10 Best Themes for your Kids' Yoga Classes
Children are full of creativity and curiosity, and to keep them engaged, we need to match their sense of wonder!
Class after class, finding fresh and imaginative kids’ yoga themes can become a real challenge. Children are full of creativity and curiosity, and to keep them engaged, we often need to match their sense of wonder!
For over 20 years, Yogi Beans has been guiding new and aspiring kids’ yoga teachers on their professional journey. As one of the leading kids’ yoga schools, we make sure our trainees receive the most playful, effective, and developmentally appropriate tools to confidently lead their classes.
That’s why we’ve gathered 10 of the best kids’ yoga themes to inspire your upcoming sessions. From seasonal adventures to everyday discoveries, these ideas will help you bring mindfulness and fun into every pose. Let’s spark imagination, one theme at a time!
I. Why Choose a Theme for Your Kids' Yoga Class?
A themed class isn’t just a cute addition; it’s what turns yoga into an immersive and meaningful experience for children!
Kids learn best when their imagination is activated. Stories, characters, and playful narratives help them engage with their bodies, their breath, and the world around them in a way that feels natural and exciting. With the right theme, every posture becomes a moment of discovery!
Here’s why themes make such a difference:
Keep them engaged: Kids stay curious and excited when the class feels like an adventure.
Support learning: You can connect yoga with educational topics like nature, geography or science.
Encourage self-expression: Stories and role-play allow children to embody characters and feelings.
Make mindfulness fun: Breathing exercises and relaxation become part of the narrative.
Build meaningful connections: Children can relate their own environment, at home or at school, to the yoga concepts you introduce.
Increase participation: For reluctant or anxious kids, using a favorite theme can be the perfect way to welcome them into the class.
A well-chosen theme can completely transform the atmosphere in the room, keeping little yogis grounded, giggling, and open to trying new things. It invites them to move with purpose, breathe with joy, and develop awareness of themselves and others… all while having so much fun they don’t even realize how much they’re learning.
II. The 10 best themes you should try once
At Yogi Beans, we believe a thoughtful theme can turn a simple yoga class into a rich and memorable experience, for both children and their teachers. For more than 20 years, we’ve been supporting young yogis and training future kids’ yoga instructors with playful, effective, and developmentally informed tools.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, or guidance on your professional journey, explore our certification and mentorship programs designed just for kids’ yoga teachers.
Now, let’s dive into 10 creative themes to try with your young yogis:
1. Outer Space Kids’ Yoga Theme
Blast off into a cosmic adventure! An outer space theme encourages children to explore the universe through movement, from stretching like a star to balancing like astronauts floating on the moon. To take this theme even further, you can tie in the value of the unknown, and how going into outer space is stepping into something mysterious and new. You can introduce breathing exercises like taking slow “Star Breaths” before launch, and finish with a peaceful “cosmic nap” while imagining sparkling constellations above. This theme is perfect for sparking curiosity and learning fun space facts along the way.
✨ Adventure Highlight :
Kids usually love pretending to launch into space with a fun “Rocket Pose” countdown. (You can find this pose, and many more, in our book 108 Awesome Yoga Poses for Kids!) Start in Chair Pose with arms reaching up and palms together like the tip of a rocket. Count down from 10, and when you reach 1… blast off! Let them zoom around the room to release energy, then call “Freeze!” and guide them back to stillness so they can recenter and feel grounded again.
2. Earth Kids’ Yoga Theme
An Earth theme invites kids to connect with nature and become protectors of the planet. Each pose can represent an element : tall mountains, flowing rivers, strong trees, and gentle wind. Breathing practices can teach respect for the air we share, while mindfulness activities encourage gratitude for the ground beneath our feet. This theme blends environmental awareness with grounding, stabilizing yoga movements.
✨ Adventure Highlight :
Try a “Thank You, Earth” Pass. Invite the children to sit together in a circle and pretend a soft ball is our planet. As they carefully pass it around the circle, each child shares one thing they love about Mother Earth. You can guide them by saying:
“We care for the Earth just like we care for this ball, noticing it, handling it thoughtfully, and making sure everyone gets a turn to hold and appreciate it.”
3. Kindness & Friendship Yoga Theme
Kids learn powerful social-emotional skills when they practice kindness on and off the mat. Through group poses, partner breathing, and heart-centred mindfulness, children discover how connection feels in their bodies. You can introduce discussions around friendship, emotions, and compassion, making yoga a safe space to build confidence and empathy. This theme supports teamwork and helps friendships blossom.
✨ Adventure Highlight:
Enhance this class by introducing a Loving-Kindness meditation. You can play our beautiful Loving-Kindness Meditation on Insight Timer during Savasana and invite the children to relax deeply, letting the gentle words fill their hearts and minds.
4. Garden Kids’ Yoga Theme
This colorful theme lets children grow like flowers, crawl like bugs, and sway like tall grass in the wind. A garden class invites sensory exploration, imagining textures, colors, and creatures. It’s a great opportunity to talk about growth, patience, and caring for living things.
✨ Adventure Highlight:
Share one of our favorite quotes:
“Your mind is a garden, your thoughts are the seeds. You can plant flowers or you can plant weeds.”
