yoga pose Archives - Page 4 of 4 - Go Go Yoga For Kids

Jenga! Jenga! How to Play Yoga Jenga

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 learning 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.

Remember Memorial Day: Celebrate Our Freedom with Eagle Pose

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

Fun Partner Yoga Poses for Kids to Show Off!

by sara | May 12, 2016 | Games, Kids Yoga Lesson Plan, Yoga Poses

Kids love partner poses! They are fun to do and equally impressive to watch. Partner yoga poses for kids and working together as a group to accomplish a goal is fun and rewarding. It builds trust and community while building confidence. It is helpful to have someone near similar size for some of the partner poses, but partner poses can definitely be modified.

Fun partner yoga poses for kids that can be done anywhere and anytime:

Double Boat: This partner pose looks absolutely stunning and impressive when done correctly. Have each partner sit facing each other, knees bent and touching toes. Have them hold hands and lift legs. The bottoms of their feet should be touching as this helps with balance. Then the partners, if able, straighten their legs and lean back slightly as if in a “V” shape.

Raindrop: 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.

I also like to call this pose a Fall Leaf or Hershey Kiss for Valentines Day kids yoga classes.

Double Down Dog:

Kids love try the Double Down Dog Partner Pose, but it is one that must be demonstrated and taken slow. I like to have the students practice their own Down Dogs quite a bit before moving into this partner pose.

Double Down Dog

I like to use the Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards to help demonstrate the partner yoga poses. It is a great way to provide a visual while talking about the partner pose.

The Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards include 40 yoga poses, partner poses, and an additional set of 10 yoga games to play with the cards. Learn more here.

You can also find partner yoga poses with our Kids Yoga Challenge App found in the App store.

Let’s Get Upside Down! How to Safely Teach Headstands For Yoga Kids

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.

Jenga! Jenga! How to Play Yoga Jenga

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