A Guide In Teaching Yoga To Kids

How do you get kids to be excited about yoga? When a yoga teacher learns a lot about teaching kids yoga classes, they feel extra excited to go out and teach. With all the excitement and enthusiasm that they feel, their nerves and commitment simply go with the flow. 

But then, despite their knowledge of yoga's benefits for kids, there is something about the idea that makes yoga teachers wonder if it is something they could ever do. Is it possible to have kids engage in an activity that most adults find interesting yet challenging to do?

While these teachers may have more experience teaching adults or teens, teaching kids yoga is a whole different story. It is different from teaching art classes or painting, where you can let the children pretty much do what they want. It is a whole new experience compared to teaching other ages. 

And like every good yoga teacher, you have just got to learn how to tap on your intuition and allow it to guide you. Or you could simply go with the flow and not overthink everything. Perhaps what you need to do is forget about the "teaching" part and embrace the young kid's idea inside of you. 

How Do You Teach Yoga To Young Children?

The best yoga for kids is the one where they can find focus and discipline while still exploring their creative side and continuing to live life as children. It's when you can tap on your fun, quirky side to allow positive communication to flow smoothly. 

Yoga is just another tool to teach kids something important about life. That's why you, as the yoga teacher, have to do it right. If you are not sure what needs to be done, here are some tips to get you started:

Tip 1: Be flexible

When you're teaching yoga to children, you need to remember the limitations of their age. Unlike adults learning yoga, children are not as quiet and focused as you want them to be.

Sometimes, they won't follow the sequence you've planned. Your well-thought-of class might not push through. So instead of stressing yourself out trying to control every child in yoga class, be more flexible.

Be more open about changes happening in between sequences. Remember that yoga class is not about having a perfect class every time. It is about giving children what they want and enjoying every moment of yoga with you. 

Tip 2: Find the right tempo for your yoga class

When the little minds come to class, give them something that will set the class's mood. You can leave coloring materials and paper on the floor for the kids who arrive early. This way, you can encourage them to draw and craft instead of run around and play. 

Perhaps you can practice a warm-up salutation or a dancing game. This will keep the kids moving before class, making their bodies ready for the poses that you are going to teach them for that day. 

When it seems you have everyone's attention, now is the time to talk to them about the yoga story. It is best to end the session with a deep breathing exercise. With the regular practice of mindful meditation, you teach the kids how to control their thoughts and emotions. 

Before you know it, you have budding yoga enthusiasts in your class, and they just can't wait for the next session to happen.

Tip 3: Children are not miniature versions of adults

Kids are kids. You have to learn to take that as a fact. They are not miniature versions of their parents. Their little bodies and growing minds might not be too excited to be in your class. Unlike adults who choose to go to yoga for their own peace of mind, children are not as enthusiastic. 

Most of the time, children who are enrolled in yoga classes are forced to be there. Usually, their parents or a professional therapist told them to attend. Expect to deal with a struggle. 

It may be tricky to hold the class together if one of the students is not interested at all. But instead of being angry, show them compassion. Be patient. Find something positive about the experience and use it to highlight why the class could be beneficial for them. 

It might help to have other activities that could fit every child's needs. Offer them something they would like to do, and perhaps you can win their trust. In the process, they will find it in them to participate in your class the way you want them to. 

What's Your Takeaway?

Sharing yoga with young children is not a job. It's a gift that you receive from the Universe. If you feel drawn to teaching yoga to children, then you should definitely give it a try. Take it into consideration because it might be something that could give you a sense of fulfillment. 

In the beginning, the experience can be intimidating and sometimes frustrating. But with these tips, you can surely make every yoga class for children work wonders on the lives of your young students. 

There is so much that the kids can learn from yoga. There is so much more to discover how it can change their life for the better. And like any good teacher, you must know what you need to explore to make the experience better for your young learners. 

Yoga for children may be challenging to teach initially, but it's not impossible to teach at all. With the right set of tools and a whole lot of enthusiasm, you can get these young kids to practice yoga. 

In the end, you will feel not just fulfilled for teaching your children the value of yoga, but you will feel a kind of entitlement. Finally, you are doing something great about your career and your life.