Children and the Alexander Technique

There is no better example of good movement than a healthy pre-school child. Then, as we grow, something happens - and we lose it. By our teens we are often in a self-conscious slump. But children and the Alexander Technique can be ideal partners! Children can have the physical and mental flexibility to absorb ideas and new ways of acting that adults sometimes lack.

When teaching a child a teacher will often use games such as catching a ball or sitting on a really big ball. Most of the Alexander Technique can be learned through play. Children are usually taught with a parent or guardian present - in fact the adult should be prepared to join in.

If you considering the Alexander Technique for a child things to consider are:

• How does your child feel? Unwilling pupils will need to be won over before any progress can be made.
• Teachers have individual styles and the rapport between pupil and teacher is doubly important when teaching a child. So, contact a few local teachers, ask how they would work with your child and choose the teacher who feels right.
• Consider whether your child would prefer to be taught in a group of children. The Oxford Alexander Training school is developing courses for children and teenagers. Contact Stephen Cooper for details.

If you are concerned about your child's poor posture or pain then please be patient with the Alexander Technique. The teacher will not "tackle the problem" head on. So, if your child has neck pain from playing the violin, try not to become exasperated by a teacher who pays a lot of attention to their feet!