Then ask your students what they think it means.
What thoughts help beautiful flowers grow?
And what thoughts might turn into pesky weeds?
It’s a simple, memorable way to help kids understand that their thoughts influence how they feel, and how they show up in the world.
5. Gratitude Kids’ Yoga Theme
A gratitude theme teaches kids to appreciate themselves, others, and the world around them. Each movement can highlight thankfulness, hands at heart for appreciation, open arms for receiving good things, and grounding poses for recognizing support. Journaling or sharing circles can be added to help children identify moments they are grateful for. It’s a beautiful way to nurture positive mindset and self-esteem.
✨ Adventure Highlight:
Finish the class with a gratitude circle. Each child writes one thing they are thankful for on a card. If they want to, they can place their card in the center of the circle or in a “gratitude bowl.” Then go around and invite each child to pick a card and read it aloud, so the whole group gets to listen, reflect, and share in the gratitude together.
6. Animal Safari Yoga Theme
Let little yogis unleash their playful side as they prowl through the savannah! Animal poses, like lion, cobra, and giraffe, become storytelling moments that encourage children to embody strength, flexibility, and courage. This theme is energetic and perfect for building motor skills, releasing energy, and having lots of giggles while learning animal facts!
✨ Adventure Highlight:
Kids love to roar like a lion. Introduce Lion’s Breath by inhaling deeply through the nose, then opening the mouth wide, sticking out the tongue, and letting out a big “ROAR” on the exhale. You can tell children that Lion’s Breath is a helpful way to let strong feelings out, and it can make their anger feel a little bit smaller.
7. Ocean Discovery Yoga Theme
Dive deep into movement inspired by the sea! Kids can float like jellyfish,, glide like dolphins, and stretch like starfish. Ocean sounds and wave-like breathing help calm the nervous system and reinforce rhythm in movement. This theme also opens conversations about protecting marine life and keeping our oceans clean, all through a soothing underwater adventure.
✨ Adventure Highlight:
Kids love pretending to go surfing in the ocean. Invite the mat to become their surfboard and practice flowing from Warrior 2 into Reverse Warrior, imagining they’re riding a wave. Music from The Little Mermaid, Moana, or even the Beach Boys (“Wipe Out!”) can add to the fun and bring the whole ocean adventure to life.
8. Superhero Kids’ Yoga Theme
Activate courage and confidence with a superhero yoga class! Each child discovers their unique “superpower”, like bravery, kindness, or creativity, and expresses it through strong, empowering poses. Breathing becomes a tool for managing big feelings, while mindfulness turns into a moment to recharge. This theme helps kids feel capable, bold, and ready to take on the world.
✨ Adventure Highlight:
Core-centering poses like Plank Pose, balancing poses, and simple arm balances help children build inner strength and connect with their personal power. This practice provides a significant boost to their self-confidence by strengthening their body from the inside out.
9. Transportation Yoga Theme
Planes, trains, bicycles, and boats, a transportation theme keeps the class dynamic and highly imaginative. Kids move through different levels of space: high-flying balances, grounded wheels, and rocking boats. You can integrate directional awareness, forward, backward, fast, and slow, making this theme excellent for spatial learning and coordination skills.
✨ Adventure Highlight:
“Airplane Pose” is always exciting. Start by practicing takeoff with your back foot still on the floor. Then lift into flight, find your balance, and gently land your plane by bringing both hands down to the floor while keeping your leg lifted - an added challenge kids love!
10. Weather & Seasons Yoga Theme
This theme teaches children that change is natural, in nature and within themselves. Poses can reflect sunny stretches, gentle rain, swirling wind, and cozy snowflakes settling to the ground. Seasonal breathing and visualizations help children connect with cycles, transitions, and emotions. It’s a gentle way to explore mindfulness and resilience through movement.
✨ Adventure Highlight:
Take an internal weather forecast and invite the kids to notice and share their weather inside. Are they feeling sunny, foggy, stormy, or calm? Use this moment to remind them that, like real weather, our thoughts and feelings are impermanent and always changing. Clouds move through the sky, and thoughts move through our minds they come and go.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article, and maybe even shared a little giggle or two while imagining some of these fun themes! As you’ve probably discovered, a thoughtful kids’ yoga theme can make a huge difference in engagement, focus, and joy.
If you’re ready to take your teaching to the next level, Yogi Beans is here to support you! Our Kids’ Yoga Teacher Certification and mentorship programs provide the tools, guidance, and inspiration you need to become a confident, creative, and impactful kids’ yoga teacher.
Bring magic, mindfulness, and movement into every class!
Let’s go on a yoga adventure!
Let your imagination soar as you become a bouncing Frog 🐸, a magical Mermaid 🧜 or a soaring Rocket Ship! 🚀
Connect with us!
Welcome Friends!
Yogi Beans is a yoga and wellness company for children. Come make the world a brighter place with us!
Teach Kids Yoga with Confidence & Joy!
Yoga Nidra Meditation for Kids: The Art of Peaceful Sleep
Have you ever heard of Yoga Nidra? This gentle, guided meditation helps children relax deeply, release tension, and calm their busy minds.
