SEPTEMBER: Friday with Friends - TEENS
Teens may attend this class in studio or online.
Preregistering is REQUIRED, so that we can have the studio set up for covid-19 safety.
Now that school is in full swing, we will dive into more brain talk and discuss how EMBRACING A GROWTH MINDSET will increase our success in school and improve our relationships.
Making Friends
Friends become very important to young people during the ages of 10-17, as they naturally start to navigate life outside of their homes. At the same time that friends become an integral part of navigating teen life, making friends becomes more difficult. As tweens and teens are finding out who they are, they are noticing and feeling how they are different from friends; similarities and commonalities can be harder to notice. Tweens and teens tend to feel isolated and alone, and often believe that they are the only one who feels this way.
At Friday with Friends, we break down that stereotype by discussing the hardships of making friends and feeling connected. Anytime someone mentions a struggle they are dealing with (whether aloud or anonymously through our comment box), we ask the group who else has felt this way. Inevitably, ALL hands raise and a feeling of community and connection arises.
Each month, we focus on a friendship skill. Most of the time, we use Dale Carnegie's steps for Making Friends and Influencing People. We discuss how to use the skill in various situations, and then we take time to practice the skill on a one-to-one basis. Each month, I give a concrete example of how I, as an adult, have used one of these principles. I want each young person to know that these are skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
Community Building with Yoga
I remember clearly when my friend (and yoga teacher), Kathryn Day, taught me that yoga means to yoke, to bring together. Though I had attended many classes before this one, that day was when the idea of yoga on and off the mat really clicked for me. I have been playing with the concept of mind+body+spirit for quite a while, and finding yoga brought it all together for me. For teens and tweens, there are MANY physical, mental, and emotional benefits to practicing yoga. So teaching yoga is a no brainer for me.
During Friday with Friends, we have a unique opportunity to yoke the physical asanas of yoga with the spiritual aspect of caring for ourselves, our community, and our world. At each meeting, we discuss the concept of yoga off the mat- how can we take what we've learned and use it to change our world?
Crafts
Crafts are my buy-in, my hook, my free gift with purchase for these kiddos. Everyone loves crafts! I try to let them decide what types of crafts we will do in future months, so that I can increase excitement and interest. Crafts (and snacks) are often the highlight of the night for the teens and tweens. With something tangible to work on in front of them, they relax into the setting and build deeper connections within the group. I overhear some of the best friendship risks and vulnerable sharing during craft time.
At Home
Each month, I try to give you some background information regarding the topics we will be covering. I encourage you to follow-up with your child and chat about what they are learning in Friday with Friends. And I always welcome your feedback or suggestions for future lessons.
Register Early: Registering early really helps Stacey to tailor each class to the participants and to have an idea of how to best use the class size to make the greatest impact.
Bring to Class:
1. Yoga mat, blanket, or towel
2. Journal/Spiral and something to write with
3. Water Bottle