by sara | Apr 4, 2016 | Kids Yoga Lesson Plan
As a Yoga Kids teacher, I am always looking for fun ways to help my students focus on their yoga breathing and being aware of themselves and others. This breath work game works well with younger ages that know each other. This will definitely 
help kids remember the power of breath which is so important in yoga!
Each person places their head on another person’s stomach so that everyone is connected. Then I encourage the kids to get their laughs and giggles out as it really is a pretty funny position to be in. Once we get that out of our system, it is time to become aware of our yoga breathing.
Then the first person says “Ha” while really exaggerating their breath, next the second person says “Ha-ha”, The third person responds with, “Ha ha ha.” Continue on while each person adds a “ha”. The goal is to get all the way through the group without anyone laughing.
They will laugh! It is almost impossible not to! It is such a unique set-up and just by saying the word “Ha!” will bring out the laughter. If they do happen to make it through, let everyone get their giggles out that they have been holding in. Then challenge the class to be completely quiet and attentive to just the rising and falling breath for 30 seconds. Now that is pretty powerful!
by sara | Mar 31, 2016 | Kids Yoga Lesson Plan
I love creating new games to use in my Yoga Kids classes. Kids naturally love to play games, it gets them moving and leads to laughter and fun which helps build community. Games are also the perfect way to practice all of the fun yoga poses that the kids have been learning.
Yoga Obstacle Course: Kids LOVE this game and is one of my favorite ways to get kids moving! Use whatever objects you have available to make an obstacle course.
How to Create a Kids Yoga Obstacle Course:
Kids LOVE obstacle courses and this is one of my favorite ways to get kids moving in healthy and good ways. This is exactly what kids need as their school days involve a lot of sitting as well as the national increase of video games and screens.
Every kids yoga class that I teach follows the Go Go Yoga for Kids Lesson Plan Format. This lesson plan framework ensures that kids are getting exactly what they need with breathing exercises, poses, movement, teamwork, mindfulness and more.
Select 4-5 poses that you want to introduce to children. I use the Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards as visuals for the poses. I will place the selected cards into a colorful gift bag and allow the students one at a time to draw out a pose to learn. After the yoga poses have been introduced and practiced, it is the perfect time to begin The Yoga Obstacle Course!
Be creative with this! Please do not go out and buy anything. Use whatever objects you have available to make an obstacle course.
Obstacle Course Prop Examples
- Hula hoops laid on the ground to do high knees through
- Jump ropes laid parallel so kids can jump across them like a river
- Cones to jump over or hop to
- Yoga blocks for stepping stones
- Yoga mats placed end to end for bear walks, log rolls, frog hops, etc.
The ideas are endless for using creating different obstacles and I do like to change it up to keep things fresh and fun.
Place the objects in a large circle. Between each obstacle I place a yoga mat and a Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Card.
The ideas are endless for using creating different obstacles. Place the objects in a large circle with a yoga mat and pose cards after each obstacle. The kids move around the obstacle course and perform the yoga poses that are shown on cards and hold for 5 breaths or 30 seconds. This is also fun to do to music.
by sara | Mar 30, 2016 | Kids Yoga Lesson Plan, Yoga Poses
Inversions are the act of putting your heart above your head or going upside down. Children find inversions like headstands exciting and thrilling but often their teachers are a little 
hesitant to include them into their yoga class lesson plans.
I really like this simple order to teach and show kids how to do a headstand. I have also helped many kids achieve a tripod or headstand with the simple tip of placing your hands in front of your head to gain more leverage and balance.
- Place mat against the wall.
- Place the very top flat part of your head on your mat. The back of the head should be against the wall.
- Place your hands in front of your head so you are able to see all 10 fingers. This gives more space for balancing.
- Go into a Tripod pose first. Lift your legs slowly.
- Flex your feet so they are flat as if stamping the wall.
- Pull core tight and utilize the wall for support if needed.
Use the wall when teaching handstands as well. Many people don’t think about using a wall but knowing it is there if needed and having the extra support can build confidence. My own kids, who are not gymnastically inclined, loved kicking up into a handstand against the wall in our living room.
Remember that safety is crucial when teaching inversions. There will always be some students that will try to whip right into a headstand as soon as you say the word but you must be ready for that and have them watch first. Take the students through the pose step by step and allow them to see the proper technique so they can practice correctly and safely.
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by sara | Mar 29, 2016 | Benefits
It is harder than ever to be a kid in today’s world. Many kids’ schedules become quickly overloaded and as they are involved in multiple sports, music and other interests outside of school. Not only are there such demands on their time, but the pressure (not always on purpose) is put on them to be successful with what they are spending their time on. Now toss in the quickly changing technology, social engagements and family time and you have kids that are constantly being bombarded from all directions.
Kids need an outlet. They need to get away from it all, be mindful, intentional and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their life. Yoga provides just that!
Yoga is a skill that can help benefit all kids, no matter what they are involved in and regardless of age or ability. The benefits of kids yoga are incredibly numerous. Not only does it promotes physical strength because kids learn to use their muscles in new ways and balance their bodies but it also helps kids become aware of not only their own body but the world around them. Yoga is a great skill to consider introducing kids to.
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