As we end off what for many has been a particularly challenging year we may question how we can enable our kids to look positively into the future and look forward to the rewards and challenges that a New Year holds.

The art of manifestation tells us that we have to see the life we want to live and then align our actions with that vision to create our desired reality. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a Vision Board where we can map out this future vision and use the power of visualizing our dreams and goals manifesting.

A Vision Board is a visual representation of things that we want to achieve or cultivate within ourselves and our lives. Through the use of images, color, words, and phrases, it acts as a constant reminder of that which we want to achieve in our lives.

Vision Boarding is one of my favorite new year activities, taking a moment to mindfully envision what I am wanting to create within my life and within myself for the year ahead and then scouring my favorite magazines for pictures that inspire me and align with my vision for the year.

It is also one of my favorite Mindful Art activities to add to my Kids Yoga classes. It works really well with all ages and you can modify the intent and information given to suit the age group you are teaching. It is helpful to prepare a few questions to get the kiddos thinking of what their goals and aspirations are. Some examples of questions to ponder:

What are your favorite places to visit?

What is your favorite place in nature?

What makes you happy?

What are your goals? What would you like to achieve? If you could do any job, what would it be?

What are some of your favorite words?

These can be simple questions for younger kids and more complex thought-provoking ones for older kids. Get your child or kiddos to do some brainstorming or a mindmap, using the answers to the questions and anything else they feel like adding to their Vision Board.

The process of creating a Vision Board has many benefits, apart from just being a really fun activity. It teaches kids the power of our mind and thought process to create our reality as well as how to set goals and to take accountability for working towards those goals. This creates and fosters a winning growth mindset. Kids also get a confidence boost with each goal that they work towards and achieve!

Now that you have the basics you can grab some magazines, inspirational quotes, paints, and other interesting items that can be added – with kids it’s good to use as many different materials as you have to keep them engaged and inspired! Encourage them to create a bright and beautiful vision for themselves and then remind them to place their vision board somewhere they can see it every day as a visual reminder of their goals, and an inspiration to achieve them.

Vision Boards are an excellent way to engage children in reflection about their life and goals for the future. Not sure how to lead a Vision Board making workshop that is fun, inspiring and most of all doesn’t pressure the students to know what they want to do after they graduate high school? In Kidding Around Yoga’s Virtual Mini Workshop on creating vision boards with children , we will break down a plan for a 60-minute Vision Board creation workshop that will appeal to school-aged kids and older.

Like what you read here? There’s so much MORE to explore and learn with Kidding Around Yoga. Check out our website for our live and online teacher trainings, Yoga Alliance-approved 95-hour RCYT trainings, specialty online courses, original music, merchandise, and beyond! KAY even offers an online course to help you teach teens and tweens the power and peace a yoga practice can provide (TeenKAY).