Have you ever noticed how your child can suddenly sprint around the living room like a little superhero, only to collapse on the bed a few minutes later, wide awake and unable to fall asleep? Kids are full of energy, curiosity, and imagination, but that whirlwind doesn’t always switch off easily at bedtime.
More and more parents are turning to kids’ sleep meditation, especially as screen time increases and physical activity decreases. That’s where Yogi Beans, one of the leading schools in kids’ yoga, comes in to share its secrets for helping little beans drift peacefully into sleep.
Have you ever heard of Yoga Nidra? This gentle, guided meditation helps children relax deeply, release tension, and calm their busy minds, preparing them for a night of restorative, peaceful sleep.
Unlike active yoga, which focuses on movement, Yoga Nidra is about stillness and presence. It’s a simple, restful, and nurturing way for kids to learn how to pause, unwind, and feel safe in their bodies, skills that benefit them not only at bedtime but throughout their day.
What Is Kids’ Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep, is a guided meditation practiced while lying down in Savasana, allowing the body to rest while the mind drifts between wakefulness and sleep.
For children, it’s not about “doing yoga” but about being still and feeling safe. During a session, they are guided very softly through simple steps: noticing their breath, relaxing each body part one by one, and imagining peaceful scenes, such as floating on a cloud or resting by the ocean.
This process activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the body’s natural “rest and digest” mode, making it easier for kids to release the day’s emotions and prepare for sleep.
The Benefits of Yoga Nidra for Children
Yoga Nidra can have a profound effect on children’s well-being. With regular practice, it can help:
Improve sleep quality and reduce bedtime anxiety
Calm the mind and ease emotional overwhelm
Enhance focus and creativity through better rest
Increase body awareness and emotional regulation
Many parents notice that children fall asleep faster after a short Yoga Nidra practice and wake up more balanced and happy. At Yogi Beans, we see firsthand how these small moments of stillness can make a big difference.
How to Practice Yoga Nidra with Kids ?
Introducing Yoga Nidra to your child is simpler than it seems and can easily blend into a peaceful bedtime routine.
At Yogi Beans, one of the leading schools in kids’ yoga, we’ve created our own soothing version of this practice called Rainbow Nidra. Loved by families around the world, it’s been listened to over 20,000 times on Insight Timer and continues to help little ones unwind before sleep.
For those who want to understand how to guide a Kids Yoga Nidra step by step, here’s how to begin:
1. Create a calm environment
Dim the lights, remove distractions, and let your child lie comfortably on their bed or a soft mat. A cozy blanket or a favorite stuffed animal resting gently on their belly can make the experience even more comforting.
If you join them in the practice, lying down beside them or guiding them through your voice, it not only deepens their relaxation but also strengthens your bond, turning bedtime into a shared moment of calm and connection.
2. Start with a short session
Start with short sessions; around 5–10 minutes for younger children and up to 20 minutes for older ones. As your child becomes more comfortable, you can gently increase the time, always adjusting to their rhythm and needs.
3. Encourage mindful breathing
Guide your child to take slow, deep breaths, noticing how their chest gently rises and falls, or imagining their breath as a soft wave washing through their body.
At Yogi Beans, we often use a simple ‘tighten and release’ exercise, like in our Rainbow Nidra meditation. It’s a wonderful way for children to relax their bodies and prepare for Yoga Nidra.
4. Visualization
When your little beans are fully relaxed, invite them on a gentle inner journey. Ask them to picture something peaceful, a soft cloud, a cozy treehouse, or a quiet beach. The visualization should feel comforting and let their imagination drift in a safe, soothing space.
In our Rainbow Nidra meditation, children travel through the colors of the rainbow, connecting each hue to a chakra as they breathe slowly and deeply. This simple yet powerful practice combines breath, imagery, and body awareness to create deep relaxation.
5. Body scan and relaxation
Lead them through a gentle body scan, asking them to notice each part of their body, from toes to head, and relax it completely. You can make it playful: “Let’s make your toes soft like jelly.”
After the body scan, if you’re guiding the meditation yourself, you can play gentle background music to make the experience even more calming.
6. Closing the session
If you’re a teacher leading the session in class, gently bring the children’s attention back to the room while keeping the atmosphere calm and quiet. If you’re a parent guiding the practice from your child’s bedroom, softly encourage them to drift into sleep or continue resting peacefully if it’s bedtime.
Yoga Nidra is more than a simple relaxation practice, it’s an invitation for children to reconnect with their inner world, rest deeply, and feel truly at peace in their bodies. In today’s busy world, offering this gentle meditation before sleep, or whenever calm is needed during the day, is one of the most nurturing gifts we can share with them.
Connect with us!
Welcome Friends!
Yogi Beans is a yoga and wellness company for children. Come make the world a brighter place with us!
Teach Kids Yoga with Confidence & Joy!
Free Mindful Yoga Games Children Love: Toddlers to Teens
Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, kids' yoga games are one of the most joyful ways to bond with the children in your life.
Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, kids' yoga games are one of the most joyful ways to bond with the children in your life. They bring laughter, connection, and learning all at once.
Yoga games, in particular, offer a fun doorway into mindfulness, movement, and calm. They invite kids to explore their bodies, notice their breath, and share moments of presence together.
