*Most of these activities can be modified easily for virtual classes.* Halloween is often a very exciting time of year for children. Between the spooky decorations, the piles of candy, and the pressure of choosing the perfect costume, kids can get pretty wound up....
When you think of October, chances are you think of pumpkins! Whether as a fall-specific spice, a fun Jack O'Lantern craft, a tasty pie, or a festive decoration, pumpkins are synonymous with fall. So take that seasonal energy to your yoga mat with some...
I always begin my classes by having the kids lay face down on their mats in Crocodile pose with their foreheads resting on their hands. Whenever your forehead touches something, it automatically sends a signal to your brain to calm down. I find that most children can...
Teaching Kids Yoga is not usually a formal affair, but neckties are certainly encouraged in my classes! I love using props in both my children and adult yoga classes, and neckties are a fun, creative prop that naturally leads to a fun, creative practice. I started...
Hula hoops are a natural symbol of yoga: circles represent unity, inclusiveness, and a hole you can jump through, into, and around in creative and fun ways! I also use hula hoops when teaching kids gymnastics and creative movement as they provide a clear, external...
Are your little yogis fans of Thomas the Tank Engine? How about the movie Cars? Do they dream of flying planes or exploring the ocean in a submarine? Capture their imaginations and attention with a whole yoga class based on transportation! Feet: Our basic mode of...
“For real change to take place, the body needs to learn that the danger has passed and to live in the reality of the present.” -Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. from The Body Keeps the Score The basic elements of a yoga practice (movement, breath work, and meditation) help...
Looking for a way to get some of the "too cool" kids interested in yoga? You know the ones - they think yoga is easy or just for hippies. Challenge them to try yoga by grabbing their interest - and sports may just be the ticket! First, you aren't just going to sit...
Swami Vidyananda said breath control is "your most portable form of stress management." In a yoga practice, the art of controlling your breath is known as pranayama. "Prana" is your energy and life force. "Ayama" simply means control. So Prana +Ayama = controlling our...
Admit it – there are days when your kids are wild with energy. Maybe they’ve been stuck inside, hiding from nasty weather. Or, they spent their entire school day having to sit still. And all you want them to do is calm down before they destroy your house! Tap into...
Teaching teenagers can be difficult but extremely rewarding! The traditional “How was school?” question often results in the typical “fine” answer. How can we connect with teenagers? Utilizing yoga techniques in a fun and engaging way can be a great solution....
We all know that a yoga practice builds strength, flexibility, and co-ordination. Did you know you can also use the ancient practice to build literacy skills for even our youngest yogis? Yoga teaches sequential thinking and planning: Listening to and following...
The Olympics in Japan may be for the athletes, but the Olympic spirit can still be alive and well in your Kids Yoga class. With a mat, some music, and a lot of imagination, your students can all be Olympic medal winners. Musical Mats: Played just like Musical Chairs,...
School vacations often mean a lot of time spent in the car, train, or airplane. Besides your legs and back cramping and essentially being of no use 75% of the time, your brain and mindset also get sluggish and tired. Imagine what kids, who have abundantly more energy...
Celebrating holidays and special events with fireworks is a common practice worldwide. Bright colors, loud pops and bangs, excitement, and awe accompany a fireworks display. We can incorporate the fun and festive feelings of fireworks in our children's yoga practices....
Watch at your leisure!
Watch at your leisure!
