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Kidding Around Yoga

with Donna

Fun-filled kids yoga, meditation, and mindfulness for schools, events and more in Western New York

About Me

Donna Baia has been teaching yoga to children in Western New York since 2014. Donna combined her passion for yoga and her love of working with children to become a certified Kidding Around Yoga teacher and a licensee of this wonderful organization. She is a former elementary teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Reading. Donna has taught first grade and kindergarten both in Western New York and abroad. Through yoga, Donna loves sharing smiles, laughter, joy and peace with children of all ages to help them develop well being. Kidding Around Yoga develops the whole child-body, mind and character. The KAY system utilizes yoga poses or asanas creatively tucked into partner yoga, games, our original music, storytelling, crafts and more! I am so grateful and happy to be a part of the KAY family and to share yoga with children and families too! Come and experience the magic of Kidding Around Yoga and all of its benefits!

Just like our own lives, our children’s lives are busy, too: academic expectations, innumerable lessons, competitive sports, socializing, and the business of just growing up! This fast pace often leaves our children with little time to relax. Kids are directly impacted by this constant stress, both physically and mentally. It is crucial for children to learn how to find peace on the inside, regardless of what is happening on the outside.KIDDING AROUND YOGA does just that.

Haris Lender (ERYT500) created KIDDING AROUND YOGA (KAY) to teach children the five branches of Yoga in a clear, engaging manner. Every KAY class offers a complete, age-appropriate Yoga practice that includes:

◾Stretching and strengthening poses: Poses in a KAY class are imaginative and fun, giving children confidence, a strong and flexible body, and a way to self soothe.

◾Relaxation techniques: Students learn meditation and create a quiet, safe place in their mind to allow calming and healing to begin.

◾Breathing instruction: Children learn ways change their moods, boost their energy level, and reduce stress simply by controlling their own breath!

◾Music, games, and imagination: KAY’s magic is in our playfulness, keeping your child motivated and moving. This is not your typical Yoga class. A KAY class gets children singing, dancing, skipping, marching, jogging, shaking, laughing, hopping, limbo-ing, and storytelling ALL while practicing Yoga to original KAY music.

◾Highly trained, passionate KAY certified teachers: KAY’s specialized training provides instructors with the skills, tools, and experience to lead creative and well-organized kids’ Yoga classes.

KIDDING AROUND YOGA classes are a special opportunity to provide your child with life-long skills that will give them a sense of calm, balance, and power immediately and long into the future.

Kidding Around Yoga with Donna teaches kids yoga in the surrounding areas of Buffalo, New York. To learn more about Kidding Around Yoga and the certification program I attended, visit KAY Global. I’m so excited to share KAY with you and the little Yogis in your life! Contact me at donna@kiddingaroundyoga.com or via my facebook page for further information.

“May the whole world be filled with peace and joy, love and light and lots of peaceful, happy children.”

The Magic of Kidding Around Yoga

When children experience KAY classes, they are not only building physical strength and flexibility, they are learning skills that will provide mental and emotional benefits throughout their lives! The magic of Kidding Around Yoga is our unique class programming. KAY teachers are experts in meeting each child’s needs, providing creative activities, games, songs, and crafts based on traditional yoga and meditation practices.

Our children live in a busy world and KAY classes are an oasis providing a safe place to be creative, move freely, and experience calm. We look forward to being part of your child’s day!

More Information

Class Schedule

Please LIKE my KAY Facebook page to stay informed of any yoga classes that will be offered.

“I love classes with Ms. Donna because she helpos me to remember to deep breeathe when I am feeling nervous and shows me lots of other relaxation tecchniques. Her classes are always different, but always so fun and geared towards the special class she is running and I always feel so safe and loved. My favorite part of the class is -EVERYTHING, but I mostly like the meditation. I am so happy we started yoga with Ms. Donna because now she is my very special friend.” -Ainsley, age 8

Girl Scouts of WNY Class Options: Book a fun filled yoga class for your troop any time in the beautiful, large movement room at The Fountain Wellness Center, 8469 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville or a class outdoors at a park (weather permitting)! If you are within 15 miles of my location, I can also come to you for a yoga class, at your troop meetings location! An additional gas/travel expense fee will apply to any classes outside of the area I teach at. Troop leaders can email donna@kiddingaroundyoga.com for pricing and to set up a class.

