Spreading Yoga Magic: Introducing Kids' Yoga in Schools
It's no secret that yoga has been capturing the world’s attention for years, and its presence is steadily growing in schools!
Our society is recognizing the benefits of introducing yoga at a young age, making it an integral part of children's lives. If you're eager to bring the magic of yoga to kids in schools, you’re in the right place—we have all the insights you need!
Yogi Beans, a leading kids' yoga company, collaborates with schools, teachers, and parents to bring the benefits of yoga to children.
Keep on reading and you’ll know everything about how to get started with teaching kids’ yoga in schools.
Is it possible to teach yoga in schools?
Absolutely! Schools are increasingly recognizing the benefits of integrating yoga into their structure.
While this might not be the case in every country, there are always opportunities to teach yoga to school children, whether during school hours or as part of an after-school program. We’ll delve into these options later in this article.
If you're inspired to bring the joy of yoga to young minds, you’ll find the following steps and insights invaluable to get started.
Why do schools need yoga?
Yoga in schools serves multiple crucial purposes: it enhances focus and concentration among students, nurtures the holistic development of the child, fosters social-emotional learning, and effectively reduces stress and anxiety.
By integrating yoga into the curriculum, schools empower students to improve their physical health, and also develop mindfulness and emotional regulation skills essential for academic success and personal well-being.
This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, promoting a supportive learning environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally.
If you want to learn more about how yoga affects school children, have a look at this! This page is packed with resourceful information on how yoga helps kids at school!
What do I need to teach yoga in schools?
It's a great question, and the answer depends on the specific requirements of the school where you wish to teach yoga. In the realm of yoga education, there are two primary types of certifications available:
The Classical 200 HR Yoga Teacher Training: This training provides a comprehensive understanding of yoga and its philosophy typically enables instructors to teach adults. While it provides a solid foundation, this general yoga training is often insufficient for specializing in yoga for children as it typically lacks the specific knowledge and techniques required for teaching young students effectively.
The Kids’ yoga certification: this is the most direct path to learning how to effectively teach yoga to children and is widely accepted in most locations, including at schools. Make sure you choose a good training that includes a bit of yoga essentials such as philosophy or anatomy. Yogi Beans, a certified Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider®, offers a variety of robust programs, including on-demand online training, which are comprehensive enough that you don't need a 200-Hour yoga teacher training beforehand.
While certification or specific training in kids' yoga isn't always mandatory, it is highly recommended. This ensures you have the necessary skills to lead a yoga class safely and effectively, and tailored to children's needs. Understanding yoga's cultural and philosophical aspects is also beneficial. Additionally, some schools may require certification or proof of relevant background knowledge before allowing you to teach yoga to their students.
For more detailed insights into kids' yoga teacher training and certification, be sure to check out our page on the subject.
Do you need insurance to teach yoga in schools?
While liability insurance may not always be a strict requirement, it offers crucial protection for yoga instructors wherever they teach. It acts as a safety net against potential risks during classes, providing peace of mind for both you and the school. Before diving into teaching, it’s wise to chat with administrators to understand their insurance preferences. This proactive step not only ensures you're aligned with their policies but also shows your dedication to teaching in a safe and responsible manner. With the right insurance coverage in place, you can focus on sharing the joy of yoga without worry.
How to start teaching yoga in schools?
Getting in touch with schools could be quite intimidating at first. Don’t worry, we got you! Yogi Beans has been partnering with schools for 20 years now and knows how to get in touch with them.
Here are different ways to reach out to schools if you want to teach yoga to school children:
Begin Locally: Start by contacting schools within your own school district. Local schools are often more receptive to community-driven initiatives and may be more open to integrating new programs like yoga into their curriculum.