At Yogi Beans, a leading kids’ yoga school for children, parents, and educators, we’ve gathered some of our favorite yoga games for you to enjoy. The best part? They’re completely free and easy to adapt for every age, from curious toddlers to reflective teens.
Here are age-appropriate mindful yoga games to try at home or in the classroom.
I. Practical Tips to Organise Kids’ Games :
When planning a session with more than one game, it’s helpful to mix energy levels and types of activities.
Start with a high-energy game to get the children moving and engaged. For example, Yoga Freeze Dance, where kids flow through poses to music and freeze when it stops. Then follow with a grounded, focused game like Mirror Game or Bell Game, which encourages attention, listening, and gentle movement.
You can also break games into categories : Asana/Body Awareness, Focus/Concentration, Listening/Sound, and SEL games (social-emotional learning) that explore feelings and emotions. This mix ensures children stay engaged, learn different skills, and enjoy a balanced yoga experience.
For those who want to explore further, our free webinar offers a practical introduction to the world of children’s yoga. You’ll discover the core foundations of teaching yoga to kids — from age-appropriate games and mindful movement to simple ways to weave social-emotional learning into every session. This experience is designed for parents and educators who want to bring more calm, confidence, and joy into their work with children of all ages.
II. The Best Kids' Yoga Games for Children of all Ages
Yoga Games For Toddlers (Ages 1–3)
At this age, play is the language of learning. Keep games short, repetitive, and full of imagination.
Body Awareness :
Animal Adventure: Guide toddlers into simple poses like cat, dog, frog, or butterfly. Encourage them to move like each animal, noticing how their bodies feel.
The Yogi Beans Butterfly Song helps children build body awareness by inviting them to notice how their bodies move and feel as they “fly” like butterflies. Through scarf play, gentle leg stretches, and bringing their noses to their toes, kids explore how different parts of their bodies connect and move together, fostering coordination, balance, and self-awareness.
Focus :
Yoga Freeze Dance: Play music and let toddlers dance; when the music stops, they freeze in a yoga pose. This reinforces the poses while also developing attention, as well as focus and concentration
SEL (Emotions):
Circle of love: Pass a ball or scarf around the circle and have each child say someone or something that they love. For added fun, pass the object using your feet
Yoga Games for Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)
Preschoolers are imaginative and full of curiosity. They enjoy games that mix storytelling with mindful movement.
Body Awareness :
Yoga Fun House: Set up a simple obstacle course. Establish tasks and give specific directions. Have each student go through the course one at a time. An example of a course may be : “Say Om > Walk over a set of blocks >Blow a feather> Carry a bell without ringing it > Come into Tree Pose and count to 5 >Sit in a cross-legged position and say Namaste”
Focus :
Bell Game: Ring a bell and have toddlers stop, listen, and take a breath. Add a fun twist by asking them to make a happy or surprised face when the bell rings, introducing basic emotional awareness.
SEL (Emotions):
Emotion Yoga Cards: Show cards with emotions like joy, calm, or surprise. Children express the feeling in a pose or movement while listening carefully to instructions.
Yoga Games For Young Children (Ages 6–7)
For young children, combining storytelling and imagination in yoga games helps spark creativity while gently introducing teamwork, coordination, and taking turns.
Body Awareness :
Guess Who?: is a fun guessing game that gets kids excited to practice yoga poses while learning a new fact about each animal or shape. Once they guess correctly, they move into the pose itself, naturally developing body awareness through playful movement and curiosity. Our book, 108 Awesome Yoga Poses for Kids, includes a Bean Clue; our version of this guessing game, for every pose.
Focus :
Mirror Game: Pair children and have them sit crossed-legged facing their partner. One child leads simple movements while the other child “mirrors” the movements. Encourage them to keep eye contact and play with varying speeds. After about 1 minute have them switch roles.
SEL (Emotions):
Feelings Freeze:: Call out an emotion (happy, sad, excited). Kids freeze in a pose that matches it, helping them begin to recognize the mind–body connection and how feelings show up physically (eg: open and lifted for joy; closed and tense for frustration).
Yoga Games Tweens (Ages 8–12)
Tweens enjoy challenges, teamwork, and games that let them explore both play and focus.
Body Awareness :
Partner Balance: Work in pairs to practice simple partner yoga poses that develop coordination, body awareness, and trust. Ask your students is it easier to practice these poses solo or with the support of a friend.
Focus :
Mind Jars: Tweens can create a Mind Jar by filling a jar with water, glitter, and glue to represent their thoughts and emotions. When shaken, the swirling glitter shows a busy, clouded mind—when the glitter settles, it illustrates how stillness brings clarity. It’s a simple, hands-on way to see calm in action and understand that a settled mind becomes clear.
SEL (Emotions):
Musical Emotions: Teens move through a few rounds of Sun Salutations or vinyasa flows, each paired with a song that evokes a different emotion, like upbeat joy or quiet melancholy. Afterward, discuss how each song shifted their mood and energy, highlighting how quickly feelings can change and the impermanence of emotions.
Fun Yoga Games For Teens (Ages 13–17)
Teens benefit from yoga games that strike a balance between lighthearted play and deeper mindfulness.
