Regional Coordinator Boroondara
I am writing this reference to support the great delivery of physical activity demonstrated by Sonal Agrawal and Yoga Champs. Since meeting Sonal in 2012, I have been thoroughly impressed with every component of her engagement from planning through to program delivery. Sonal delivers programs that are safe, engaging and fun all while developing the skills of the kids participating. Most importantly all programs are able to be adapted to suit the needs of both the individuals participating and, in a larger school environment, the group dynamics. Often this can be the most difficult aspect of coaching – balancing the needs of different abilities. I believe yoga can contribute positively to the development of primary school aged children and greatly benefit their physical and mental literacy. I have no hesitation in recommending Sonal to deliver programs that require advanced planning, communication and delivery. Sonal has always demonstrated a great passion to contribute to a better and healthier society- Australian Sports Commission(AASC)
Kinder teacher at Kool kids on Taylors lane
Sonal conducts an age appropriate class engaging the interest of all children including a child with additional needs. She presents her class in a timely structure, keeping the children’s interest and involvement in movements. Those who challenge or decide not to join are managed in gentle ways.Sonal brings props, interesting toys and music to the session and these are popular with children. They request particular songs and remember some poses from one class to the next. The relaxation part of the lesson is very effective and creates an atmosphere of calm at the end of the movement session.Sonal has energy and flexibility, and engages with the children for the whole session, demonstrating and assisting individuals are needed. The activities cater to children’s gross motor skills and physical play needs. I recommend Sonal and her yoga class for young children as part of a balanced movement and relaxation program
Child and family Practitioner
During the past 6 months, I have had occasion to observe Sonal working with young children providing yoga sessions. Sonal has a warm approach with children, she gives them positive affirmations as they try yoga poses and try to follow instructions. Sonal remains patient with children who may be over exuberant and gently invites them to participate. I have noticed children developing greater capacity to listen mindfully with focused attention and gain awareness of their bodies. The children respond positively with enjoyment to Sonal during the sessions.
Sheela Edwards
Sonal Agrawal is a warm, professional, energetic and patient tutor of yoga. Sonal is well respected by our educators and is open and very willing to listen to new ideas. She loves the children and takes particular interest in the overall wellbeing of both the children, families & educators. There has been a calming and peaceful outcome for all of us. Our experience with the Yoga champs program has been extremely positive
Goodstart Aspendale Garden
It has been in good fortune over the past year or so to have our yoga instructor Sonal with us at the centre. We are very pleased with the results she has shown to our children and they love her dearly. We have found that she is very dedicated, reliable and professional and is very genuine when it comes to caring for working with our children. She makes them laugh, calm and very relaxed when instructing them. When they see her coming they jump for joy. We couldn’t ask for anyone else to do what she does, out children have achieved very much improvement with their yoga skills and we are very proud to have her as an instructor
Kinder teacher at Shine child care
Over the past year, we have thoroughly enjoy your yoga workshop every Friday morning! You have provided us an inclusive holistic yoga program that encouraged and provided the children with the skills for focus, reflection, mind/body awareness, self-regulations all while teaching them gratitude and respect for others and themselves. Your program incorporated lots of fun poses, meditation, games as well as music and movement learning opportunities that has inspired and extended upon our repertoire of resources. Your teaching approach is fun, loud, interactive, firm (which is necessary for this year’s group of children) and consistent. You invited freedom for the children to express their individuality while providing a fun and engaging format that held their attention and encouraged participation. Well done and thank you Sonal. We look forward to seeing you next year
Aimee White
I have been using Sonal’s incredible yoga program for 5 years. At first she came to my after school care to teach and now coincidently she teaches at my early learning centre. From babies to 12 year olds Sonal’s versatile program teaches children flexibility, concentration, patience, mindfulness, self love/praise, confidence and how to care for their mental health and wellbeing. In my experience the children are able to remember the yoga poses and use them in everyday practices, sharing them at home with their families and teaching them how to do it too. Sonal’s nurturing nature and confidence instilling classes are fantastic, all my groups have always looked forward to her classes. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an extra curricular program, look no further. Yoga champs is magnificent, fun and calming for all ages
Renee Callander
My children attended YogaChamps for about 2 years and really enjoyed it. Sonal taught the children all the proper elements of yoga in a fun and caring way. I always knew my children were safe and well looked after when they attended classes. They would come home excited to show me what they had learnt and what they could do. The yoga classes definitely helped my children’s strength, flexibility and overall wellbeing. The classes also helped them with their emotional and social skills. I would highly recommend YogaChamps
Parent from Erasmus school
Sonal’s yoga has helped the children develop strength, flexibility, balance, stamina and poise, and I don’t think of these as merely physical qualities. Yoga has strengthened the children’s mind-body connection and personal awareness and focus. It has also helped the children establish a quiet inner space that they can return to the moments before sleep at night or at times when they are feeling anxious or emotional. Through regular classes, the children have come to appreciate the simple practices of butterfly and dog, are adept at the more complex poses such as crow and wheel as well as breathing techniques and are able to lie still and peaceful during guided relaxation. I consider that introducing the children to yoga is like the gifting a great, ancient treasure and I feel very appreciative to have Sonal as their teacher.
