Sara J. Weis's Blog: Go Go Yoga Kids: Empower Kids for Life Through Yoga, page 13
October 10, 2019
Free Fall Kids Yoga Lesson Plan
Free Fall Kids Yoga Lesson Plan
Welcome Fall!
Fall is in the air! One of the things that I truly love about living in the midwest is the change of seasons. I truly do appreciate the changing trees and landscape that each new season brings. As soon as you get tired of the heat, snow, or rain, then the season begins to magically transform into a new one.
I love incorporating the change of seasons with my kids yoga classes. Kids enjoy the seasonal themes with the poses, breathing exercises, and yoga games. By having a theme, it truly helps the children connect with and retain with what they are learning.
Get your free Kids Yoga Fall Fun Lesson Plan below. Learn many Fall themed yoga poses, find out how to play the fun yoga game “Wind in the Trees” as well as create spooky Down Dog Tunnels and partner poses.
For this kids yoga lesson plan, I use the Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards. These pose cards provide a great visual for the yoga poses as well as the partner yoga poses.
Enjoy a few pictures of a recent Jump into Fall Kids Yoga Class that I led.
Look at these Happy Fall trees!
Check out our Partner Bats
Have you ever seen such a lovely Fall leaf? (Partner Pose)
It is much more fun to try to balance with a pumpkin on your head!
Interested in more kids yoga lesson plans? Our bestselling Go Go Yoga for Kids resources includes hundreds of kids yoga lesson plans, games, poses, mindfulness exercises and much more. Learn more.
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The post Free Fall Kids Yoga Lesson Plan appeared first on Go Go Yoga For Kids.
September 22, 2019
5 Secrets to Teaching Yoga to Kids
After years of research, lesson planning, and teaching thousands of children yoga, I have completely cracked the code on teaching yoga to kids.
Please understand, I am not trying to be braggy or show off. Believe me it too time to get to this place. Lots and lots of time. In the beginning, I would spend hours and hours planning my kids yoga classes before I felt ready to teach it.
For those of you who love going to adult yoga classes, you may be wondering how hard can it be to plan a kids class. It seems like it should be easy enough. Teach the kids some poses, flow them together for a bit and end up in Savasana. That’s all you need, right?
Wrong. Well not, entirely wrong! Kids yoga and adult yoga are similar in the fact that both include learning and practicing poses, and both end with relaxation. That is where the similarities end, though.
While planning my kids yoga classes, the teacher in me definitely comes through. I absolutely understand the importance of planning and sequencing kids yoga classes so they are appropriately paced, memorable, and kid-friendly. My classroom experience, knowledge of kids, and leading countless kids yoga classes have allowed me to figure out all of the necessary parts of a memorable kids yoga class.
Today I want to share those secrets and lessons learned with you so you will be able confidently to give children the lifelong benefits and fun of yoga.
You may be surprised at some of my findings, but these are success secrets that have worked for me time and time again.
1. Kids Yoga is Different Than Adult Yoga
Children are not mini adults that will follow your every movement in a structured 60-minute vinyasa flow class. They are busy, energetic, and have infinite imaginations and ideas all of their own.
2. Have a Plan, but Be Flexible
Kids yoga classes can be unpredictable, so be ready for anything. Teaching yoga to kids is learning how to live in the moment and demonstrating how to be mindful with yourself and others. That said, there does need to be a plan in place and I am here to help guide you through exactly what to do.
Be prepared, but flexible: This may sound counter-intuitive, but having a lesson plan in place with a theme, related poses, a complementary game, and read-aloud book will send the message that yoga is not a free for all, but something that is important and progressive.
At the same time do not be tied to your lesson plan in a rigid binding way. Kids are not robots. They have energy and varying needs and abilities. Knowing what you want to accomplish with the kids, but being flexible allows for a greater experience for all.
3. Let Go of the Alignment
Yes, it’s true. Your job is to introduce children to yoga in kid-friendly ways. Are they going to care of their left knee is at a perfect 90-degree angle in Warrior 1? No. Demonstrate proper form and ensure their safety, but keep in mind, if children are moving, trying, and having fun; they are learning.
Yoga, after all, is a life long journey. Nobody ever “perfects” yoga. That is why yoga is called a practice. A life long practice.
