Minnesota Kids Yoga Co.

5 Ways to Make Yoga Kid-Friendly

Written by A. Simon - August 2019

Yoga for Kids is a newer concept…

Let’s face it, if you were to give a child an option between (1) going to a yoga class, or (2) going to a waterpark, they would more than likely choose that second option! I might be a bit biased when I say, that’s because they haven’t learned to do yoga in a kid-friendly way! But really… kids don’t know what yoga entails, in comparison to what they already know about what a water park involves! Why? Exposure! How many times have you taken a child to a pool? My guess is countless times. Now, I ask you… how many times have you taken a child to a yoga class? My guess is less than five.

I am not shaming you by any means— because the truth is, if I weren’t as crazy about kid’s yoga like I am, my answer would be the same as yours!!

In a recent years, the number of people practicing yoga has increased incrementally. In 2016, Forbes Magazine and Yoga Journal both reported that over 36 million people currently practice yoga. Further, a massive $16 Billion is spent on yoga each year in the United States. So why then is kid’s yoga not a bigger deal? The answer, it’s getting there! All good things come with time right?!

In an article written by the United Press International, UPI, it is reported that kids yoga in the U.S. has surged from 1% to 8% in six years! That means, by 2050, roughly 50-60% of kids in America will be doing yoga on a regular basis!

Alright, after all that research-based numbers talk, let’s come back to the basis of this article. What are five ways to make yoga kid-friendly? Read the below content to find out.

#1 - Yoga to Songs

If you’re a teacher using yoga in your classroom, you could do something as easy as, turn on some kids music via youtube, gonoodle.com, or a Kid’s Bop CD. Have kids float around the room, practicing different poses, and even forming partner postures! Pre-teaching poses beforehand would be essential.

Holding a yoga pose, and then singing a song as you hold it, is another fun way to practice yoga with kids. For example, have kids sing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” as they hold Boat Pose, or have them sing “Old McDonald Had a Farm” as they hold Down Dog or Cow Pose.

Finally, having kids learn themed yoga songs from my book Yoga with Alexa is another creative way to teach yoga with kids of all ages!

#2 - Props & Poses

Adults use props such as straps, bolsters, or blocks when practicing yoga. Kids can use countless items as “fun props” when doing yoga. Items such as stuffed-animals, feathers, balls, balance beams, buckets, blind folds, scarves, and even parachutes can be utilized! Not to give away all my good ideas, rather than telling you how to use these props — sign up for one of my public parent and child yoga classes today to learn more on kids yoga props!

#3 - Yoga Games

Creating games in a kid’s yoga class is a must. I like to play games that are simple and fun for all. Games we like to play include “Simon Says,” “Red Light, Green Light,” “Hide & Seek” and “Yoga Spinner.” You can also purchase games online. My favorites include “The Yoga Spinner Game” and “Yoga Dice.” I also like playing Candyland (and make each color into a pose challenge). Finally, have kids watch Cosmic Yoga online. These videos create game-like adventures through yoga poses and a green-screen.

#4 - Balance Toys

Soft at-home balance beams, balance stones, buckets, balance balls, and even small toys for balancing on a child’s head can be great options when teaching kids about the basics of balancing. Why is balancing important to yoga? Also, why does balancing make yoga kid-friendly? Because almost all poses use some form of strength or balance-based concept. For example, when thinking about Down Dog, you’re balancing on your toes/feet and hands. When thinking about Warrior 1, your balancing on your heels and soles of your feet! Balancing is a skill kids will use throughout life too. Getting a good sense of balance within one’s body allows kids to have proper postures and abdominal strength too! Harvard Health even reports that people who suffer from chronic back pain, don’t have strong enough cores. Yoga helps to prevent pains and keep the body healthy for life. It’s never too early to work on core strength with kids!

Further, when doing balance games or activities with kids — watch their emotions! Kids LOVE getting to challenge their mind/body by balancing. Kids have an innate drive to take risks or try new things (ex. climbing trees, standing on chairs, scaling walls, paddle boarding, biking, roller skating, rock climbing etc.). When we do balance games in yoga, it makes yoga fun!

#5 - Meddy Teddy

Finally, the last way to make yoga kid friendly is by using a Meddy Teddy. If you don’t know what that is, you should! Meddy Teddy is a small bendable bear that can be formed into any yoga pose. Kids love seeing a stuffed animal practice yoga with them, and letting kids make the bear move is a fun hands-on way of learning too. Meddy Teddy is perfect for younger learners who need some encouragement. It’s also perfect when trying to demo a pose to a small group of little yogis. Whether you are a teacher or a parent, this little yogi bear can create a fun playful time on any yoga mat — anywhere! You can even practice yoga in the car with it! :)

I hope these 5 tips helped you find new ways to teach yoga to kids. I also hope these 5 ideas sparked some curiosity within you, in regards to yoga classes for kids! If your child isn’t already doing yoga, have them sign up for a class today, OR have them watch some of my free videos. I promise they will learn something new!