Body Awareness :
Advanced Partner Poses / Simple Acro-Yoga: Unlike the basic Partner Balance exercise, try more challenging partner poses or introduce simple partner yoga. Turn it into a game by seeing who can hold the most stable or creative posture. This encourages trust, communication, and laughter while exploring teamwork and balance.
Focus :
Group think: Teens close their eyes, settle into a calm yoga body, and together try to say the alphabet aloud—one letter at a time, in order. If two speak at once, they start over at “A.” The game builds focus, teamwork, and awareness of how a relaxed, present state supports connection and flow.
SEL (Emotions):
Emotion Scanner: Have tweens sit or lie down, close their eyes, and focus on their breath—hand on heart or belly if they like. Call out emotions such as confident, anxious, frustrated, or loving, and ask them to simply notice what sensations arise in their body and mind. The goal is to help them recognize how emotions subtly shift their inner and physical state—without needing to feel or act them out.
We hope this complete guide sparks fresh inspiration for your next yoga session with little ones of any age!
At Yogi Beans, we’re more than just a kids’ yoga school; with over 20 years of experience in children’s yoga and wellbeing, we’ve trained more than 10,000 teachers who once stood exactly where you are today.
Want to dive deeper? Explore our training programs
Just looking for playful tools? Check out our book, filled with simple yoga postures and mindfulness exercises to enjoy with your children.
Let’s go on a yoga adventure!
Let your imagination soar as you become a bouncing Frog 🐸, a magical Mermaid 🧜 or a soaring Rocket Ship! 🚀
Connect with us!
Welcome Friends!
Yogi Beans is a yoga and wellness company for children. Come make the world a brighter place with us!
Teach Kids Yoga with Confidence & Joy!
Sunday Scaries & Kids: Mindfulness to the Rescue
We’ve all heard of the Sunday Scaries (or Sunday Blues), that creeping sense of dread that hits as the weekend winds down.
We’ve all heard of the Sunday Scaries (or Sunday Blues), that creeping sense of dread that hits as the weekend winds down. But here’s a twist: kids get them too. Yup, even the tiniest humans with their cartoon-filled weekends can feel the looming pressure of Monday.
As a parent, it’s tough seeing your little ones’ hearts feel heavy. The sneaky part? Most parents don’t even notice their children’s anxiety, because kids keep it to themselves. They might not understand what’s going on, or worse, think something is “weird” about them.
Sunday evenings can quietly turn into mini dramas: homework waiting, backpacks to pack, routines creeping back in. Even the happiest kiddos can feel that tension building, but good luck getting them to spill the beans.
As one of the leading kids’ yoga schools for children and teachers, Yogi Beans has written this article to reveal what your little ones might be feeling every Sunday before school, and share fun, simple mindfulness and yoga exercises to turn those Sunday Scaries into calm, stretchy smiles.
Sunday Scaries are Real
What are Sunday Scaries?
Sunday Scaries (also called the Sunday Blues) is that sneaky sense of anxiety, dread, or unease that tends to creep in as the weekend winds down and Monday looms ahead. It’s not just a case of “I don’t want to go to work”; even people who love their jobs, have had an amazing weekend, or feel generally content can experience it.
Some people even feel a bit of Sunday-night depression and might cry for no reason. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, it happens to many of us!
Why do we get sad on Sundays?
The Sunday Scaries hit because our brains and bodies sense the shift from weekend freedom back to the structure and responsibilities of the week ahead. Even if you love your job or had an amazing weekend, that looming “Monday is coming” feeling can trigger stress, anxiety, or low mood.
Part of it is biological: our bodies start preparing for the week, cortisol (the stress hormone) rises, sleep patterns adjust, and our minds begin thinking about tasks, deadlines, or responsibilities.
Another part is a bit more emotional: sometimes the weekend is packed with so many fun, exciting, or happy experiences that our “happy hormone” levels, dopamine and serotonin, are high. When Sunday comes, and the fun winds down, the drop in these feel-good chemicals can feel sharper than usual, making the downhill into Monday feel extra tough.
In short, it’s your mind and body giving a heads-up: the weekend is over, and the week is coming, whether you like it or not!
What are Sunday Scaries Symptoms in Children?
Kids can feel the Sunday Scaries just as strongly as adults, but they usually show it in ways that are a little different (and sometimes more dramatic). Common symptoms include:
Restlessness: Constantly moving, fidgeting, or bouncing off the walls.
Irritability: Snapping over small things or sudden mood swings.
Clinginess: Wanting extra attention, hugs, or refusing to be alone.
Trouble Sleeping: Fighting bedtime, tossing and turning, or waking up early.
Unexplained Tears: Crying for no obvious reason or seeming extra emotional.
Staying Quiet in Their Room: Sometimes your child might just retreat, feeling low or even a bit depressed.
Physical Complaints: Tummy aches, headaches, or feeling generally “off.”
Even if it seems minor, these little signals are your child’s way of saying, “I’m stressed about the week ahead.” Recognizing the signs is the first step toward helping them navigate Sunday evenings with more calm and confidence.
Why do Children get anxious on Sundays?
