By Ailsa Gordon
Many of us may think that yoga is only for adults, however research has highlighted that children can
benefit greatly from regular yoga sessions. Yoga can be delivered either inside or outside, in an open
space where children can move freely and express their creativity.
When yoga was developed thousands of years ago by Yogi’s, the natural world was used for
inspiration. Animals, plants and trees were used to create many of the poses and movements. When
children participate in yoga they replicate these objects as they move their body and use their
imagination to represent the natural world around them.
Just like adults, children lead busy little lives. They are constantly on the move, playing, exploring,
investigating and exercising. Their minds are constantly active until they have the opportunity to
rest and sleep. Children need to have time in their day to slow down, rest, relax and collect their
thoughts and feelings. As practitioners we must provide opportunities for children to experience
this throughout their day.
Yoga can bring calmness and relaxation and is known to improve concentration. It increases
self-esteem, positive body awareness and provides opportunities for relaxation as well as improving
flexibility, strength and coordination.
For young children yoga can be explored through exercise, song and play. Here are some
suggestions of yoga activities to try with the children in your class:
• Yogi Says (Like Simon says but with yoga, good for developing listening skills and following
instructions) – the children listen carefully as the teacher asks the children to strike a range
of yoga poses. They should only strike the pose when “Yogi says……”