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How to Begin Your Kids Yoga Class

How to Begin Your Kids Yoga Class

Congratulations on taking the time to truly gain an understanding of why each part of a kids yoga class is important. By following our everything will easily fall into place for you and your students. A well-thought-out and organized lesson plan will create more opportunities for learning, engagement and create lasting memories.

You can get all caught up with our first Kids Yoga Lesson Planning 101 Training Video Here.

kids yoga class

The Welcome is the very first part of your kids yoga class and it is the first real class interaction you will have together. The Welcome helps set the tone for how your class will go and helps explain to your students what they will be doing and learning as well as what you expect of them.

When you establish and make a connection with your students right from the start, it makes such a difference throughout your class as you introduce and teach breathing exercises, yoga poses, games, challenges, relaxation, and more.

I think about this in my school classroom as well. Children need to know that they are safe and cared for. When you have a connection and a trust established, then you can truly teach the content, relax, and have fun teaching.

A well thought out and organized kids yoga lesson plan will also create more lasting memories and help with explaining yoga to a child.

In the beginning of my kids’ yoga classes, I like to gather the students in a circle and welcome them warmly while having them introduce themselves. This will help you get an overall sense of their mood and abilities from the start. It is also the ideal time to reinforce their names with their faces which comes in handy with the management of the class.

I like to have my students share their name and answer a question.

For example:

  • Sharing something that they are good at
  • What do you already know about yoga?
  • Share why yoga is good for you
  • Demonstrate any yoga poses that they already know
  • Ask a theme-related question (in relation to the yoga theme of class) such as “Which superhero would you be and why?”
A well thought out and organized kids yoga lesson plan will also create more lasting memories and help with explaining yoga to a child.

I also like to briefly go over my 3 No-Fail Rules at this time.  You only need these three rules to keep your class running seamlessly which is a big deal for the success and involvement of your classes. These 3 No-Fail Rules and many classroom teaching videos are all included in our online Kids Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Training course. Enroll now and work through at your own pace and time with our support throughout.

A well thought out and organized kids yoga lesson plan will also create more lasting memories and help with explaining yoga to a child.

Remember, you only get one chance to make that first impression. The Welcome does not need to be long, but it is the best opportunity to let kids know how excited you are that they are there and to introduce them to the theme and format for the class.

Continue to Part 2: Breathing Exercises for Kids

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How to Play Summer Beach Ball Yoga

How to Play Summer Beach Ball Yoga

Summer is here! Get ready to play a favorite Summer Yoga Game!.

One of my favorite things about teaching yoga for kids is that there are so many fun and creative ways to introduce poses. I love creating a yoga game for kids and Beach Ball Yoga is one of my favorite summer games to play wiht kids. This yoga game can be played with any size group of any ages. Family-friendly and fun! All you need is a beach ball to get started!

HOW TO PLAY BEACH BALL YOGA

1. Find a blow-up beach ball. I got mine here.

2. With different colored permanent markers write a variety of summer words on the beachball. (See the examples below)

3. I like to make my poses summer and ocean theme related. Below are some examples. Note: I only write the bold-faced word on the beach ball.

Summer Yoga Poses

Dolphin (Dolphin Pose)

Shark (Shark Pose)

Iguana (Plank)

Swimmer (Superman Pose)

Mermaid (Up Dog)

Sunflower (bend at waist, hold opposite elbow, and circle up and around while holding elbows)

Beach chair (Chair Pose)

Crab (Crab kicks)

Sand castle (Down Dog)

Palm tree (Tree Pose)

Surfer (Warrior 2)

Fish (Fish Pose)

Jellyfish (bend at waist and let arms hang down)

Turtle (Turtle Pose)

Starfish (Savasana)

Find a free list of your summer beach yoga poses here. These words and poses can be written on your beach ball.

 

kids yoga lesson plans

Get the best Kids Yoga Games & Activities instantly with our Go Go Yoga for Kids E-Store

 

Beach Ball Yoga with A Twist

Get ready for yoga beach ball! This yoga game can be played with any size group of any ages. All you need is a beach ball to get started!

Beach Ball Yoga with a twist in Boat Pose

Looking for a little beach ball challenge? Have everyone sit in the circle and pass it around the circle again, but not with their hands – with their feet!