Children often feel the Sunday Scaries too, though it shows up differently than it does for adults. As the weekend winds down, the thought of early mornings, assignments, and responsibilities can weigh on them. That shift can stir up unease, restlessness, or sadness.
Like adults, kids experience both the biological and emotional effects of this change. Add in the fact that they might not fully understand their feelings, or know how to express them, and Sunday evenings can quietly turn into a stressful time, even for the most cheerful children.
Before we dive into a few simple mindfulness and yoga exercises to try with your kids on Sundays, check out Yogi Beans’ book for parents and children. It’s the perfect starting point for practicing kids’ yoga with the little ones in your life, whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or just someone who loves seeing kids stretch, breathe, and smile.
Let’s go on a yoga adventure!
Let your imagination soar as you become a bouncing Frog 🐸, a magical Mermaid 🧜 or a soaring Rocket Ship! 🚀
Mindful Exercises that Help Children with the Sunday Blues.
Kids don’t always have the words to say, “I’m anxious about tomorrow.” Instead, they may complain about a tummy ache, a headache, or simply feel “off.” These simple mindfulness and yoga practices taught by Yogi Beans give them tools to release tension, name their feelings, and reset before the week ahead.
1- Buddy Breathing with a Stuffy:
Invite your child to lie down and place their favorite stuffed animal on their belly.
As they breathe in slowly through the nose, the stuffy rises.
As they exhale gently through the mouth, the stuffy sinks back down.
Try saying: “Let’s rock your buddy to sleep with your breath.”
Why it works: The rising and falling of the stuffed animal gives kids a clear visual of how belly breathing works. Plus, the comfort of a favorite toy makes the practice fun and safe, not forced.
2- Rose, Thorn & Bud Reflection:
This is one of Yogi Beans’ favorite ways to end a class, as it is a simple game that can really help children process their emotions and shift into a more balanced mindset.
Ask your child:
“What’s your thorn?” Something they’re nervous about or dreading this week.
“What’s your rose?” Something that went well or made them smile recently.
“What’s your bud?” Something they’re looking forward to—it hasn’t happened yet, but it’s on the way.
Play it around the dinner table or during bedtime wind-down. For best results, model it yourself by sharing your own rose, thorn, and bud first.
Why it works: It helps kids name their emotions, normalize worries, and also tune into optimism and anticipation, a gentle way to close out the weekend and step into Monday.
3- Tense, Feel, and Release:
Guide your child through a playful body scan using tension and relaxation.
Start with: “Let’s squeeze our whole body like we just tasted the sourest lemon in the world! Squeeze your face, your fists, your toes… hold it… and now melt into a puddle.”
Then add: “Where do you feel that feeling in your body? Can we send some breath there, or gently let it go?”
Why it works: This game helps release muscle tension while teaching kids to notice where anxiety “lives” in their bodies. It builds the mind-body connection that’s at the heart of yoga and mindfulness.
These simple practices show kids that their Sunday-night bellyaches and heavy feelings aren’t just random. With tools like the ones Yogi Beans shares with children and teachers, they not only learn to calm down in the moment but also begin building lifelong habits of self-awareness and resilience.
Want to learn more about Yogi Beans programs? Take a look at our menu! We offer a yearly Kids’ Yoga Teacher Training, plus an on-demand beginner program designed for teachers and parents.
Connect with us!
Welcome Friends!
Yogi Beans is a yoga and wellness company for children. Come make the world a brighter place with us!
Teach Kids Yoga with Confidence & Joy!
Yoga Stories for Kids: Combining Imagination with Relaxation
"Yoga Stories" create a magical blend of imagination and relaxation, making yoga not just an exercise, but a captivating adventure.
In a world where children are constantly bombarded with stimuli from screens and schedules, finding ways to help them unwind and relax can be challenging.
Yoga, a practice that combines physical postures with mindfulness, offers an excellent solution. But how do you keep kids engaged in yoga? The answer lies in combining yoga with storytelling. "Yoga Stories" create a magical blend of imagination and relaxation, making yoga not just an exercise, but a captivating adventure.
Read until the end to discover 3 effective ways to turn your kids' yoga class into a magical journey. For a more in-depth exploration of kids' yoga and storytelling, check out Yogi Beans’ beautiful training programs. Whether you're a parent, childcare professional, or a yoga teacher, we offer training options designed to fit your needs and help you create unforgettable experiences.
The Power of Storytelling in Yoga
Children are natural storytellers. They love creating worlds with their imagination and living out the adventures within them. By integrating yoga poses into these stories, children can fully immerse themselves, making the practice fun and educational. This method helps kids associate yoga with positive, enjoyable experiences, encouraging them to return to the mat.
Benefits of Yoga Stories for Kids
Enhances Creativity
Yoga stories stimulate children's creativity by inviting them to visualize different scenarios and characters. Whether they're pretending to be a majestic tree or a playful puppy, their imaginations are given free rein.
Promotes Physical Health
Through the poses embedded in the stories, children improve their flexibility, strength, and coordination. Each pose helps to develop their motor skills in a gentle, supportive manner.
Boosts Emotional Well-being
The mindful aspect of yoga, combined with the soothing nature of storytelling, helps children manage stress and emotions. It provides them with tools to calm themselves, fostering social and emotional resilience.
