Yo-Chi~ Seasonal Yoga Teacher Training for Children

 Our Mission Statement

‘Yo-Chi' is a creative and educational programme for children combining Seasonal Yoga, Tai-Chi and Mindfulness especially adapted for young people. The programme is delivered in schools and private groups to all ages and abilities using specifically designed curriculum. Our aim is to encourage and support schools and families to integrate these 'tools for life' into every child's life; setting them up with a firm foundation of physical, mental and emotional life skills for their future.'

The Yo-Chi Programme is the brainchild of Sue Woodd, an international master trainer in Yoga and Tai Chi.

Sue has over 30 years’ experience in health and wellbeing and runs the Seasonal Yoga Teaching Training school for adults. Sue first had the idea of developing a seasonal programme for children nearly 10 years ago, having observed the rise in mental health illness and the effects of technical overload on young people. 

 She is joined by her partner Yoga teacher Laura Wills, who runs Yo-chi day to day and has developed the programme with Sue over the last ten years,

There is nothing like the Yo-Chi Programme! Essentially it is a Seasonal Yoga based programme for children but also includes vital learning aspects about the function of our organs, healthy eating, emotional awareness and mindfulness-based tools. All of this is brought to life through fun organ characters, story-telling and role-play.

The Yo-Chi training is delivered over four days in Alton, Hampshire. However this training can also be can be accessed online. The training focuses around our special ‘Yo-chi’ style exercise and holistic health education for children. Through fun and engaging activities, you will learn to teach children how to extend their understanding of the functions of their bodies, seasonal foods, emotional awareness, yoga-based exercise and mindfulness. They will learn to bring these themes to life through storytelling, role-play, ‘Yo-chi’ movement and seasonal activities. 

The children are introduced to an age relevant new curriculum for each season, packed with exercises, yoga/drama games and a unique Campfire story. 

Yo-Chi is one of the leading programmes in the country and is now run in many schools as part of the curriculum, after schools clubs and private classes.

You will also be trained how to teach children:

• the functions of their organs
• how to concentrate and focus the mind
• understanding their emotions and empathise with others
• games to encourage social interaction, co-operation and sensitivity
• listening and communication skills and the ability to follow instructions
• how to develop awareness of their body and how to manage their health
• how to link moves and exercises together with themed stories and sequences
• meridian stretches to balance and unblock their energy
• breathing exercises that helps help calm or alter moods
• postures and how to become still so they can find quietness and inner peace

Additional benefits from training with Yo-Chi are as follows:

•  Having a well-respected yoga brand behind you which has already been tried and tested - this really helps when approaching schools 
•  A NEW online programme via 'Teachable' for every season over a three year period - 5 Seasons per year, packed with exercises, games and stories 
•  Ongoing support from the head office to assist you in running and marketing the programme as a part-time or full-time business 
•  Advice and support from our management team who have a wide range of experience within education. 
•  Our lead trainer Sue Woodd is co-founder of the Seasonal Yoga teacher training, 500 EYRT with Yoga Alliance and YICEP and a senior instructor with the Tai Chi Union 
•  Cofounder Laura Wills is a Yoga Teacher and drama specialist and Jan Earney is former head teacher with a wealth of knowledge and experience 
•  You can run Yo-Chi as before/after school clubs/as part of the curriculum and as holiday activities - we have many other yoga teachers doing this and all have been piloted