Clarence Public Library
Pre- K Yoga for Ages 3-6
Monday, March 11, April 15, & May 13
10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Call the library to register: (716) 741-2650

Newstead Public Library
Pre- K Yoga: Tuesday,  March 19
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Yoga for Ages 4-10: Wednesday, March 13
6:30 – 7:00 p.m
Call the library to register: (716) 542-2327

Lancaster Public Library
Pre- K Yoga- Ages 3-6
Monday, March 25, April 22, & May 6
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Family Yoga- Ages 4-11 with adult participation
Sunday, March 24, April 21, & May 5
12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Call the library to register: (716) 683-1120 or register online on the library’s site

Some Bunny Loves You Yoga Class
For Children Ages 4-9 with a Favorite Adult!
Saturday, March 23
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
The Fountain Wellness Center, Williamsville
$25/pair; Siblings $7
Register at https://bunny-kay-class.cheddarup.com 

After School Classes for Students of Clarence Public Schools

Pre- K Yoga Classes at Brierwood Child Care Centers

Do you know a small group of children interested in yoga classes? This can be a play group, homeschool group, your child’s friends, neighborhood kids, etc. Organize your own group and contact me to set up classes for them.

Kidding Around Yoga with Donna teaches kid’s yoga in the surrounding areas of Buffalo, NY. Classes for children ages 3-13, private lessons, workshops, pre-k & school visits/classes, birthday yoga parties and family yoga classes are offered. Contact me if you want to bring yoga and mindfulness to your group, school or organization! 

Please check out my Facebook page for updated info, pictures and more!

Birthday Parties

Want a fabulous birthday experience for your child?

Kidding Around Yoga with Donna offers customized yoga birthday parties for your child! This includes a special yoga class that features your child, a craft and lots of other fun surprises!

Birthday packages are listed below. There’s a glow yoga party option too! (Prices DO NOT include any room rental fees. Parties can be held at The Fountain Wellness Center in Williamsville or outdoors at a park. Room/park pavilion rentals are the responsibility of the family. ) An extra fee will be charged for travel outside of the Clarence/Williamsville/Amherst area. Please contact me to go over location, pricing and all of the details!

“Ms. Donna provided our family with a wonderful and memorable kids’ birthday party!  My son and daughter are two years apart, so finding activities that are to both their liking is no easy task! Lucky for us, Ms. Donna has ignited a love for yoga in them and was able to provide an engaging and entertaining yoga birthday lesson for them.  The guests, ages 4-10, loved their experience and had a wonderful time. Ms. Donna thought of every detail and handled the 9 kids effortlessly.  She made custom cards for each of my children and thought of amazing crafts for the kids to do together.  We are so appreciative of her thoughtfulness and attention to detail.  I can’t recommend Ms. Donna enough and this idea for a birthday party! Thank you, Ms. Donna! ” – Jillian  

PACKAGE 1: – 90 minutes with Donna

– 60 minutes of a special yoga class – 15 – 20 minutes of a craft. It could also be a meditation candle jar or a mini zen garden for an additional $2/child  ** This can be your PARTY FAVOR! – 10 minute closing circle to celebrate your child! $200 for up to 10 children, $15 for each additional child. Please contact Donna for maximums.

PACKAGE 2: – 60 minutes with Donna – 40 – 50 minutes of a special yoga class, depending on age – 10 minutes closing circle to celebrate your child! $150 for up to 10 children, $10 for each additional child. A craft can be added for $2 per child. Please contact Donna for maximums.

PACKAGE 3: Family yoga party for the little yogi, ages 3 – 5 (with parents and children) – 60 minutes with Donna (up to 45 minutes of a special yoga class including a 10 minute closing circle) $150 for up to 10 children, $10 each additional child. A craft can be added for $2 per child. Please contact Donna for maximums.

PACKAGE 4: “GLOW-GA” birthday party
Experience a one of a kind, fun filled yoga glow birthday party with UV black lights in the room! Using glow necklaces, & bracelets to wear, facial glow paints and cool glow decorations in the room, we will light up the room while celebrating your child! Yoga poses, games, music, a glow in the dark paint craft, mindfulness, guided relaxation, a special yoga story about the birthday child and other fun surprises are part of this unique experience!  Cost for 90 minutes, including glow items to wear, face glow paints, glow decorations, and a craft is $225, for up to 10 children. Additional children can be added for $20 each. You can rent the beautiful space at The Fountain Wellness Center in Williamsville by calling them directly at (716) 906-3735. This is a birthday party your child & guests will always remember!