Encourages Focus and Concentration
Following a storyline requires attention, and when combined with yoga poses, it enhances children’s ability to concentrate. This improved focus can translate to better performance in school and other activities.
Creating Your Own Yoga Stories
Crafting yoga stories doesn't require a professional storyteller. With a little creativity, parents and teachers can create engaging narratives that incorporate yoga poses. Here’s how to get started:
Choose a Theme
Select a theme that resonates with children. It could be an adventure in the jungle, a trip to outer space, or a journey under the sea. Themes that involve animals or nature tend to be particularly engaging.
Integrate Yoga Poses
Identify yoga poses that can be seamlessly integrated into the story. For instance, a jungle adventure could include poses like tree pose (standing tall like a tree), cobra pose (slithering like a snake), and downward-facing dog (stretching like a dog).
Build the Narrative
Create a simple plot that includes different settings and characters. As the story progresses, introduce yoga poses that align with the narrative. For example, as the characters encounter a mountain, the children can do the mountain pose.
Encourage Participation
Invite the children to contribute to the story. Ask them to suggest what happens next or to describe their surroundings. This involvement keeps them engaged and makes the experience more interactive.
If you want to learn how to learn how to practice yoga with kids and create amazing stories, have a look at Yogi Bean’s Training. We have training for everyone, even for parents who just want to have fun with their little ones!
Storytelling Techniques for Kids' Yoga Classes
Start with a wonderful setting
The setting and atmosphere are the foundations of a great story. Most Disney movies start this way!
Whether it's an enchanting forest, a wild jungle, or a mystical underwater world, start by imagining the ambiance. This will guide you in selecting your story, characters, and Asanas.
For instance, in a jungle theme, you might include poses like the lion, tree, and monkey. In an underwater adventure, poses such as the dolphin, fish, and starfish would be ideal.Pick 5 poses and let them create
Choose five kid-friendly asanas and encourage the children to create a story using these poses. If they find it challenging to start, give them a helping hand by initiating the first pose.
For example, demonstrate the downward dog pose and the cat pose, and have all the kids in the downward dog posture chasing after the cat (you are the cat). This fun and interactive approach will spark their creativity and make the session more engaging.
Use your favourite children’s book
What was your favourite childhood story? Teaching with the heart always makes a difference. Take your favourite kids' book, or story, and adapt it to your next yoga class.
Feel free to modify the story to fit a yoga context by incorporating some poses and perhaps even a meditation session. You could even read the story, or just a chapter, before Savasana.
The kids will leave your class with a new story and heroes in their minds, full of adventure and likely with a beautiful moral at the end.
There are countless ways to incorporate children's stories into your yoga sessions. To truly make a difference and master the art of creating enchanting kids’ yoga classes, consider joining one of our training courses. We also provide a curated list of the finest kids’ yoga stories.
To give you a taste of what’s out there, one beloved choice among yogis like Yogi Beans is Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth. This exquisite picture book is filled with captivating stories that inspire and engage children.
And for those looking to deepen their teaching practice, Yogi Beans' book offers a complete guide on how to craft amazing yoga and meditation lessons for kids.
Let’s go on a yoga adventure!
Let your imagination soar as you become a bouncing Frog 🐸, a magical Mermaid 🧜 or a soaring Rocket Ship! 🚀
Whether you’re using classic books or crafting your own tales, storytelling in yoga can transform each session into a unique and exciting journey of self-discovery. As you explore what resonates with your students, remember that teaching from the heart brings authenticity and depth to your practice. When your classes come from a place of genuine connection, they become not only engaging but truly impactful.
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Welcome Friends!
Yogi Beans is a yoga and wellness company for children. Come make the world a brighter place with us!
Teach Kids Yoga with Confidence & Joy!
The Ultimate Guide to Plan the Best Kids Yoga Lesson
Learn how to prepare a super fun kids’ yoga class
Would you like to plan the best kids' yoga lesson filled with exciting poses, engaging games, and heaps of fun?
You’re in luck because, at Yogi Beans, we have crafted the perfect guide to assist you in creating a fantastic yoga class for children.
Designing a kids' yoga lesson requires a thoughtful approach to engage and inspire young minds. At Yogi Beans, we've been providing yoga teacher training and guiding parents and childcare professionals on the safest and most enjoyable ways to engage children in yoga.
Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan the best kids' yoga lesson:
How do you structure a yoga class for kids?
1. Welcome them with Warmth and Excitement (10 minutes):
Greet the children with a lot of enthusiasm.
Open the class with a circle.
Use a simple icebreaker activity to help them get comfortable and engaged: Play some music and invite them to move their bodies and shake out their wiggles for a couple of minutes.
Once everyone had a bit of fun and feels more relaxed and connected, you can start the class with a tune-in activity such as ringing a bell, singing a song or saying the sound of OM
2. Introduction to Yoga (1-3 minutes):
Briefly explain what yoga is in a child-friendly manner.
Share the benefits of yoga, such as flexibility, balance, and relaxation.
3. Breathing Exercises (5 minutes):
Teach simple and playful breathing exercises (lion’s breath).
Relate breath awareness to calming the mind and body.
