How to Structure a Kids Yoga Class That Actually Works (From Toddlers to Early Elementary)
A simple, reliable framework for teaching calm, confident, joy-filled classes every time.
One of the biggest challenges new kids yoga teachers face is figuring out how to lead a class that feels smooth, fun, and developmentally appropriate. Teaching children is wildly different from teaching adults — and the magic happens when your classes follow a clear rhythm that kids can trust.
After teaching thousands of classes in childcares, schools, camps, and community programs, I learned that the best kids yoga classes follow a predictable flow. Predictability helps children feel safe. Safety helps them stay engaged. Engagement helps them build the emotional and physical skills that yoga is all about.
Whether you're teaching toddlers or early elementary students, here’s a simple structure that works every time.
Begin with Connection (1–2 minutes)
Children need to land before they can learn. Start with a warm, inviting moment:
a “Hello yogis!” greeting
a quick check-in (“Show me with your fingers how you’re feeling today…”)
a playful theme intro (“Today we’re going on a jungle yoga adventure!”)
This sets the tone and helps you establish rapport instantly.
Teaching tip: Keep this part short. Kids lose focus when introductions drag on.
Add a Breathing Moment (1 minute)
Breathwork is the emotional anchor of your class.
Choose something simple and visual, like:
Candle breath
Flower breath
Rainbow breath
Balloon breath
Kids don’t need long explanations — they need something they can see and feel. This part helps regulate energy and prepares them for movement.
If you need inspiration, grab my free Kids Yoga Starter Pack — it includes new breathing exercises to use right away.
Warm-Up to Wake Up the Body (3–5 minutes)
Children need movement before stillness.
Use gentle, playful warm-ups like:
Cat/Cow
Seed to Sprout
Wiggle + Freeze
Shoulder rolls
Rainbow stretches
Warm-ups help kids shake off jitters and prepare their bodies for poses in a safe, balanced way.
Move Into Your Yoga Poses (5–10 minutes)
This is the heart of your class.
Choose 4–8 poses depending on age. Sequence them in a way that feels like a story:
Mountain to chair
Tree to star
Down dog to snake
Boat to rock
Warrior to airplane
You don’t need fancy choreography. You need engagement. That’s where themes work beautifully — space, animals, weather, feelings, superheroes, the ocean, dinosaurs… endless possibilities.
If you want plug-and-play sequences, my shop has themed yoga adventures and full lesson plans for every season.
Add Play (3–5 minutes)
Games take your class from “good” to “magical.”
Kids learn through play — and yoga games help reinforce movement, listening skills, and mindfulness.
Some favourites:
Yoga Freeze Dance
Pose Detective
Magic Mat Switch
Animal Movement Challenge
Follow-the-Leader Flow
This is often the part children remember most.
Slow Down With Rest + Mindfulness (2–4 minutes)
Closing with calm teaches children how to transition their bodies and brains.
Try:
Belly breathing
A short visualization
Body scan
A “Kindness send-off” (“Think of one nice thing you can do today…”)
Kids LOVE this moment — more than you’d expect.
End With a Ritual (30 seconds)
Rituals help create consistency. You might end with:
“Thank you, yogis!”
A group “Namaste”
A high-five or sparkly-fingers send-off
Small rituals build connection and confidence.
⭐ Want to Learn to Create Full Class Sequences?
Inside Mat to Market™, I teach you:
how to plan age-appropriate classes
how to build themes kids adore
how to manage classroom behaviour
how to teach toddlers without chaos
how to grow your kids yoga business in childcares + schools
Plus, members get downloadable lesson plans, templates, scripts, and the exclusive Childcare Contract Template.
If you’re ready to feel confident teaching — and supported as you grow — you belong inside Mat to Market™.