How to Structure a Kids' Yoga Class at School

Not many kids have access to yoga classes at school, so offering any type of yoga program is a great opportunity for your students. You can structure a kids' yoga class at school similarly to a yoga class for adults. However, there are a few steps you can take to make a yoga program more kid-friendly.

Instructions

1. Start with some very active combinations. Because most kids have lots of energy and somewhat limited attention spans, movement is a great way to engage their attention and help them prepare for more focused poses later. The sun salutation sequence is a great opener for older kids, just as it is for adults. For younger kids, try a few simpler combinations, such as standing back bend/forward bend.

2. Include some inversions, which are usually challenging and fun for kids. Most kids can learn a variation of headstand (the classic school one, with both palms on the ground, is more anatomically appropriate than the traditional yoga version). If you're feeling less ambitious or don't have enough spotters, teach shoulder stand, which most kids take to quickly.

3. Plan a variety of basic and intermediate poses, because kids are often more flexible than adults and adapt to yoga very quickly. Animal poses are often especially fun for kids, especially in younger groups.

4. Structure a kids' yoga class at school somewhat loosely. Be sure to plan plenty of poses, but allow the class to proceed at a relaxed pace, and keep it fun. Kids will get more out of the experience if they're allowed to relax by being themselves rather than being pressured to stay silent and still.

5. Finish with final relaxation, and guide the kids through a relaxing meditation. Learning to rest properly is a very important benefit of yoga, and most kids will be quite receptive after a session of active poses. This quiet time also helps kids to transition between physical activity and the other school classes that may come next.