4. Warm-Up (5 minutes):
Start with gentle warm-up exercises to prepare their bodies for movement (animal walks, neck rolls…).
Incorporate activities like stretching, reaching, and light cardio movements.
Teach Sun Salutations
Our Yogi Beans song, Mountain Moves, which is found wherever music is streamed, is great for a simple warm up!
Listen to Yogi Beans Music on Spotify or Apple Music
5. Theme Introduction (1-3 minutes):
Introduce the theme or the “yoga adventure” for the session (animals, superheroes…).
Connect the theme to the benefits of specific yoga poses. (eg: Outerspace theme can teach us about the unknown)
6. Yoga Poses (10 minutes):
Demonstrate and guide children through a series of age-appropriate yoga
Incorporate poses related to the chosen theme.
Feeling a bit low on inspiration? No worries! We've whipped up a fantastic book packed with over 108 lively kids' yoga poses, each paired with a story idea. Give it a chance, this book might just become your ultimate sidekick in the awesome adventure of teaching yoga to kiddos!
Let’s go on a yoga adventure!
Let your imagination soar as you become a bouncing Frog 🐸, a magical Mermaid 🧜 or a soaring Rocket Ship! 🚀
7. Games (15 minutes):
Integrate yoga-themed games that require focus and concentration.
Include unifying activities that promote collaboration and teamwork.
Try incorporating one high-energy game and one low-energy game
Need more yoga games? Our online trainings will teach you many fun mindful games that can be incorporated into your children’s yoga classes.
8. Creative Expression (10 minutes):
Allow children to express themselves through art or movement.
Incorporate a creative element related to the yoga theme (dance, drumming, drawing, and journaling prompts for older children, etc.)
9. Relaxation/Mindfulness (5 minutes):
Guide children through a brief relaxation or mindfulness exercise.
Use props like soft music or imagery to enhance the experience.
Always end with the final resting pose Savasana
10. Closing and Gratitude (5 minutes):
Gather the children for a closing circle.
Express gratitude, recap the session briefly, and encourage sharing.
Keep this in mind—it's all about finding the groove between order and playfulness. Strike that sweet balance where structure meets flexibility, leaving plenty of space for creativity and the unexpected joys sparked by the kids' reactions and interests!
Don't Forget to Make it Fun and Interesting
Preparing a kid's yoga class that is as fun as a circus requires a dash of creativity, a sprinkle of playfulness, and a whole lot of variety. It's like planning a party where the guest of honor is laughter!
Here are some top tips to turn your class into the coolest hangout for tiny yogis:
Find Your Kid’s Yoga Theme:
Plan your class around an exciting theme like animals, nature, or favorite storybook characters. Weave the theme into yoga poses and activities for a cohesive and captivating experience.
Create an Interactive Kid Yoga Storytelling:
Tell stories that involve yoga poses. Encourage children to act out the characters or elements of the story through corresponding poses. Allow them to contribute to the story or suggest their own imaginative twists.
Use Props and Visuals:
Integrate colorful mats, props, and visual aids to enhance engagement. Props like soft toys or imagery cards can make the session more interactive and enjoyable.
Incorporate Games:
Introduce games that involve yoga poses, like "Musical Mats” (musical chairs with yoga mats and yoga poses). Games add an element of excitement and keep the children actively participating.
Creative Transitions:
Make transitions between poses fun by incorporating playful movements or short dances. Use music and encourage the children to express themselves freely during transitions.
Music and Movement:
Use lively and age-appropriate music to accompany poses and activities. Incorporate rhythmic movements or dance breaks to keep the energy high.
Partner Poses:
Introduce partner or group poses to foster teamwork and social interaction. Children can work together to create shapes or support each other in balancing poses.
Expressive Breathing Exercises:
Teach simple breathing exercises with imaginative names. Connect breath awareness to fun activities, making it an integral part of the session.
Encourage Choice and Independence:
Provide options for poses and activities, allowing children to choose what resonates with them. Offer opportunities for them to express their preferences and ideas.
Celebrate Achievements:
Acknowledge and celebrate small achievements, whether it's holding a pose or expressing creativity. Create a positive and supportive environment.
We hope that you enjoyed our ultimate guide to plan the best kid’s yoga lesson!
If you're eager to dive deeper into the world of kid's yoga or want to specialize in a particular aspect of bringing zen to tiny tots, Yogi Beans has a treasure trove of training waiting for you! Whether you're laying the foundation for teaching yoga to kids, exploring the intricacies of Kids' Yoga anatomy, or delving into the world of kid's yoga for special needs, we've got a kaleidoscope of skills to add some sparkle to your yogi journey.
Connect with us!
Welcome Friends!
Yogi Beans is a yoga and wellness company for children. Come make the world a brighter place with us!
Teach Kids Yoga with Confidence & Joy!
Yoga for kids anywhere
Join Lauren on Omstars! Get your kids to start practicing yoga
Join Lauren Chaitoff and Yogi Beans, available exclusively on Omstars! Get your kids to start practicing yoga with Lauren Chaitoff's Yogi Beans Course on Omstars! This course offers classes designed for children aged 3 to 13 to immerse themselves into the world of yoga.