How to Teach Yoga to Children

I wish so badly that I would have began practicing yoga at an earlier age in my life! When I think back to my childhood, the only physical activities that were offered were typical sports like basketball, dance, soccer, baseball, and hockey. All of which focused on excelling competitively and ‘being a team player’. Don’t get me wrong- I love team sports and am definitely competitive; but, I can’t help but wonder how I would have navigated through adolescence had I learned about mindfulness and just how powerful my own thoughts are.

You can read all about why I think children need yoga and mindfulness here, but to keep it short and sweet- I genuinely believe yoga can provide the tools and awareness needed to live a balanced and fulfilled life. Isn’t that what we all want? If children feel balanced and fulfilled (as much as they can), then perhaps the rate of childhood depression and anxiety would be significantly lower than it currently is during this era of technology and constant stimulation.

My passion is helping children and youth to be the best version of themselves, and I’m going to officially declare that yoga and mindfulness will expedite that process.

You might be thinking, “OK, this sounds a little interesting. But how the heck am I going to get my 3 year old into downward dog? They have a hard time following instructions as it is!”. Teaching yoga to children is easy. I mean it! Kids are naturally curious and as long as you’re having fun, they will too.

Here are some of my tried and true methods to teach yoga to children!

1. Play a yoga game such as Downward Dog Tag or Musical Yoga.

How to play Downward Dog Tag: Have your child or student come into downward dog pose and play a game of tag holding this pose. P.s… this is an awesome warm up game!

How to play Musical Yoga: This game is similar to the concept of Musical Chairs, except when the music stops the children will strike a yoga pose.

2. Tell a yoga story or go on a yoga adventure.

Younger kids especially enjoy yoga when it flows along with a story.

If you’re scratching your head about what exactly this entails, click here for my most recent Halloween Themed Yoga story. All you’ll need to do is download the PDF and read the script aloud- there are even pictures describing each yoga pose!

3. Incorporate yoga and meditation during your child’s bedtime routine.

Each night I like to set up a comfortable space where my boys and I will practice breathing exercises and do gentle stretching. We also use this time to explore mindfulness and share gratitude for our day.

4. Use a yoga card deck and try new poses together.

5. Last but not least, head to the ol’ Youtube and search for children’s yoga.

Ready to start teaching?! Check out this exclusive offer for a Halloween Themed Yoga class.