Teacher in Hà Nội applies yoga to help children’s development

Teacher Trần Lan Phương instructs her students on yoga postures. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tùng

HÀ NỘI — Assisting children in enhancing focus and self-control is a constant consideration for teacher Trần Lan Phương.

Phương, 36, is a faculty member at Tương Mai Kindergarten, located in Hoàng Mai District, Hà Nội.

An enthusiast of physical art and a seasoned yoga practitioner, Phương has devoted significant effort to researching activities that foster physical development.

She has innovatively integrated yoga into her preschool curriculum, utilising story-telling yoga and yoga games. This approach aids four- and five-year-olds in honing their concentration and attentiveness.

Phương, through frequent observation and staying updated via social networks, has recognised the critical role of the internet in the fourth industrial revolution era as an integral aspect of contemporary life.

However, she acknowledges that the internet, while beneficial for connectivity, poses substantial risks to children.

Excessive exposure to the internet via smart devices tends to make children passive, easily distracted, and less capable of self-regulation.

Consequently, these children often show reluctance towards physical activity, leading to problems with eyesight, bones, and joints, alongside a general decline in health and immunity.

Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of children with hyperactivity and lack of concentration increased sharply.

Phương was concerned with the question of what should be done to help those children.

She started researching, exploring and studying yoga websites.

With advice from experts from the Yoga Kids Việt Nam Academy and the Yoga Planet Centre, Phương found that yoga and meditation could improve concentration for children.

​In the 2022-2023 school year, she was in charge of a class with 32 five-year-old students, including three hyperactive and 11 inattentive children.

Phương proposed the kindergarten leaders conduct a yoga pilot programme.

In the first semester, she applied the project to a group of 14 students.

“At first, I had many difficulties. Most children are not really interested because learning yoga requires patience and perseverance. But the children constantly want to change activities. I have thought a lot about how to attract their attention,” Phương said.

Combining pedagogical expertise and yoga knowledge, Phương divides yoga kids into different groups of poses, including groups of poses for children with hyperactivity, groups for children with a lack of concentration, yoga stories and games to help children develop imagination and creativity.

Diligent and passionate, after five months, Phương clearly saw the difference in the children’s mood after learning yoga.

They have positive changes in attitude and behaviour.

Two out of the three children with hyperactivity now confidently communicate, express their emotions, and play with friends.

The remaining one has improved compared to the beginning of the year.

Eleven inattentive students became more excited about activities in the class.

From practical effectiveness, along with encouragement from the kindergarten managing board, Phương shared the method with other teachers.

During meetings, teachers in the school give feedback, practise yoga postures and share experiences.

Now, every Friday morning, the school organises yoga practice for children.

Phương, a graduate of the Preschool Education Faculty at Hà Nội University of Education, boasts nearly 15 years of professional experience.

Throughout her career, she has consistently applied her love, enthusiasm, and expertise to surmount various challenges and fulfill her responsibilities with distinction.

Her colleagues at Tương Mai Kindergarten often remark on her enduring passion and love for her profession.

Her steadfast patience and dedication towards her students have garnered the trust of their parents and the admiration of her fellow educators.

Cao Thu Hằng, the school’s principal, said that Phương was always full of enthusiasm.

Besides professional work, she is also a member of the school’s Trade Union Executive Committee.

Teacher Trần Lan Phương guides a student on yoga posture. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tùng

Her professional work takes up most of her time, Phương still knows how to arrange work and trade union activities, building trust with colleagues and spreading a positive lifestyle to everyone.

“We always support and create good conditions for teachers to be creative. Their initiatives, no matter how small, are always considered with the goal of being child-centred and ensuring children’s safety. Many initiatives of teachers in the school have been implemented, bringing positive results,” said Hằng.

Phương wants to realise her dream through the saying: “The average teacher only knows how to talk, the outstanding teacher knows how to illustrate, the great teacher knows how to inspire”.

The motivation to become an inspirational teacher helps her form habits, go forward and love what she does.

With her efforts, for many years, Phương won high prizes in the district-level excellent teacher contests, and most recently the “Dedicated and Creative Teachers in Hà Nội 2023” Award.

Phương said, “The award reminds me to try harder, give more love to students and devote more to the cause of education. I hope that my enthusiasm will enrich the physical development learning materials for preschool children.” — VNS