Finding JOY in Teaching Kids Yoga
Finding JOY in Teaching Kids Yoga
I couldn’t imagine having more fun and joy in my job, and I know these teachers agree! I spoke with a few yoga teachers to find out how teaching yoga to young children brings about JOY.
Camelia (Mimi) Felton: Founder Mimi’s Yoga Kids
Photo credit: Cassandra Davis
mimisyogakids.com
@mimisyogakids
What is different about teaching yoga to kids vs teaching yoga to adults? Is it different?
There’s a big difference in teaching yoga to kids vs adults. Kids and teens aren’t just miniature adults. From their anatomy to their attention span, there are differences. Understanding these differences is so important and key to keeping kids safe on the mat, while keeping them engaged in your class and, of course, having fun. Three major things to remember when teaching kids and teens: First, make sure to structure your class to meet their developmental needs. Second, engagement is key. It is so important to meet kids and teens where they are. Third, creating a safe space for them to explore and find the many benefits of yoga is the goal. I tell kids and teens that yoga is a practice and it’s what you make it. They usually fall in love with it!!
What inspired you to teach kids yoga?
I was raising my grandson and started sharing my yoga practice with him. A light came on for me that kids could benefit from yoga too. I didn’t see anyone around me offering yoga to kids, so I decided to create it. Seeing kids enjoy and learn the many benefits of yoga is wonderful to see.
What pose do kids enjoy the most?
Kids love poses like crow, wheel, handstands and partner poses. These poses make them feel strong, and partner poses offer support and connection for one another.
Share one of your favorite memories/moments you’ve experienced teaching kids yoga?
When a child comes back and tells me how yoga has helped them. How they used five-finger breathing to calm down before taking a test or how they do a quick sun A sequence in the morning before going to school because it feels good and makes them strong. These are things that no one can take from them. It’s empowering!!
How do you bring joy to teaching kids yoga?
I bring joy to teaching yoga to kids by simply showing up as myself. I love pouring into the life of children. Kids know when you love and want the best for them. I provide structure and guidance infused with a lot of fun. I create a safe space for them to simply be a kid.
How does teaching kids yoga bring you joy?
Knowing that I am making a difference in our future is the most joyous thing for me. Seeing happy, healthy and whole children is what it’s all about. Kids need wellness practices that equip them for life too. As long as I’m breathing, I will make sure that they get those tools and practices!!!!
Larissa Noto
Founder: Lovely Little Lotus
thelovelylittlelotus.com
@thelovelylittlelotus
What is different about teaching yoga to kids vs teaching yoga to adults? Is it different?
Kids Yoga is different from adults for a few reasons. Just as we would with adults, we are trying to teach and impart the same basic tenets—to honor the roots of this beautiful practice by teaching all 8 limbs—from breathwork (pranayama) and postures (asana), to meditation and beyond. In my experience, the main difference as a kids yoga instructor is the method of delivery. How we teach kids is slightly different in that we need to account for age, ability, and the energy in the room from the moment we walk into the space. So we are delivering the same benefits as an adult practice, but we use more imaginative play, music, science, art, and creativity baked into the classes and an added element of adventure and self-discovery. We also leave plenty of room for mindful introspective moments that organically come with the flow of the class. Sometimes kids yoga teachers come prepared with the best lesson plan, and when you enter the room, the entire plan goes out the door. As a kids yoga teacher, you need to be ready and prepared for those unexpected moments because they happen more often than not. And yet they make for the best, most teachable moments for yourself and your students!
What inspired you to teach kids yoga?
My middle son, Gavin, was born with a form of deafness/hearing loss. We weren’t sure what he could/couldn’t hear. I was looking for ways to bond with him that were non-verbal. I had practiced yoga for 14 years by then, but hadn’t realized there was baby yoga. So we found a teacher at a local studio and started taking classes, and it was a game changer for us. The bonding, smiles, giggles-baby yoga was a gift. Just as yoga does—it reminds you to focus on the present moment—and when I became more present with Gavin, I was able to be a better parent to him. Baby yoga reminded me to focus on this sweet, perfect baby in front of me and remember the JOY he brought into this world with his smile, giggles and presence!
