Kids yoga: when should kids start?
Kids yoga classes provide children with the opportunity to connect the body, mind and heart. These classes teach kids to internalize concepts of self–awareness, compassion,
In a kids’ yoga class, children are free to play, explore, question and grow their yoga practice in a non-judgmental and welcoming environment. Children are faced with numerous expectations in both school and their social lives, while also constantly stimulated by the internet, gaming, and social media. Now more than ever, the tools necessary to live a more mindful life are just as important for young people as they navigate the world.
Many have asked the question: can yoga really help children balance life and maintain a child’s mental health and wellbeing? This article will tell you everything about kids yoga benefits and when your children can start practicing.
Is Yoga Really Appropriate for Children?
Many schools around the country are beginning to incorporate yoga, SEL practices, and meditation within the school day because of yoga’s benefits for children. Some of these include increased strength and flexibility, breath and body awareness, increased focus and learning to relax.
In a 2016 Harvard Medical Study, “A growing body of research has already shown that yoga can improve focus, memory, self-esteem, academic performance, and classroom behavior, and can even reduce anxiety and stress in children.” * These studies also posit that with the benefit of increased focus and learning to relax, yoga can help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), support executive functioning, and can aid children with special needs.*
Today, children are experiencing more stress than ever to meet the standards of education, their caregivers, and social expectations. The practice of yoga is a tool that can help children deal with these stressors and provide the tools to help self-regulation.
When Should Kids Start Yoga?
Children are natural yogis and many studios begin to incorporate yoga for children as young as 6 weeks of age. The exercises in a baby yoga class enable a connection between baby and caregiver, and aid in physical and mental development.
As children grow, yoga classes for toddlers, preschoolers, elementary aged children, and tweens and teens begin to enhance the teachings of yoga by incorporating a more physical practice and layering in the mindful and meditative connection to the body.
At Yogi Beans, our kids yoga trainings are designed for real world applications in studios, classrooms, virtually and beyond for all age groups. For example, our Baby Bean Yoga Training teaches simple baby stretches, songs and poses designed for you to lead a class for infants to crawlers. Our training, The Building Blocks of Teaching Yoga to Kids, focuses on how to teach children from ages 2-10.
If you’re looking to learn on your own time, Yogi Beans offers a Video On Demand Training that provides a comprehensive look into creating and teaching a children’s yoga class including Pranayama (breathing), Asana (poses), mindful games, and meditation and Savasana.
What Type of Yoga is Good for Kids?
Creating an age-appropriate structure for a children’s yoga class is important. What works for a two-year-old will certainly not work for a ten-year-old!
The younger the child, the shorter attention span they have and the more movement activities they need.
Whereas with older children, refinement of yoga asanas as well as deeper looks into meditation, journaling, and mindfulness can begin to be applied.
Baby Yoga (6 Weeks-Crawlers): In a baby yoga class, anything can happen! These little beans are just beginning to recognize their body and explore their body’s limitations. These classes involve a caregiver to be present to assist the baby’s needs. Like all children, babies learn from example.
These classes provide an opportunity for caregivers to move their body in traditional yoga poses, while also allowing the baby to experience songs, gentle movements, and begin to form that mind-body connection.
Yoga for Toddlers (Ages 2-3): Children of this age have a lot of energy and once they are on their mats, expect to see a lot of movement! The general instruction and approach to class ought to be lively, lighthearted and flexible. The class should move at an energetic pace and the poses should be kept simple.
These classes involve songs, chants, and lots of contrast, while also exploring big explosive movements, before finding opportunities for stillness and calm.
Yoga for Preschoolers (Ages 3-4): Since younger children have short attention spans, your class format for this group still moves at a fast pace. Children of this age learn best through simple hands–on exercises, use of fun props and the repetition of songs, games and playful yoga poses.
Most importantly, class structure should remain consistent each week; obedience to directions should be encouraged but, generally speaking, not disciplined.
Yoga for Elementary Schools (Ages 5-7): Children of this age are advancing in physical and cognitive development and can readily engage in group discussions.
Make class extremely imaginative and introduce all age–appropriate poses and activities in a thoughtful sequence. Incorporate easily understood explanations of breathing techniques, yoga poses and concepts related to focus and concentration, while keeping the overall class environment light and fun. Teach the importance of following directions, and the consequences of misbehavior and disruption on the group’s experience.
Yoga for Late Elementary Schools (Ages 8-10): Instruction for this age group should begin to incorporate more challenging concepts and poses. Poses should be held for longer durations with a basic introduction to postural alignment. Focus on working both sides of the body to acknowledge the imbalances in all of us and increase strength and flexibility. Discussion of basic yogic concepts and terminology can be infused throughout class as well as pranayama (breathwork) such as Nadi Shodana breathing.
Children in these classes can also begin to explore more meditation and different exercises, where they have to tune inward, such as journaling, coloring mandalas, or the game Rose and Thorn.
If you want to learn how to practice yoga with your kids safely, have a look at our online courses. They’re easy, affordable, and you can learn how to practice yoga with your children at your own pace.
Whether you’re a caregiver, teacher, yogi, or someone who has a passion for yoga and working with children, the benefits of incorporating this will help children to become their highest and most mindful selves.
Anne Davidson is a senior teacher trainer and business developer at Yogi Beans. Connect with Anne at @anneedavidson on Instagram
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