Engage with the PTA: Reach out to the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or equivalent parent groups within schools. These organizations often play a significant role in advocating for and organizing enrichment programs for students. Inquire about their process for bringing in specialists or guest instructors, such as yoga practitioners. Presenting the benefits of yoga and showing how it aligns with educational goals can help garner support from the PTA. Don’t hesitate to offer them a workshop in order to prove your expertise and the benefits of yoga!
Understand Public School Procedures: For public schools, it's important to understand their administrative structure and funding processes. Identify the appropriate administrative office or funding organization responsible for approving and managing external vendors or programs. In many cases, you will need to register as an approved vendor through the school district's procurement or purchasing department. This process typically involves completing forms, providing proof of insurance, and potentially undergoing background checks.
While knowing how to get in touch with schools is important, you also need to understand the different ways you can teach yoga in their structure:
Afterschool Enrichment: Offer yoga as an afterschool program, providing students with an opportunity to unwind and learn relaxation techniques at the end of the day.
Assemblies, events or Residencies: Conduct yoga sessions as part of school assemblies, special events or short-term residencies, where students participate in focused sessions that promote mindfulness and physical activity.
School Push-ins: Engage in "push-ins" by visiting classrooms for brief, focused yoga sessions lasting 20-30 minutes. This approach allows for integration into the school day without disrupting regular schedules.
Weekly Enrichment Program: Implement a comprehensive weekly enrichment program that spans the academic year. This consistent schedule allows for deeper exploration of yoga principles, physical postures, and mindfulness practices over time, fostering lasting benefits for students' well-being and concentration.
Each of these methods offers unique advantages in promoting physical health, mental well-being, and academic success among school children, accommodating various logistical needs and enhancing overall educational experiences.
How to address schools about teaching yoga to their students?
As mentioned earlier, reaching out to schools for the first time can be quite intimidating. You will soon realize that each school is unique, and just as yoga means different things to different people, its perception varies widely since it is still relatively new and evolving.
Here are a few things you should think about before talking with schools:
Highlight the Benefits: Start by emphasizing the proven benefits of yoga for children. Explain the positive effects on mental well-being, such as reduced anxiety, increased concentration, and better emotional regulation, which result in better academic results. Mention how yoga enhances physical health by improving flexibility, strength, and coordination. Use statistics and case studies to support your points, showing how other schools have successfully integrated yoga into their routines.
Address Common Concerns: Be prepared to address common concerns or misconceptions. Some schools may worry about the religious or cultural aspects of yoga. Clarify that school yoga programs are secular and focus on physical postures, breathing exercises, and mindfulness. School yoga is a tool for everyone to grow into a healthy, happy and strong human being.
Showcase Success Stories: Share success stories from other schools that have implemented yoga programs. Highlight improvements in students' behavior, academic performance, and overall well-being. Testimonials from teachers, parents, and students can be powerful in illustrating the positive impact of yoga.
Offer a Pilot Program: Suggest starting with a pilot program to demonstrate the benefits firsthand. A short-term, small-scale implementation allows the school to evaluate the impact without a significant commitment. Offer to lead the pilot program yourself, if possible, to ensure it's done correctly and effectively.
Provide Resources and Support: Ensure the school knows that support and resources are available. Offer to provide training for teachers, share curriculum ideas, and supply any necessary equipment. Showing that you’re committed to making the transition smooth and easy can alleviate concerns and build confidence in the program.
Emphasize Flexibility: Explain that yoga can be easily adapted to fit into the existing school schedule and curriculum. Whether it’s a short morning session, a midday break, or an after-school program, yoga can be tailored to meet the school’s needs.
By addressing these points, you can help schools see the immense value of incorporating yoga into their daily routines and overcome any reservations they may have.
We hope this article has inspired and guided you on your path as a kids' yoga teacher. May your journey be filled with joy, growth, and countless moments of connection with the children you teach. The Yogi Beans team wishes you boundless success and happiness as you do what you love. Namaste.
Connect with us!
Welcome Friends!
Yogi Beans is a yoga and wellness company for children. Come make the world a brighter place with us!
