by sara | Sep 2, 2017 | Games, Kids Yoga Lesson Plan
Kids Yoga at the Zoo
I love introducing yoga to children and have been thrilled that Go Go Yoga for Kids has gotten to be a part of many fun family events as well as author events this past year.
I feel uncomfortable just sitting behind a table, and I would much rather interact with the children and introduce them to yoga through a variety of ways.
Often when Go Go Yoga for Kids does an event, I will teach a kids yoga class, or offer mini yoga sessions so the children can get an opportunity to try yoga in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
This past weekend we had an event at a zoo so I was ready with zoo animal yoga poses and our popular Off the Zoo Kids Yoga Lesson Plan.
A new favorite kids yoga game to play is the Yoga Dice Game. For this game you need a giant dice. I found a fun inexpensive blow up one on Amazon.
- Select 6 different poses that you want the kids to work on from the Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards.
- Use packing tape or clear tape to attach the poses to the dice.
- I also printed out labels for the poses. This step isn’t necessary as the pose cards already have the names of the poses on them.
- Each player takes a turn to roll the dice. Whatever pose comes up, the player does that pose.
- Continue rolling the dice until all of the poses are mastered.
See another fun way to play the Kids Yoga Dice Game here.
For the Zoo Kids Yoga Event, I had animal stickers to give the children when they tried the pose. It is not necessary, however, as the kids just had fun rolling the giant dice.
I also love that you can continue changing the poses on the dice so the game continues to be fresh and fun. It also works great for all ages. Have fun playing the Yoga Dice Game!
Want over 100 more kids yoga game and activities? The bestselling Go Go Yoga Kids: A Complete Guide to Using Yoga With Kids has you covered with all you need to know for introducing yoga to children.
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by sara | Sep 1, 2017 | Yoga Poses
September is National Yoga Month which is a perfect opportunity to educate others about yoga and leading a healthier lifestyle. What better way to do that then by learning some new yoga poses and introducing them to kids? Get fit, flexible and focused together as a family or at school.
To celebrate National Yoga Month get your free illustrated Kids Yoga Pose Guide. Enjoy learning the Best 9 Yoga Poses for Kids. More good news is that they are beneficial for you as well!.
If you are up for even more of a challenge this month, check out our Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards which include 30 Progressive Yoga Poses complete with 
balance, flexibility, partner poses, and 15 bonus yoga games to use with the cards.
These pose cards come in a fun burlap drawstring bag to keep it all together. It is also fun for kids to draw out and select a new pose to try.
You can learn a new pose each day of National Yoga Month! Good luck, have fun, and keep us posted on what you did to celebrate this fun month of yoga.
by sara | Aug 20, 2017 | Benefits, Breathing Exercises, Kids Yoga Lesson Plan, Mindfulness
As a mom of three and a teacher for over 18 years, I frequently see a recurring theme of anxiousness in children, and it is completely normal. Kids get nervous or stressed. Any different event such as starting a new school year, taking tests, trying new activities, and meeting new people can bring about uncertainty, unease, and worry. Luckily yoga for anxiety can give kids the tools the handle the stress.
When we worry, we take short, shallow breaths which continue to ignite the feeling of unease in our bodies. Slowing down our breathing and taking long, deep breaths naturally brings on a sense of calmness and peace.
Try these three breathing exercises with your kids. These calming techniques are effective for any age, and can be done anywhere – in the morning, during a car ride, sitting in school, or before bedtime. Yoga for anxiety can be done anytime, anywhere.
Shoulder Shrugs
Roll your shoulders back and down so they are away from your ears. Breathe deeply in through your nose as you raise your shoulders up by your ears. Breath out and lower your shoulders. Repeat movement 3-5 times and feel the tension melt away.
Darth Vader Breath
This is a favorite with children as they associate an image with this breathing exercise. Breathe deeply in and out while exhaling strongly through an open mouth.
Ocean Waves
Close your eyes and imagine you are an ocean wave. Breathe in and out deeply as if you are an ocean wave crashing on the beach. Alternate the frequency of your breath to become shorter and longer waves.
By introducing yoga for anxiety to kids, you will be giving them lifelong skills to become calm and focused, and better manage their anxiety when facing new situations.
Hop over to Mindful Teachers to read our guest post on the Top 3 Breathing Exercises for Kids. These can be done anywhere and are great for kids.
Are you interested in learning more about how to effectively teach yoga and mindfulness to children? Learn more about our new online Kids Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Training.
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by sara | Aug 20, 2017 | Breathing Exercises, Games, Kids Yoga Lesson Plan, Yoga Poses
Kids can do yoga too! One of my passions is teaching yoga to kids and helping others learn how to use yoga with kids in fun and engaging ways. Kids yoga doesn’t need to be overly complicated or time-consuming. You just need a sense of humor and willingness to have fun!
You don’t need to have many supplies or materials to teach yoga to kids, but being knowledgeable of some different items and having a few tricks up your sleeves, helps with keeping the interest level high with kids. Shorter sessions and having a few props that accompany the poses are very beneficial. Child size equipment is also useful for children practicing yoga, and child size mats, balance balls, and accessories will enhance their practice.
I always enjoy highlighting a few favorite props and resources that I use while teaching yoga to kids including a breathing ball and great read aloud books that inspire yoga poses and movement with kids.
I am also a new fan of grippy socks or sticky socks for kids. These inexpensive little accessories help with balance, stability and allow young yogis to practice anywhere–even without a mat.
When I teach my kids yoga classes, I always have the students remove their shoes and socks. Normal socks are slippery and make it difficult to hold poses. It can sometimes be a slow process of helping preschool aged children put on their socks again after class, but if they had these yoga socks it would definitely go faster because they could leave them on for the whole class.
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by sara | Aug 16, 2017 | Presenting
Join Go Go Yoga for Kids for a wildly good time at Blank Park Zoo on August 26th 
at 9:00 AM for free zoo kids yoga. Perfect for ages 3-11.
We will learn many zoo animal yoga poses, play games, practice partner poses, make a thunderstorm, and have lots of fun.
Get your free Top 9 Yoga Poses for Kids guide and a chance to win your own kids yoga class.
While at the zoo, join us for the 2nd Annual Indie Author Book Expo featuring over 30 local Iowa authors. We will also be there with our Bestselling Go Go Yoga for Kids book and The Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards.
Find out more here.
