1 year with the Tykes

I cannot believe that I’ve been running Twisted Tykes in South East Texas for over a year now. This Family and Youth Yoga program combines some of my favorite work; imaginative play, creativity, working with kids and families, yoga, and building a new generation of fabulous, brave, and kind little humans. I feel so lucky to have families that are sharing this journey with me and willing to trust me with their favorite Tykes and Tots.

There are so many benefits to teaching yoga to children of all ages.
*It teaches self regulation
*Helps with behavioral disorders
*Increases circulation
*Practices crossing the mid-line
*Strengthens imagination and creative play
*Reduces stress
*Increases balance and concentration
Plus, yoga improves strength, flexibility, digestion, fine motor skills, and sleep patterns.
And it helps develop self expression and self confidence.
(By the way it also does all of these things for adults).

In my time as a teaching artist and educator, I have been lucky enough to work with youth of all ages.
I spent my high school years working in a day care in the infant room.
Then through college I taught Pre-school Theatre Classes and directed such Critically Acclaimed productions as //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=elodyutleroga-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1442412879&asins=1442412879&linkId=e84e0aba0f7fca86450ad645e7346c1a&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Olivia Saves the Circus and //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=elodyutleroga-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0060245867&asins=0060245867&linkId=62d883de3992bee316b9de6808417f6b&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>If You Give A Mouse A Cookie (we got very good reviews).
After college I worked for the Coterie Theatre and taught every age group from Early Childhood to our Teen Master Class Program.
I have worked in Middle School Special Education where I lead the Yoga Club and secretly taught the kids pranayama techniques without telling them that’s what they were doing.
I was a full time Nanny for 3 years and I pride myself on being the best aunt in the world.
Children and Families have always been a part of my journey.
But this past year, running Twisted Tykes, is the first time I’ve ever developed and produced any kind of programming 100% on my own.
There were some moments where I felt tired or overwhelmed, but most of the time everything to do with Tykes has felt natural and easy. I feel confident and calm as I teach, lesson plan, reserve spaces, plan special events, create goals, market, search for partnerships, and develop relationships with the families in my community.
I know what I’m doing here. And that feels so good.

Now this does not mean that I do everything right every time or that I am done learning. But honestly, I’m glad that I don’t and that I’m not. I have so much gratitude for where I am, and so much gratitude for the fact that I know there is more out there, more to learn and see and create. And I have complete belief in myself that one day I will remember to ask every single student if they’ve gone to the bathroom before class starts. (This is not actually a realistic goal…)

But until then I would like to say Thank You! Thank you to everyone who has ever trusted me with your children, to everyone who has ever liked a #classquote or shared a class announcement, who has ever listened patiently while I went on and on about the importance of free-play in a child’s mental development, and to every single youth who has put up with me asking them to take deep breaths or get a drink of water or pretend to float in space like an astronaut.

I cannot wait for another year with you all! I’m looking forward to so many more memories, silly stories, and new friends!