What pose do kids enjoy the most?
Kids love ALL the poses. I think one of the crowd favorites is Dinosaur (Warrior 1 with a loud ROAR!), Tree, Sour Lemon Face (tense and release practice), and most especially Savasana (with blankets and pillows).
What’s one of your favorite memories/moments you’ve experienced teaching kids yoga?
I have so many I have collected and saved in my heart over the last 8 years! But I will have to say most recently, teaching at a summer camp for children who have experienced pediatric cancer. It was such a beautiful time to teach new friends some tools to help reduce stress, calm their minds and bodies, and have fun. One of the campers was leaving and shared, “I wish we could do yoga all day!” It made my whole day!
How do you bring joy to teaching kids yoga? How does teaching kids yoga bring you joy?
I work with many populations all over the world. It’s a privilege to make these practices accessible and inclusive to all—from children who use ASL, to children who are in assistive devices, to those in schools and to those in after school programs. I bring joy to kids in ALL of these spaces because I remind them of the unique beauty they possess that’s already within! To see students smile, have fun, make friends, and notice how they can use their breath to focus, energize, rest, motivate, and take five is simply magical. It’s these magic moments when I watch the spark light up on their faces—when they realize they have the potential to heal, help, and reset themselves, that all they need is already inside them. These are the moments that bring them joy, and the by-product is that their smiles and connections also bring me so much joy.
Rina Jakubowicz
Founder: Super Yogis
superyogis.com
@rinayoga
What is different about teaching yoga to kids vs teaching yoga to adults? Is it different?
Teaching kids yoga and teaching adults is widely different in execution, structure and purpose. Ideally the effect is the same, giving yogis of all ages tools to empower themselves and help them reflect on higher values and principles, but the approach differs because the audience is different. You have to meet the audience where they are. The structure of a kids yoga class is divided up into sections of breathing exercises, poses, games, play, interactivity, art, discussion, affirmations, visualization, self-expression, etc. The most important takeaway is having fun while learning. An adult class usually follows a sequence that everyone does to the best of their ability, and is mostly asana related (yoga pose related.) A common takeaway is challenging oneself physically and gaining more self-awareness with the purpose of self-growth.
What inspired you to teach kids yoga?
Learning the philosophy and feeling the effects of yoga made me realize how much I wish I had this as an outlet and tool when I was younger. I suffered from anger issues and not knowing how to manage my feelings well. This propelled me to create my own kids yoga curriculum called Super Yogis. I then created my own teacher training to help others teach the principles to their own little ones in their lives.
What pose do kids enjoy the most?
Animal poses for sure because of the sound effects and the mimicking qualities. Plus, they are usually more active.
Share one of your favorite memories/moments you’ve experienced teaching kids yoga?
A very powerful moment for me was teaching Vedanta (yoga philosophy) to an 8-year-old girl in England. During the pandemic, her mom wanted her to learn Vedanta, but she couldn’t find a teacher who would explain the teachings in a kid-friendly way. She found me and Super Yogis online and reached out. Naturally, I had to say “yes” and we started Zoom classes together every week. I was teaching her about her “iguana intellect” and “monkey mind.” One day she shared a story about her friends at school alienating her, and we talked about our higher values and I asked her how she could apply her iguana intellect to handle this situation at school. She was able to answer with such eloquence and wisdom. Her confidence started growing, and seeing her use Vedanta in the right context was such a gift for me to witness. Of course, it’s fun to see kids execute yoga poses and smiling, but seeing a child apply the philosophy with a modern day problem they face is the true nectar. That’s when you know it really sticks.
How do you bring joy to teaching kids yoga? How does teaching kids yoga bring you joy?