4. Keep it Moving
End the game on a high note meaning everyone still wants to play. Playing a yoga game over and over again is the surefire way to suddenly have kids that “don’t want to play anymore” or start wandering around and acting up. The recommended Go Go Yoga for Kids amount of time to play a game is 7-10 minutes. Leave them wanting more. I promise the game will be even better received the next class when you announce you are playing it.
5. Join the Fun
If the kids are meowing and mooing from Cat to Cow Pose, be sure you are right there with them. As they practice balancing beanbags on their heads, you better have a bean bag on your head as well. Dancing and skipping around the room? Yep. When kids see you having fun with yoga they will want to have fun with it as well.
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Kids Yoga can be introduced and taught anywhere! Schools, camps, clubs, and studios are just a few of the places.The post 5 Secrets to Teaching Yoga to Kids appeared first on Go Go Yoga For Kids.
September 14, 2019
Kids Yoga Lesson Planning 101
Hello and welcome to our Kids Yoga Lesson Planning 101 series! I am so excited to have you here.
Creating kids yoga lesson plans is one of my favorite things
to do. I love putting all of the varying pieces together to create an engaging,
memorable, and fun kids yoga class. One that will make them want to come back
again or practice yoga on their own!
Have a Plan in Place
It is very important to have a lesson plan in place before
teaching a kids yoga class. Kids thrive on structure and having a plan help you
be intentional and build on previous skills. Children have the desire to learn
and try new things. Being organized and prepared helps you take advantage of
your limited time with them.
Having a lesson plan or guide ready to go will help you be prepared for teaching yoga to children. This does not mean that you cannot be in the moment and be flexible, but it does mean that you will be prepared for any unexpected event that comes your way.
The attention span of children is short, much shorter than adults. It is important to have a variety of props and activities to help your class run smoothly and accomplish what you want with the time that you have.
Have a Flow and a Purpose
The Go Go Yoga for Kids Lesson Plan format is a no-fail proven formula for teaching yoga to children. This format has been used successfully with thousands of children that gives them the opportunity to grow and learn and for you to teach.
The Go Go Yoga for Kids Lesson Plan format includes each important component of how to successfully teach a quality and engaging kids yoga class. One that they remember and want to come back to yoga again and again!
Our lesson plan format is based on a 45-60 minute kids yoga class. That doesn’t mean that you have to use every part or component and be tied rigorously to it. I want the plan to work for you! However, as you will find, each part of the lesson plan does serve an important and different purpose in creating a satisfying and memorable experience.
Ready to Go
For those of you that want to dive in deeper, our bestselling book; Go Go Yoga for Kids: A Complete Guide to Yoga with Kids covers in full detail each component of teaching a kids yoga class and why each part is important It also includes numerous examples and activities to do with each component of class.
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The post Kids Yoga Lesson Planning 101 appeared first on Go Go Yoga For Kids.
September 7, 2019
Kids Yoga Teaching Guides Only .99!
Go Go Yoga for Kids Teaching Books
Go Yoga for Kids: A Complete Guide to Yoga with Kids AND Go Go Yoga for Kids: Yoga Lessons for Children teaching kids yoga guides are available on Amazon for download beginning on September 9, for only $.99!
This offer is good for both Amazon.com and Amazon UK! Get all your kids yoga lesson plans, breathing exercises, mindfulness activities, and yoga games galore for less than a dollar.
Grab your copies of these kids yoga books now. Share with a friend. They will thank you!
Go Go Yoga for Kids: A Complete Guide to Yoga with Kids
If you already have your copies, please follow the links below and leave a review. It takes only a minute and truly helps others find and learn about these resources. It is so very appreciated!
Amazon.com Shoppers
Go Go Yoga for Kids: A Complete Guide to Yoga with Kids
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Go Go Yoga for Kids: A Complete Guide to Yoga with Kids
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For more yoga games and lesson ideas see here.
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Get Ready to Teach Yoga & Mindfulness to Children!
Make A Difference!
Learn more about our online Kids Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Training
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September 2, 2019
Online Yoga & Mindfulness Children Teacher Training
Go Go Yoga for KidsOnline Kids Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Training
Learn How to Teach Yoga to Kids This Fall with our BIGGEST Savings of the Year!