PACKAGE 5: TAYLOR SWIFT party for your favorite Swiftie! Your child and his/her guests will enjoy 90 minutes of Taylor Swift music, a Taylor Swift mindfulness game and a special craft, yoga poses, dancing, photo opportunities with Taylor Swift decorations and a custom Taylor Swift guided relaxation time! Are you ready for it? Cost is $225 for up to 10 children. Additional children are $20 each.

BIRTHDAY ADD ONS:  KAY Birthday Announcement Postcards can be purchased for an additional fee ** All of the above party packages can be customized to fit your needs. Please contact Donna with any questions/concerns you may have!

Not your child’s birthday? No problem! Book a party with me anytime, just for FUN! (end of school year, holidays, graduations, etc)

Girl Scouts

While teaching the science of yoga, KAY provides a wonderful curriculum that is specifically designed to help children be active, learn to relax, improve focus and have FUN in a non-competitive environment. Our Girl Scout classes also offer KAY yoga fun patches for the girls! I will provide a one hour class customized for your troop level, which can include a special Girl Scout yoga story, a song, meditation techniques, games, a craft and so much more! I teach troop levels from kindergarten through ninth grade. If your troop has already taken a KAY Girl Scout class and you wish to schedule another one, we can make that happen too!

Every KAY class is unique and is tailored for your troop. Contact me for pricing options. I look forward to hearing from your troop soon to schedule a class. Email me at donna@kiddingaroundyoga.com with any questions or to schedule a class!

“I can’t say enough wonderful things about my experience with Donna! I have a Brownie troop and we had a yoga class that even the moms enjoyed participating in..It was amazing. Donna came right to us where we meet as a troop and was very easy to get ahold of and to plan a yoga night with. We relaxed, we meditated, we learned about Girl Scouts through yoga and we laughed…a ton! My girls are still talking about it. Donna was amazing and really knew how to interact with the girls. I highly recommend Donna and Kidding Around Yoga for any Girl Scout Troop, mom/daughter night, cub scouts or whatever group you are a part of. Everyone can benefit from a night of getting centered and strengthening their bodies. You can tell that Donna teaches with passion and wants to show everyone the benefits of yoga and meditation. Thank you Donna for an amazing night! We look forward to planning another one next year!” – Christine M., Brownie Troop leader

“Donna has been providing Kidding Around Yoga programs for Girl Scouts of Western New York for a few years now. She is able to tailor her programs to all Girl Scout levels, for both Council programs and Troop events, girls and adults. Kidding Around Yoga provides Girl Scouts with an opportunity to work on several badge options and learn healthy life skills. The fun patch Kidding Around Yoga offers is just a plus! Donna provides an educational program that is engaging for the girls. We consistently receive positive feedback on the Kidding Around Yoga Programs we are able to offer because of Donna.” – Scarlett Webb, Girl Experience Specialist, Girl Scouts of Western New York

“Thank you Miss Donna! The girls loved your class! It was very engaging, informative and a variety of fun packed in one hour! Thank you for incorporating Girl Scout history into the class as well. We highly recommend!”- Shaylee, Troop Leader

Testimonials

Ms. Donna has been coming to Brierwood Childcare of Lancaster since September 2023. Ms. Donna does a half hour class, twice a month with each of our 3 and 4 year old classrooms. The children look forward to yoga days and love Ms. Donna. Ms. Donna keeps the children engaged while teaching them the fundamentals of yoga. The classes are structured, educational and age appropriate. She demonstrates and encourages participation with all the children. Myself, the teachers and the children all highly recommend Ms. Donna and Kidding Around Yoga. – Cherice McHale, Brierwood Childcare Center, Lancaster

Donna with Kidding Around Yoga has an incredible approach with children, introducing the concepts of mindfulness, movement, relaxation, breath work in a fun way that they can understand. The classes are well structured, engaging and educational! We love hosting Donna’s classes at the museum as it provides a unique and fun experience for children of all ages! – Lisa Chrapowicz, Director of Strategic & Community Initiatives, Explore and More Children’s Museum