I bring joy to my kids yoga classes by genuinely wanting to be there every time and treating each child with respect and as a human being. I remember what it was like to be a kid and provide them with the fun, love and support they deserve and crave. Teaching kids yoga brings me joy when I see the kids having so much fun that they don’t even realize they are learning life-long lessons.
Michelle El Khoury
Founder: Yogamazia
Photo credit: Ivory Tree Portraits
What is different about teaching yoga to kids vs teaching yoga to adults? Is it different?
Yes, teaching yoga to kids is absolutely different from teaching yoga to adults! I break down some key differences into the below categories.
- Communication and Instruction: When teaching yoga to kids, the language and instructions need to be tailored to their age group, which is exactly how we’ve structured our kid yoga classes at Yogamazia. Kids may not understand complex concepts or terminology. Therefore, it’s important to use simple, clear, and concise language, and engage them in a playful and interactive manner to their age level.
- Pace and Duration: Kids generally have more energy and shorter attention spans compared to adults. As a result, our younger-aged kids yoga classes are often structured to be shorter in duration and have a faster pace than a typical adult yoga class. This helps to keep them engaged and interested throughout the class.
- Themes and Storytelling: Incorporating themes and storytelling into our younger-aged kids yoga classes is highly effective. Using imaginative and age-appropriate stories, we can create a narrative that captures their interest and makes the practice more engaging. This approach helps kids connect with the yoga poses and concepts in a fun and relatable way.
- Playfulness and Creativity: Kids naturally love to play and explore. Therefore, incorporating elements of playfulness, creativity, and games into our yoga sessions enhances their experience. This may involve incorporating animal poses, partner poses, yoga-based games, and interactive activities that encourage their participation and enjoyment.
- Structure and Discipline: While flexibility and adaptability are important when teaching kids yoga, it is not the priority – maintaining some level of structure and discipline is crucial for the Yogamazia Leadership Team. Establishing basic rules, incorporating our values of G.R.A.C.E. – gratitude, respect, authenticity, community and equity helps to create a safe and consistent environment for our students and ensures we are all on the same page, whether in studio or off-site.
- Inclusion of Props and Visual Aids: Both can be valuable tools when teaching yoga to kids. These aids provide visual cues and make the practice more interactive and engaging for our students.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Teaching mindfulness and relaxation techniques to kids can help them develop emotional regulation, self-awareness, and stress management skills. Incorporating short moments of stillness, breathing exercises, and guided visualizations can support their overall well-being and help them calm down after more active yoga sequences.
The most important thing to remember is that every child is unique (in terms of age, body type, gender, etc.), so their response to yoga may vary. As a yoga teacher, adapting our teaching style, being attentive to their individual needs, and creating a supportive and inclusive environment contributes to a positive and rewarding yoga experience for our children.
What inspired you to teach kids yoga?
I began practicing yoga during pregnancy, and then my practice gradually evolved when my children began practicing with me. I moved from obtaining my 200 hour YTT to a prenatal yoga teacher training to focusing on kids and family and found myself being more inspired by these two groups specifically. When my children eventually convinced me to open Yogamazia, that was the impetus I needed and knew that my dharma was calling.
What pose do kids enjoy the most?
I think this depends on the age group and the teacher! Our younger students love poses that allow them to be as creative with their parents or caregivers, such as forming a tunnel with downward dog, while our older students look forward to challenging poses like half-moon or wheel pose.
Share one of your favorite memories/moments you’ve experienced teaching kids yoga?
How much the student feels like they are able to be themselves, and being true to themselves. That really warms my heart. Because at the end of the day, if our students are happy, feel safe, and learn something new about themselves–that is what is really important and brings me joy in teaching yoga to children.
How do you bring joy to teaching kids yoga? How does teaching kids yoga bring you joy?