Get Ready to Discover…
The secrets of teaching yoga to children.Proven class management strategies so your classes flow effortlessly Exact breathing exercises for calming and relaxing children.The best yoga poses for growing kidsYoga games galore that they will want to play again and again.How to efficiently and easily plan a kids yoga class from beginning to end.The best yoga props to use with children to make class memorable.How to really create mindfulness in childrenProven strategies to manage and motivate your students so your class run seamlesslyEverything you need to know on how to teach yoga to children professionally.
If you’re looking to teach kids yoga and mindfulness, this is the place to begin. No yoga experience required.
Our online teacher training is open to those who want to introduce yoga to children in healthy and engaging ways including:
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August 15, 2019
Mini Yoga Brain Breaks for Kids
As a teacher and a parent myself, I understand more than anything that we want to help set our children up for success and be prepared and confident at school, sports, activities, and at home.
We desire for our children to be in a collaborative, creative, calm and supported classroom environment. That is the kind of classroom I try to provide for my students and you can be sure that is the kind of environment I want my own children in.
The good news is that we can help our own children and students be successful in their experiences. By incorporating simple breathing exercises, mindfulness, and simple stress-reducing yoga poses into brain breaks, kids will become more focused and attentive. That will then help them develop greater empathy toward one another and feel more confident and successful themselves.
Kids Need Brain Breaks
Yoga for kids is becoming more common throughout schools, clubs and activities. With only a few moments each day, you can help kids achieve the benefits that yoga provides. These can be done at home, school, camps, or clubs.
I am a firm believer that children need active brain breaks throughout the day to learn best. Research has shown that students learn best by taking a break or moving their bodies every 15 minutes. Sadly, recess and physical education times are already being reduced in schools, which takes away the active movement that children need.
When using yoga with children, it does not need to a structured class with objectives and benchmarks. You are simply allowing the children to move their bodies in good and healthy ways. It doesn’t need to take long and can subtly be incorporated into what you are already doing.
Favorite Kids Yoga Brain Breaks:
Pick a Card Any Card:
When children are waiting for the next activity or standing in line, fan out the Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards and select one child to pick a card. Everyone then practices the pose. This is perfect to use during a transition time when you only have a few moments.
Let it Go:
Practice fun breathing exercises. These techniques help reduce stress, help focus before a test, transition times, or during an activity that you know will require concentration and focus.
Find our Favorite Breathing Exercises for Anxious Kids here. You will also like these fun Breathing Exercises that REALLY work with Kids.
Balance Made Fun:
Waiting quietly in line for the next activity can definitely be a challenge for children. Make the time pass quickly by selecting a balance pose from the Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards. The children will then hold that balance pose while counting by 5’s, 10’s etc. I also like to have them count to 10 in another language.
Grab a Buddy:
Children love working with one another or a team. It helps them feel a sense of companionship and trust. Work with a partner or small group to practice partner poses and achieve a goal together You can find many partner ideas and illustrations here. The Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards also includes partner poses.
Raindrop Partner PoseYou May Also Like:
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The post Mini Yoga Brain Breaks for Kids appeared first on Go Go Yoga For Kids.
August 4, 2019
Take Our Survey and Win a Free Kids Yoga App!
Go Go Yoga for Kids is continually working to improve our resources and we want to know what you truly need to effectively teach yoga to children!
We truly do care what you think and want to best serve you. Please take 2 minutes to fill out our quick and easy survey. I will use the information to help serve you.
As a thank you for sharing your time and thoughts, I will then send you a FREE coupon code for our Kids Yoga Challenge App.
The Kids Yoga Challenge App is perfect for taking your yoga on the go! The Kids Yoga Challenge App will challenge kids with balance, flexibility, mindfulness, and more. This app includes 40 yoga pose cards including partner poses, confidence-building poses, and mantras.
Thank you for all of your support! I look forward to hearing from you!
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The post Take Our Survey and Win a Free Kids Yoga App! appeared first on Go Go Yoga For Kids.
July 12, 2019
Kids Yoga Obstacle Course
I love creating new games to use in my kids yoga classes. Kids naturally love to play games and they are a good way to get them moving. Games also lead to laughter and fun which helps build community and friendships. Yoga Games such as the Kids Yoga Obstacle Course are also the perfect way to practice all of the fun yoga poses that the kids have been learning.
How to Create a Kids Yoga Obstacle Course:
Kids LOVE obstacle courses and this is one of my favorite ways to get kids moving in healthy and good ways. This is exactly what kids need as their school days involve a lot of sitting as well as the national increase of video games and screens.
