What would you consider to be an optimum setting for your children's yoga class?

Teaching yoga to children is a unique and rewarding experience, but it also requires specific settings to ensure a safe and enjoyable practice for the children. In this blog post, we will explore the necessary settings for teaching children's yoga.

  1. Age-appropriate environment: Children of different ages have different developmental needs and abilities. It's important to create an environment that is appropriate for the age group you are teaching. For example, Infant school children to be seperated from Junior school children.
  2. Safe and comfortable space: Safety should always be a top priority when teaching children's yoga. The space should be free of hazards and have enough room for children to move around comfortably. Your venue may ask you to fill out a risk assessment prior to your first class. It's also important to provide mats or other cushioning for the children to lie or sit on. Always look for venues that provide mats to avoid logging them around with you.
  3. Soothing atmosphere: A soothing atmosphere can help children feel relaxed and focused during their yoga practice. This can be achieved by dimming the lights, playing calming music, or incorporating elements of nature, such as plants or posters of plants! However don’t worry too much as the most important atmosphere is the one you will create as you hold the space for your group.
  4. Adequate lighting: Adequate lighting is important for children to see and move safely. Natural light is ideal, but when this isn't possible, it's important to have good artificial lighting.
  5. Adequate ventilation: Adequate ventilation is important to ensure that the children are breathing fresh air and to keep the room from getting too hot or stuffy. This can be achieved by opening windows or using a fan.
  6. Storage for props: Children's yoga does not often involve the use of props but on occasion you may want to vary your lesson plans by bringing yoga mindfulness cards, or poses cards or yoga dice or game to help keep the children enticed.
  7. Hygiene and sanitation: as with any other children’s activity, plan to have a system in place when children can use the bathrooms before or after class and have access to hand sanitizers and wipes if necessary to clean mats.

In conclusion, creating the right setting for children's yoga is essential for ensuring a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable practice for the children. By considering factors such as age-appropriate environment, safe and comfortable space, soothing atmosphere, adequate lighting, adequate ventilation, ideas for props, and hygiene and sanitation, you can create an environment that supports children's development and well-being.