
It was the latest in a series of hands-on activities for the children as part of the school’s health week.
Yoga instructor Louisa Craig, who is based at Stonehaven, has taught in more than 50 schools in Grampian.
She engages the children by getting them to act out a story based on a series of basic stretching exercises which keep them interested.
“Little children love it because it’s a magical adventure,” she said.
“For the older ones it’s great to change their perceptions of what yoga is.
“It’s quite nice for the children’s self-esteem, for the really quiet children or those who may not join into other physical activities.
“Yoga encourages them to be aware of their bodies and their breathing.”
Through the week the children have been learning about their physical and mental health as well as how to take care of their teeth and bones.
All the school’s 106 children, from nursery through to primary seven, have been getting involved.
Teachers have made the lessons as interactive as possible with hip-hop dancing lessons, a session on a climbing wall and talks with a doctor and dentist.
Lynn Anderson, who teaches primaries two, three and four, said: “This is a whole week dedicated to looking at the health of the children.
“We are giving them taster sessions of things they have maybe not tried before. It is all based in the community so if they decide to take something up because they really enjoy it, that can happen.
“They have absolutely loved it because they have had hands-on things to do.”
For more information on Louisa’s yoga classes, go to www.louisayoga.co.uk