Every kids yoga class that I teach follows the Go Go Yoga for Kids Lesson Plan Format. This lesson plan framework ensures that kids are getting exactly what they need with breathing exercises, poses, movement, teamwork, mindfulness and more.
Select 4-5 poses that you want to introduce to children. I use the Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards as visuals for the poses. I will place the selected cards into a colorful gift bag and allow the students one at a time to draw out a pose to learn. After the yoga poses have been introduced and practiced, it is the perfect time to begin The Yoga Obstacle Course!
Be creative with this! Please do not go out and buy anything. Use whatever objects you have available to make an obstacle course.
Obstacle Course Prop Examples
Hula hoops laid on the ground to do high knees through
Jump ropes laid parallel so kids can jump across them like a river
Cones to jump over or hop to
Yoga blocks for stepping stones
Yoga mats placed end to end for bear walks, log rolls, frog hops, etc.
The ideas are endless for using creating different obstacles and I do like to change it up to keep things fresh and fun.
Place the objects in a large circle. Between each obstacle I place a yoga mat and a Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Card.
Get Ready to Go!
First, I demonstrate how to go through the obstacle course. I make a big show out of hopping through the “rings of fire,” (hula hoops) or carefully crossing over the “icy river on blocks of ice” (yoga blocks).
Kids are completely mesmorized as they watch you carefully navigate through the obstacle course. Be sure to pause after each obstacle to hold the pose on the yoga pose card.
Next, I put on some fun music and it is the kids turn to move around the obstacle course and perform the yoga poses that are shown on cards. They love this and would do it forever if allowed. I recommend not letting the obstacle course go on “forever” as you want to keep things fresh and fun. Learn more Secrets to Teaching Yoga to Children here.
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The post Kids Yoga Obstacle Course appeared first on Go Go Yoga For Kids.
June 27, 2019
Let’s Go Camping: Kids Yoga Lesson Plan
Kids love to go camping! Try our free Let’s Go Camping Yoga lesson plan with kids. It has everything you need minus the bugs! It will be an adventure for sure!
Included in our Let’s Go Camping Kids Yoga Lesson Plan:
Practice Smore Breath
Sunrise to Sunset Salutations
Go on a Bear Hunt
Learn Yoga Poses such as Tent, Canoe, Fire, and Compass
Play the fun Bears in the Forest Yoga Game
“Create a Campground” group challenge pose
Make a Campfire with yoga mats
Rest and restore on your yoga mat sleeping bag
Included are step by step directions on what to do and how to play. Enjoy your yoga camping adventure with your friends and family!
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The post Let’s Go Camping: Kids Yoga Lesson Plan appeared first on Go Go Yoga For Kids.
June 26, 2019
Literacy Night with Kids Yoga
One of my favorite things to do is to visit schools and introduce yoga to the students. Recently I was invited to a nearby city’s elementary school for their Literacy Night. This included the students coming back to school in the evening, with their parents and in their pj’s. How cute and fun!
The kids got to visit an author in different stations, learn about their books, and do an activity. Go Go Yoga for Kids was thrilled to be a part of Literacy Night! It includes three of my favorite things; kids, books and yoga!
I had six different groups come through of all varying sizes and ages. I had planned for this so knew that my yoga activities would be good for large sized groups and for varying ages.
Spring had just sprouted in our area and the children were excited about the upcoming Easter Holiday so I made sure that our yoga poses and games were theme related.
First I read aloud one of my favorite bunny books, The Very Bad Bunny. Children are memorized with this story of a bunny that tries to be good, but makes some mistakes. His family is upset with him until they realized what a bad bunny truly is.
Spring Poses That We Learned and Practiced:
Tree PoseBunny (Chair Pose)Flower (Lotus Pose)Bird (Warrior 3)\Boat PoseRaindrop Pose (Partner Poses)
I had each of these pose names placed in an Easter Egg. I called on individual children to draw out the egg and read the pose. I then showed the pose visual using The Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards and we practiced the pose.
Each session lasted about 20 minutes which was just the right amount of time to introduce yoga to children in some fun and engaging ways.
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The post Literacy Night with Kids Yoga appeared first on Go Go Yoga For Kids.
Go Go Yoga Kids: Empower Kids for Life Through Yoga
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