by sara | Jun 5, 2016 | Benefits, Breathing Exercises, Games, Kids Yoga Lesson Plan, Yoga Poses
If you are already teaching kids yoga or even if you are just beginning to learn some yoga poses, you have probably already experienced, read or heard about the benefits of yoga for all ages. Why wouldn’t you want to introduce it those you care about most? Your family and loved ones need to know about this!
I love how yoga actually lets you connect with your child and is something you can actually do with them as opposed to being a spectator to such as soccer games, dance recitals, piano recitals, etc. Don’t get me wrong, I love cheering my kids on at any of their sporting events or competitions, but the memories are made when you actually do something with them.
It doesn’t need to be a big orchestrated event, just get down on the floor and be engaged. They will love it!
Easy Ways to do Yoga At Home With Your Kids
- Make it a Routine: Doing some yoga poses together does not need to take long. Incorporate some little ways to use yoga at the same time every day. It could be first thing in the morning or by doing some bedtime calming stretches each night. These are good places to start!
- Use Props: Grab some beach towels or yoga mats to lay out and sit on. Kids love having their own space and this will give them boundaries and a sense of ownership. Include your child’s favorite stuffed animal and have it participate along with you.
- Pick a Card: I love these Yoga Pose Cards and they are great for providing a visual. Let them pick 3-5 yoga pose cards at a time to learn, practice and have fun with. Make sure that you participate as well and gain all of the benefits too.
Teaching kids yoga at home doesn’t need to take long. Just have fun with yoga together and make it a part of your life. There is no right or wrong way, but the simple fact that you are together, learning and moving will create lasting memories with your children!
For more ways to teach yoga to your kids visit here.
by sara | Jun 3, 2016 | Benefits
When kids come to their first yoga class, I often ask them what they know or have heard about yoga. There are always a few who immediately sit on their mat cross legged, place their middle fingers and thumbs together, shut their eyes and let out a deep, “ommmmmm.” This is how many kids (and adults!) view yoga. They see it as a serious meditative process that deeply awakens the inner spirit.
I do believe that perception is changing throughout our society, and people are realizing that yoga is so much more. Yes, yoga is mindful and meditative, but it is also active, involved and encompasses not only the mind, but definitely the whole body.
Thank you for stopping by Go Go Yoga Kids! Visit us again and continue learning how easy it is to get children engaged and involved. Yoga teaches lifelong skills that are beneficial to instill in all growing kids! See you again soon!
by sara | May 31, 2016 | Games, Kids Yoga Lesson Plan
One of my favorite things to do is to develop creative new yoga games out of classic favorites. Kids love this as it gives them the opportunity to play a game that they are already familiar with and can learn and practice yoga poses, while working together, and having lots of fun.
The bestselling book Go Go Yoga for Kids: A Complete Guide to Using Yoga with Kids includes over 50 fun and creative yoga games to play while l
earning about yoga and having fun!
I would love to share with you one of my favorite: Yoga Jenga.
How to play Yoga Jenga
- Before playing write the names of yoga poses on Jenga Blocks in a permanent marker.
- Set up the Jenga Blocks as if playing a normal game.
- Each player takes a turn carefully drawing out one block out at a time being careful not to let the tower fall
- The player will read aloud the pose and demonstrate it. Everyone then practices the yoga pose.
- The player places the block onto top of the tower.
- Continue around the circle with each child selecting a block. As per normal Jenga rules, when the blocks fall, the game is over.
Kids and adults of all ages enjoy Yoga Jega. It is a fun way to learn and practice many many poses.
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by sara | May 28, 2016 | Kids Yoga Lesson Plan, Yoga Poses
“The greatest glory of a free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their children” —William Harvard
There is no other symbol of our freedom than that of the American Eagle! Try practicing Eagle Pose with your kids. It is wonderful for balance, core strength and detoxing as you hold this twisty tricky pose.
How to Hold Eagle Pose
- Begin in a standing position. Cross your right thigh over your left leg.
- Try to tuck your right foot behind the calf of your left leg.
- Bring your arms straight out in front of you, and then cross left arm over your right arm at the elbows.
- Bend left arm at the elbow and bring palms of hands together. If palms do not touch, then have the backs of hands touch.
- Bend your knees and hold your arms out in front of you with fingertips toward the sky.
- Squeeze everything tight.
- Repeat on the other side.
The Benefits of Eagle Pose
- Stretches shoulders and upper back
- Strengthens legs, hips and ankles
- Increases calm, focus, and concentration
- Works on balance and stability
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by sara | May 27, 2016 | Games, Kids Yoga Lesson Plan
GROUP YOGA CHALLENGE:
Beach ball pass with a twist! This is a great teamwork effort, core workout and fun for the kids as well! Sit in a circle and pass the beach ball with your feet. See if the ball can be passed with feet without using hands in the circle. Time the students and see if they can beat their record. Try not to let the ball touch the ground!
Need a beach ball? You can find one here.
How to Play Beach Ball Yoga
First: Blow up an inexpensive beach ball.
Then: With a permanent marker write down summer yoga poses such as shark, boat, mermaid, sunflower, starfish etc. Get your list of “beach themed” yoga poses below.
Next: Assemble all willing and excited participants in a seated circle. I like to start out seated because it gives an opportunity to time how fast we can pass the beach ball in a circle. This also eliminates frustration from the child that is having a hard time focusing on the game because they “have not gotten to touch the beach ball yet.”
Finally: Stand up and toss the beach ball across the circle. The person catches it and looks to see what pose their right thumb is near. Everyone practices the summer yoga poses. Play continues until every pose has been introduced and practiced.
Find the Best Kids Yoga Summer Yoga Poses here.
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