Teaching Yoga for Kids Ideas

by sara | Jun 29, 2016 | Kids Yoga Lesson Plan

Congratulations on taking the first steps toward changing kids lives in such a positive way! The benefits of yoga for kids are huge and Go Go Yoga Kids: Empower Kids for Life Through Yoga wants to help you plan and be prepared to teach yoga to kids. Be sure to read our previous post on ideas on where to find places to teach yoga to kids.

Setting Up Your First Yoga Classes for Kids:

When you are just starting out teaching kids yoga at a new location, it is good to offer a 6-8 week session. This is good for several reasons.

• It doesn’t commit parents, the director, or yourself to a long term commitment.
• This gives kids an opportunity to try something new, learn new skills, and recognize the benefits of yoga. They will become so hooked on yoga and will want to continue learning more after that first session!
• It gives you, as the instructor, the opportunity to step back and evaluate how things went. What would you change for next time? Did the age groups work well? Evaluating after each class helps you improve, change, and build on what you have learned.

Stay tuned for the book release of Go Go Yoga Kids: Empower Kids for Life Through Yoga. This comple resource will have everything needed to know to go and start your kids yoga classes! In the meantime, for even more  yoga  games, kids yoga classes tips and lesson plans sign up for our newsletter.

Where to Teach Yoga for Kids

by sara | Jun 22, 2016 | Kids Yoga Lesson Plan

Go Go Yoga Kids: Empower Kids for Life Through Yoga wants to help you plan and teach yoga to kids. I am so excited to share with you creative lessons and games that kids will love. Stay tuned to Go Go Yoga Kids!

The kids yoga teaching opportunities are definitely out there and will take a little effort, but the benefit for you (and the kids!) is lifelong. The following are a few of the places that offer yoga for kids or can be contacted about leading classes or workshops.

• Parks and Recreation programs in your local area
• Sports and Wellness centers, such as YMCA’s or other health clubs
• Library programs
• After school programs
• Homeschool and co-op groups
• Preschools
• Daycares
• Fairs/Festivals or other children’s events
• Yoga studios
• Churches
• Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts
• 4-H clubs

When I first wanted to teach yoga for kids, I started looking for locations to offer classes. I began with places where I already had a connection. One was a local health club where I was a member and the other was a nearby preschool that I’d had experience with. I called and set up a time to meet with the director of the youth programs. I was prepared with what I was going to say and brought along samples of the lessons I would use.

Good kids yoga teachers are a special find, and word will travel fast that you are equipped and passionate about reaching all different types of children through yoga. You are in a position to positively influence kids through yoga and introduce them to many lifelong skills and benefits. Read more here about making a difference in kids’ lives through yoga.

Go Go Yoga Kids is here to help you with all of this. Stay connected for more ideas on connecting kids to yoga.

3 Active Yoga Poses You Can Do With Your Kids

by sara | Jun 17, 2016 | Kids Yoga Lesson Plan

Here are 3 easy Kids Yoga Poses that you can do with your kids. Anywhere! Anytime!

When many people think of yoga they imagine standing very still, holding a pose, and attempting to breathe. That is yoga, yes, but yoga is also full of active movement and strength building!

Plank Challenge:

Holding Plank Pose can be a love/hate relationship. With regular practice, endurance does build up and it can be a lot more tolerable. Plank Pose is truly the perfect exercise as every muscle in your body is working and will get stronger including your arms, core, and legs.

Begin by making sure you and your children are holding that perfect Plank Pose. This means having a straight line from the top of your head and all the way down your back. I like to tell my yoga students to pretend they have an imaginary glass of water on their back and they do not want it to spill. Hands should be directly below the shoulders.

Begin by holding The Plank together for 15 seconds. Count and make it fun. Build up to 30 seconds and finally, work up to a minute. This will happen over time and will become easier with daily practice. I like to give tips such as squeezing everything tight on your body including your legs and stomach. This will make you feel lighter and be able to hold the pose longer. Remember to breathe!

Plank Challenges are a wonderful exercise to do with someone else as we are better and stronger together!

Down Dog Hover:

This is another great exercise that will work many muscles. Hold a Down Dog Pose, then bring your knees to a hover without touching the ground. Next, extend out to Plank Pose, hold and then find your way back to Down Dog. Repeat this several times and notice the difference in how your body feels each time.

Wheelbarrow Races: 

Remember these from long ago? Kids love them it and it is certainly an exercise that has been forgotten over time. Is this exactly a yoga move? Not entirely, but it incorporates the Plank Pose and is lots of fun! Have your child go into Plank Pose. Hold their legs and start walking. If you want, attempt to switch positions. This exercise is sure to bring a few laughs.

Have fun with yoga poses with your kids and being active together!

Looking to do more yoga with your kids? Try some of our calming yoga poses yoga poses for kids.

You May Also Enjoy:

7 Family Yoga Ideas For Kids and Parents Practice Together

Family Fun Day with Go Go Yoga for Kids

Kids Yoga Teacher Favorite Props and Resources

Sneaky (Subtle) Ways to Settle Kids Down

by sara | Jun 12, 2016 | Kids Yoga Lesson Plan

Maybe the word “sneaky” sounds too conniving and calculated, but after an energetic and fun-filled kids yoga class or a busy day out and about, there is nothing better than settling children into a state of relaxation or savasana. Anyone who has ever worked with or  been around kids for approximately 30 seconds, knows that quieting kids is not always an easy task to do. These calming yoga moves for kids at home or in a kids yoga class!

Read on for some simple tips that can make that important last bit of a kids yoga class all the more refreshing and relaxing. This is the perfect time that children can reap the benefits of the yoga moves for kids working and moving their bodies in such a good and healthy way.

1. Turn the lights down low if possible.
2. Play slow and  calming music.
3. Have children begin to lie on their backs as slowly as possible while counting down from 10.
4. Have them bring their knees to their chest give themselves a big hug. They love this!
5. Allow the kids to lay however they feel most comfortable; on their back, stomach or curled into a ball.
6. Use phrases like, “be as still as a statue, ” or “quiet as a mouse” to help give kids a mental picture of how to pose and act.
7. Depending on the situation, lightly rub the children’s’ backs. It is amazing the calm it brings and how much they respond to this little touch.

Call it a success, if you get stillness for even 10 seconds from your class or child at first! Savasana is something to build on with kids. Over time the duration will lengthen. It really does become a favorite part of class or nightly routine at home as they get to lie there and “do nothing.” The act of being totally present brings about so many benefits for kids.