We collaborated with Donna of a peace education week with Mayfair Gardens Montessori in Williamsville. We were incredibly impressed with the ways in which Donna worked with the group of early childhood children in our group. Her lessons were well-planned, thoughtful, and engaging for all ages. The mixture of movement, music, and meditation paired very nicely with our own Montessori peace education lessons each day. Donna brings all of her own materials and it is evident that she puts a lot of time and love into her lessons. We love partnering with community members who share our same vision, and we can say with certainty that Donna shares a like-minded spirit. The children not only had fun, but they also learned the important tenets of self-regulation and confidence which are integral in the early years. Thank you, Donna! We look forward to working with you often this year. -Sarah P. Mayfair Gardens Montessori

My daughter Gianna has been participating in Donna’s Kidding Around Yoga for a few years and she has loved every moment of it. Donna’s calm, patient and kind demeanor instantly makes the children feel safe and comfortable. Gianna looks forward to participating and seeing what new activity Donna will incorporate into the day’s class. From art projects to games, each activity is well planned and fun. The meditation has taught her how to relax and stay positive. It has also helped her to stay focused and to work on conflict resolution with her sister. I love the values it teaches the children to regard life, each other and our world. – Michelle B.

My daughter Jenna had the opportunity to take KAY with Ms. Donna through her school. I have learned that Ms. Donna is one of the most passionate and dedicated instructors I have ever met. She helps the children become more aware of their bodies and teaches them strategies and techniques to help them be more relaxed. Ms. Donna’s voice is calming yet upbeat and engaging. I love that this is an after school option for my daughter. She LOVES it! – Nicole

The first time I attended a KAY class with Ms. Donna I loved it and so did my two year old granddaughter. Even after a few classes my granddaughter was singing parts of the songs she has heard. She especially loves “Every Little Cell.” I was also able to bring my five year old grandson to a couple classes. He also loved it and uses the mantra, “Peace Begins With Me” to help him when he feels worried. Both of my grandchildren ask all the time when they can go to another class. Ms. Donna is an excellent teacher. The class is well structured, engaging and most importantly, fun. The program not only promotes physical well being but kids also learn self-regulation and stress management skills. As a retired Special Education Teacher for over thirty years, I can’t think of anything negative to say about this program. It is truly well thought out and teaches so many skills. I have personally been inspired and am taking the KAY teacher training. I look forward to teaching my own KAY classes. -Michelle D.

My son Evan completed a yoga session with Ms. Donna at his school. I just wanted to reach out to share what a positive experience it was for him and that our family feels you do a wonderful job with the children. He LOVES his calm down kit- it is filled with so many cute and thoughtful ideas. I promise you that he will certainly use it! : ) We have made “stress balls” at home already. He was very excited to share with his sister how to do this with flour and balloons. And he is so proud that he accomplished the “lotus pose” on his last day and continues to practice it at home. Thank you for providing such an enriching and fun environment for our children as an after school club offering.  It is a wonderful experience for him. We are very grateful for your time, efforts and fantastic teaching : ). In our book, you get an A+! : ) – Nicole M.

My daughter has taken several yoga sessions with Donna in the past. Her favorite part is the Secret Garden where they get to use their imagination and relax at the end of class. My favorite part is how she is learning practical relaxation and mindfulness exercises to help get through this sometimes crazy life! We both highly recommend Kidding Around Yoga! – Kathy

Mary Pat and I, on behalf of our Brownie troop, would like to thank you for coming out to the Southtowns and working with our girls. I could tell the girls LOVED the program. I think I can speak for Mary Pat, that we have never seen our girls so interested and engaged. I really think you have a great business model and what a wonderful thing to touch so many young people. – Krissie

Isabella has LOVED your class. We would certainly sign up for another session if offered. Thank you again for everything you have taught Isabella! – Cassandra

Thank you Donna! Also thank you kindly for another great session! It was so awesome when Ronald and Bella would come home excited to show me what they learned! I love the calm down kits and that you teach coping skills and self esteem- so important! I can tell that you took the time with Ronald to help him understand the concepts which is so appreciated. Despite being little, I can tell he got a lot out of it. – Crystal