I like to explain how this is similar to a group Boat Pose. It is a good core workout as well especially with holding that pose and all the laughter.

 

 

 

Need hundreds of complete kids yoga lesson plans, games, and resources?

 

go go yoga for kids books

Check out our bestselling kids yoga lesson plans books:

Go Go Yoga for Kids: A Complete Guide to Yoga with Kids,

 Yoga Lessons for Children

Yoga Games & Activities for Children

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Celebrate Earth Day with These 5 Yoga Poses & Activities for Kids

Celebrate Earth Day with These 5 Yoga Poses & Activities for Kids

Our Earth is a beautiful place and should be recognized and celebrated, especially on April 22nd! What better way to do that then with some kids and yoga?! The following are simple Earth yoga poses that can be done at home, school, or a yoga class to help children take a few moments and appreciate our Mother Earth.

Breath: Begin by some simple breaths in your nose and out your mouth. Discuss taking in all of the good clean air that our Earth provides and exhaling all of the unclean and negativity.

Sun Salutations: Begin in Mountain pose with arms overhead and looking up between your hands.  Then dive into a forward fold. Do this several times and try to get longer and taller each time. Breathe in on the way up and exhale as you move into your forward fold.

All of these Earth Day Poses are found in our Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards.

  Kids Yoga App

kids yoga app

Tree Pose: Put a spin on this classic balance pose with arms extended overhead and try to close one or both eyes. Tree pose is also fun done as a group in a circle with hands on one another’s shoulders supporting one another. Raise your arms (branches) up as if lifting toward the sun.

Flower: Begin as a seed in child’s pose and slowly come into a kneeling pose as if you are an emerging flower. Extend your arms overhead as if they are petals waving in the breeze.

spring yoga pose

Bicycle: Be green and pretend to ride your bike to school or the park. Lie on your back and move your legs as if pedaling a bicycle.

kids yoga lesson plansGet your Kids Yoga Games, Poses, and Fun immediately in our E-Store.

Raindrop Partner Pose: Each partner lays on their back with their heads touching. With their arms at their sides, they raise their feet above their heads to touch to make a giant raindrop.

partner yoga pose

Can you try Raindrop Partner Pose? Partner Yoga Poses are lots of fun!

Enjoy our Spring Live Family Fun Yoga Class

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Sun, Moon, and Zen: Family-Friendly Yoga to Celebrate the Solar Eclipse

Sun, Moon, and Zen: Family-Friendly Yoga to Celebrate the Solar Eclipse

Are you ready for the solar eclipse? Read on to see how you can celebrate this event as a family with some fun and aligning yoga poses.

On March 29, 2025, the moon will eclipse the sun, it will not be complete totality like we saw in 2024, but will be visible and a reason to take notice. 

Make this event even more memorable with your family. While waiting for the eclipse, try these creative yoga poses and activities.

Rocket Breath:  Make practicing deep calming breaths fun and relevant for kids by doing Rocket Breath.  Breathe deeply in through your nose while counting up to five. When you get to five, hold your breath for a moment and then exhale out loudly through your mouth as if blasting off.

Sun: Stand in Mountain Pose with arms stretched overhead as if you are reaching for the sun.

Rocket: Go into Chair Pose with legs together, knees bent, and arms overhead to resemble a rocket getting ready to blast into space.

Star Pose: Place your feet wide apart and extend your arms overhead forming an “X” with your arms and legs. Practice a few star jumps as if you are a shooting star.

Half Moon Pose: Begin in Mountain Pose. Place your hand on the ground to the outside of your foot. Lift your other leg behind you. When you feel balanced, lift up your arm and reach for the sky.

Stargazing Savasana: After practicing these yoga poses, it is time for Stillness and Savasana. Lie down slowly as if floating in space. Feel weightless and relaxed with your eyes closed for a few moments. You deserve it.

All of these yoga poses can be found in our Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards. This makes it memorable,  fun, and easy to practice!

kids yoga challenge pose cards

Get kids fit, flexible and focused with the Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards

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5 Yoga Poses That Will Open Your Heart

5 Yoga Poses That Will Open Your Heart

Love is in the air, and now is the time to let your heart shine. Yes, flowers and candy are a lovely thought for adults this season, but it is also a good time to open your heart and show acceptance and compassion for others.