Teaching yoga to kids is a mutually beneficial experience, where both the instructor and the child can find joy in the process of learning, exploring, and growing together. I find joy when I witness growth—seeing students develop physically, emotionally, and mentally through their yoga practice. Also, building connections with my students and being a positive influence in their lives is really fulfilling. As a yoga teacher, you have the opportunity to create a safe and nurturing space where kids can express themselves, build resilience, and develop healthy habits. So making a positive impact on their overall well-being brings great joy. Knowing that you are contributing to a child’s sense of purpose and fulfillment is the best feeling.
Shari Vilchez-Blatt
Founder: Karma Kids
karmakidsyoga.com
@karmakidsyoga
What is different about teaching yoga to kids vs teaching yoga to adults? Is it different?
There are so many differences in kids versus adult yoga! Could you imagine if all of a sudden, in your adult yoga class, someone left their mat and started running in a circle around the room?! Or if you’re in the middle of teaching a pose/flow and someone says, “Did you know that my brother has a bicycle and I saw a frog and I love unicorns and cold pillows?” It’s the energy mostly that differs, but also expectations of behavior. I would never want my child students to behave like adults….too weird. They need to talk, share, connect, ask questions, share some more…show you a trick or two (“look what I can do” can often be heard in a children’s yoga class, but what they show you may or may not be yoga—either way, it’s a gift to the room, so I make space for it. Kids classes are loud, playful, silly, quiet, might involve singing, dancing, jumping, include non-traditional yoga props (from balls to crafts to stuffed animals and pom moms).
What inspired you to teach kids yoga?
I don’t know how else to explain that my random path of events led me to teach yoga to children. I was an ad exec, very successful, but not passionate as I once had been. I was laid off one summer, decided to just chill out and not look for another job. I got back into my own yoga practice with all the free time, and was able to see my nieces and nephews more over the summer, too. When I did yoga around them, they would copy me. I didn’t know if that was OK, so I did some research and found that of course it was great for kids and that there was a training coming up in my area that summer. I had NOTHING going on. I love to learn, so I took it. It changed me. I took another one. And another….learning more and more. I loved it and just wanted to share with as many children as possible. Two months later I opened up my first studio in NYC dedicated just to kids and families!
What pose do kids enjoy the most?
I don’t think there is just one pose that kids love the most…it really depends on the child (it’s a great icebreaker to ask this at the start of the kids class. My name is Shari and my favorite yoga pose is….and we all do the pose!). And favorites change as our bodies change, we get stronger and more confident. It’s typically one that they feel strong or calm in. If it’s a challenging pose that they can do, kids will likely choose that so that they can show it off. Better than saying a popular pose that they like, I will say they LOVE to invent poses! Give a child 30-60 seconds to come up with a never-before-seen pose and name it! Or pair kids up to invent a partner pose. Or 3+ kids to invent group poses.
Share one of your favorite memories/moments you’ve experienced teaching kids yoga?
There are way too many magical moments from over 20 years…and thousands of kids….From celebrity parents jumping into your yoga adventure with as much enthusiasm as a child (thank you, Jane Krakowski for being the most fun momma)…to my husband farting loudly off camera during live Instagram classes (yes and everyone heard it, and I had to address it)….to Sesame Street Workshop taking over my studio to film “yoga school”…so instead of noting just one, I’ll note that any time a child surprises themselves with their own strength and ability, the looks on their faces are everything!
How do you bring joy to teaching kids yoga? How does teaching kids yoga bring you joy?
I bring joy to my classes by being accepting, kind, compassionate, friendly and honest. And of course, a bit of silly doesn’t hurt. Or a lot. I include laughter, wonder, and always invite them to be who they are, to listen to their bodies (versus me), and make sure everyone feels heard. I build community and make connections (friendships) within each class, allowing kids to experience other kids by mixing up partnerships, playing games, having challenges and tasks, all while having so much fun! It’s the energy I bring to the class.
Nearly every day that I teach, I have a funny or sweet story to take home. But even better than that, when a child finally gets a challenging pose that they’ve been working on (they usually surprise themselves), it’s the best feeling to witness their excitement, their confidence and their glow! It’s a celebration for all!