Simon Rodder
Since meeting Sonal in 2012 I have been thoroughly impressed with every component of her engagement from planning through to program delivery. Sonal delivers programs that are safe, engaging and fun all while developing the skills of the kids participating. Sonal has always demonstrated a great passion to contribute to a better and healthier society
Parent of kids doing yoga with YogaChamps for 5 years
I consider that introducing the children to yoga is like the gifting a great, ancient treasure.
Dr. Tumarkin
Sonal is an inspirational teacher – deeply knowledgeable, caring and passionate about the important of yoga practice for children of all ages. My daughter has benefited tremendously from regular yoga classes with Sonal. Her physical and psychological well-being have [sic] shown marked improvements. She was prone to sickness before starting yoga classes, but has remained consistently healthy and resilient throughout this year thanks to Sonal’s guidance. Billie has also learned to control her anxiety through breathing and meditations skills. While Sonal’s classes are aimed at improving children’s well-being, they are always playful and joyful. No matter how tired or grumpy my daughter may get when I pick her up from school on our yoga day, she is always happy to go to her yoga class.
Parent from Erasmus School
My son & I have started Yoga kids when he was about 11 months of age. We’ve enjoyed yoga together. I love the Mommy and baby yoga and he plays beside me, enjoys the baby yoga and massage. Kiavash is now 15 months and goes and gets lotion and bring it to me or his dad to massage him. We look forward to class each week. I would highly recommend this class for not only kids but also their parents as well. The baby classes include the caregiver and are a nice introduction to yoga, teaching some basic poses, some songs, and some relaxation exercises, all in a very playful and cheery environment. We always have a great time. Sonal has organized professionally the format of the classes each week, it gives the children an opportunity to learn the poses and games, and gain more and more confidence to try them. After just three classes, my very active boy is excited to repeat poses at home.
Coordinator After school hours Program, Ripponlea Primary School
We have felt calm and relaxed after the sessions and more energized as well. The children in particular have thoroughly enjoyed these sessions with most of them not having experienced Yoga before.Many children have slept better after Yoga and are able to relax and unwind too. During relaxation it has been so quiet which is not normally the case at After School Care!
Read more “Coordinator After school hours Program, Ripponlea Primary School”
Sophia Smith (age 10)
Yoga is really fun with Sonal. We get to play lots of games, like yoga sequence dance and surf board yoga. I really like the game ‘Peace Shanti’.
Jobe (age 8)
I really like yoga with Sonal, it’s fun. I enjoyed playing games like ‘scarecrow tiggy’ and ‘peace shanti’. I learned a lot of the yoga positions, my favourite yoga poses are dog and crow. I even enjoy handstands. I like the relaxation because Sonal puts little stones on us and I feel good.
Thank you for teaching us Yoga this year. Yoga is the best and you are the best yoga teacher.