These heart-opening exercises are especially beneficial for kids and adults who spend the majority of their day slouched in desks at school and work or with their heads bent over screens and books. These exercises take only minutes and will help improve posture and release back and neck tension as well as create openness in your body and mind.

1. Cat to Cow Pose: Begin on your hands and knees. Next round your back and tuck your chin into your chest as if you are a cat. Then look up, arch your back and open your chest into Cow Pose. This is a great way to strengthen your spine and begin to feel your heart opening.

 

2. Updog Pose: Lie on your tummy. Place the palms of your hands next to your shoulders and look up. Slowly straighten your arms and open your chest. It is okay to keep arms bent as well.

3. Bridge or Wheel Pose: Kids love trying to get into Wheel Pose, but this huge heart opener is not easily bridge poseaccessible for all. For an easier but still effective heart opener, try Bridge Pose. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Rest your arms alongside your body, tuck your chin into your chest, and lift your back to create a bridge.

4. Camel Pose: Take this pose slowly and feel your heart open. Get on your knees, lean back slowly, and place your hands on your lower back or ankles. Tilt your head back, open your chest, and breathe.

5. Bow Pose: Lie on your tummy, bend your knees, and lift your chest. Reach your arms back toward your toes and hold onto your feet. Let your heart shine!

Show the little ones you care about and give your own body some love by trying these 5 kid-friendly heart opening yoga exercises.  These poses will help you open your own heart and mind, and by practicing them with kids you will also help them let their heart shine!

yoga pose app

 

If you are like me, you like to use lots of visuals to help show the children what yoga poses look like. The Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards are our favorites! These yoga pose cards include 40 yoga poses and different affirmations for each pose. The kids yoga deck also includes a 15 Bonus Yoga Games to play with the cards. They come in a fun drawstring burlap bag.

yoga lessonsFind the complete Share the Love kids yoga lesson plan, in our popular Go Go Yoga for Kids: Yoga Lessons for Children book.

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Time to Learn Something New!

Time to Learn Something New!

As a classroom teacher, I appreciate how the start of a new school year is full of new beginnings and fresh starts. ⠀The opportunities to learn, grow, and try new things doesn’t apply just for kids!

Have you been wanting to try something new? Learn something that will truly make a difference in the lives of children?!⠀

I bet you do! Our online Kids Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher Training not only benefits children, but you as well!⠀
Discover how to truly and effectively introduce yoga and mindfulness to children through our comprehensive yoga teacher training which includes:⠀

⭐️live classroom training videos⠀
⭐️hands on applications ⠀
⭐️kids yoga lesson plans, games guide and yoga pose cards⠀
⭐️Age group teaching guides & class management guide⠀
⭐️Access to our private group and live workshops.

Begin Making a Difference Today
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  •  Learn: How to efficiently and easily plan a kids yoga class from beginning to end
  •  Proven class management strategies so your classes flow effortlessly
  • Teach: Breathing exercises, yoga games, poses, mindful moments, and yoga challenges that promise to keep your students learning and engage
  •  Everything you need to know about teaching yoga to children professionally
  •  Inspire: The Secrets to Teaching Yoga to Children! (this is worth the investment of the whole course!)
How the course works:

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Kids Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Training

Access to The Full System
94 Lesson and Resource Modules
Take The Guesswork Out Of Teaching Yoga To Children.
Get Everything You Need to Start Teaching Yoga to Kids
  • The secrets to teaching yoga to children
  • Proven class management strategies so your class flows effortlessly
  • Easy no-fail kids yoga lesson planning
  • Exact breathing exercises for calming and relaxing children
  • The best yoga poses for growing kids
  • Yoga games galore that they will want to play again and again
  • Best yoga props to use with children to make class memorable
  • Effective ways to manage and motivate your students
  • How to create mindfulness in children
  • Everything you need to know to teach kids yoga professionally
Learn how to effectively teach yoga and mindfulness to children in our easy to follow step by step proven format.

Learn More or Get Started Here 

Get started now and learn at your own pace and time. You have lifetime access to the online training.