Our library families at the Newstead Public Library love Donna’s Kidding Around Yoga class! Donna works with children ages 3 – 12. She teaches yoga in a fun and playful way with music and storytelling. Children learn to relax, breathe and reduce stress while having fun! Donna is an enthusiastic teacher and it is contagious to her students! – Kristine Sutton, Library Director, Newstead Public Library

My son, Connor has been taking yoga classes at the library for about a year now. Ms. Donna is truly amazing with the children. She uses her passion for yoga to teach simple yoga poses through music and literature. Her songs and stories are filled with positive messages that help children see the value in themselves as well as others. Each class is filled with a healthy balance of movement, games and crafts. It teaches a variety of skills to help with focus and concentration and meditation techniques to leave your child feeling calm and at peace. Your child will have fun learning with Ms. Donna! – Michelle

My two grandaughters have attended Kidding Around Yoga for the past two years. They love it and are always asking me when they can go again! My grandaughters enjoy the activities, music and stories. They find it relaxing and so do I! – Anita

Donna was fantastic with our families here at the Grand Island Library. Parents and children alike had a blast bending, stretching, and learning to be mindful using the techniques that Donna demonstrated. Not only was she warm, welcoming, and inclusive, she was also extremely knowledgable. We cannot wait to have another session of yoga at our library with Donna again soon! – Pamela Edholm, Librarian, Youth Services, Grand Island Memorial Library

I recently ran a summer golf camp for The First Tee of Western New York. Throughout all of my years in golf, I’ve heard time again how tension is bad for the golf swing and how the golfer needs to play relaxed. So when I was searching for guest speakers for our camp, I remembered I had met Donna Baia at another event. I thought having Donna do a presentation for our kids was a no brainer. Plus it could be fun, which is always a goal at The First Tee.  Donna did classes for two age groups (7-10 & 11-15) and I was pleasantly surprised at how well the kids responded. They embraced learning something new and different to accomplish their goal of becoming better golfers. Donna tailored her program to address a lot of what we discuss in golf classes. All of our coaches, myself included, were very impressed with the presentation she put together. Arnold Palmer once said, “Success depends less on strength of body than upon strength of mind and character.” Donna’s presentation to our young golfers put them on the road to accomplish exactly that. Thank you Donna. – Jeff Warda, The First Tee of Western New York

Donna has been presenting yoga programs at the North Tonawanda Public Library for the past few years. During one summer, Donna was giving weekly classes for preschool age children and for older children too. Once a year for the past 3 years Donna has presented her yoga program for our American Girl Club. The girls are from 2nd to 6th grade. When I tell the girls that Donna is coming back for another year, they clap and cheer. I am always so impressed that no matter what age range or how many participants, Donna looks comfortable, happy and relaxed. Her classes are very well planned out and she is very patient with the children. There is always enough of a variety of exercises and activities and the children are never bored. Everyone always has fun. Thank you Donna, for giving our children a wonderful experience! – Marcia Bugyi, Children’s Librarian, North Tonawanda Public Library

Donna Baia has been to the Amherst Libraries for Kidding Around Yoga for preschool, school aged and family yoga sessions. We love how the yoga not only encourages exercise and wellness, but literacy as well! There is always a story element and music that accompanies the yoga. Children and parents greatly enjoy the poses, stories, music and Donna’s enthusiasm. Donna arrives before the sessions to set up, is diligent with her communication and leaves our community room in great condition. She provides promotional images to encourage sign up as well. I highly recommend her. – Kristi Dougherty, Children’s Librarian, Amherst Public Libraries

The Boston Free Library had Donna present Kidding Around Yoga twice last summer. The children loved the experience and everyone who was available signed up for the second session. It was great to see the children come in excited to try something new and leave with a sense of accomplishment. Donna provides a welcoming and calming environment for children and parents. The focus and relaxation techniques that she teaches are valuable skills for any age, but often overlooked for younger children. This program provides the perfect opportunity to showcase the importance of recognizing and dealing with emotions and stress management. We can’t wait to have Donna back again! – Lydia Herren, Boston Free Library

Contact Info

Location: Buffalo, New York United States

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Bringing Mindfulness into the Classroom

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Relaxation & Meditation for Kids

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