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As an inclusive and all-encompassing lifestyle, yoga is perfect for families and children. There are several different types of yoga but how can you adapt them for a younger audience?
Just like adults, kids experience stress and can feel overwhelmed in today's fast-paced world. Yoga for children can offer the opportunity to help increase resilience, connection, confidence, focus, and so much more. These are tools and strategies that can build them a strong physical and emotional foundation that they can depend on for the rest of their lives.
About Kelly Winkler
Kelly Winkler is a certified teacher, 200hr RYT, 95hr RCYT, a Kidding Around Yoga Trainer, and co-host of the Kidding Around Yoga podcast, Mindful Conversations with KAY. Kelly has been working with children and families for 25 years and has focused her work on yoga and mindfulness for the past 6 years. She teaches children of all ages in a variety of settings and works with parents, teachers, and therapists to learn how to bring yoga and mindfulness to the children in their lives.
Benefits of Yoga for Children and families:
In this workshop you will learn:
- How to teach yoga to children and families
- Where to discover new families to connect with
- Tips to make yoga accessible for younger children
Why teach yoga to children?
As yoga teachers, we all know the value of yoga in our lives. It has a powerful effect on both ourselves and our students. It's exciting to think about offering those benefits to kids. At one point, we all wish we had the opportunity to practice yoga earlier in our lives - now you can do that for others!
Kelly says that introducing yoga to kids at a younger age can help set them up for success at a much younger age with practices like mindfulness, stress management, and much more.
Finding families and children to teach
As yoga teachers, you may already have an adult following. You can certainly start there by encouraging those students with families to bring their children to a family or kids' class that you will host. There are also many other places children’s yoga can be taught.
Go to where the children are. Contact schools, libraries, community centers, recreation departments, youth sports organizations, and other organizations. Host special events such as birthday parties, workshops for girl scouts and boy scouts, camps, and parents' nights out.
Making yoga accessible for kids
Children’s yoga will look very different from adult yoga. What does a successful children’s class look like and how do you create it? First, you must have realistic expectations. For example, it will be noisy, high energy at times, and you may need to be flexible with your plan.
Second, meet them at their level. Know developmentally what is appropriate for the age you are teaching.
Third, make yoga engaging by using music, stories, and props.
Finding stillness is an important part of yoga. It is a skill that takes practice. Set children up for success by allowing the release of energy before you set the expectation for them to be still.
Additional resources
Kelly's organization, Kidding Around Yoga, offers trainings, courses, and a complete shop to improve your teaching. Check Kidding Around Yoga out today.
Read Our Ultimate Guide To Becoming A Yoga Teacher For Kids.
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