Grounded Kids Yoga

A revolutionary program designed to harness the ancient wisdom of Yoga and teach it in a progressive framework that empowers children and teens to elevate to their highest self.

Established in 2007 with groundbreaking methodology, we are recognized worldwide as a leader in the field. Whether you’re seeking training to become a children’s yoga teacher or want to incorporate a yoga class for kids or teens at your facility, Grounded Kids offers an option for you.

Using the principles and practices found in Hatha and Kundalini yoga, we balance the serious benefits of yoga and meditation with a lighthearted approach and playful spirit.

This Is Us School Yoga Clubs

Become a Certified Teacher

Do you feel inspired to help the younger generation elevate humanity? We can teach you how.

Our teacher training takes you on your own Quest for Elevation with a step by step approach toward certification that fulfills the required 95 hours of study for RCYT designation with Yoga Alliance.

Each training includes our signature products and curriculums to support you in working with children of all ages in any location.

Find a Grounded Kids Class

You know children derive life long benefits from yoga.

Grounded Kids yoga, in particular, allows kids to learn about themselves in new ways so they can skillfully navigate the ups and downs of life.

Our kid-friendly yoga poses, purpose-driven yoga games, mindset meditations and breathing techniques are so engaging that even after one class our students are motivated and able to practice at home. They teach this knowledge to family, friends & teachers as a side effect of being grounded off the mat.

Our programs encourage kids to own their power and use it wisely.

Use our search tool to find a class or teacher near you.

Offer Grounded Kids at Your Location

Grounded Kids has trained hundreds of instructors across the globe who offer yoga classes for kids and teens at schools, studios, and more. Our yoga program teaches children early on to tune into their energy and channel it in positive ways that ultimately bolster self-esteem and foster self-regulation.

Through practicing yoga and embodied mindfulness, children learn how to relax when feeling stressed, focus when distracted, and be both flexible and resilient in their body and mind.

Find out how to offer Grounded Kids at your school or studio.

I really enjoyed my experience with Amy & Sedef – they are wonderful teachers and the program was just delightful – these teachers worked with me and gave me many amazing tools to build up my confidence as well as create a more meaningful practice for children!

“I trained during the 10 Day Kids Yoga Certification Intensive and it was definitely intense. It was also creative, inspiring, informative, and fostered deep connections. I am eternally grateful for Grounded Kids Yoga as this program began my yoga teacher journey”

I am so happy I chose Grounded Kids Yoga to earn my RCYT. I am a pediatric speech therapist (and former classroom teacher) working at an outpatient clinic. I use the Grounded Kids curriculum with all of my patients in some form or another. My patients respond so well to the pose names, cues, mantras, mudras, and philosophy. The pose illustrations and names are very easy for kids to remember and connect with. Parents have been super supportive and very excited to implement a Grounded Kids home program. Since implementing Grounded Kids at my clinic, parents and other therapists have remarked on how focused, regulated, and calm the kids are. Amy and Sedef are incredibly knowledgeable about child development, best practices for educating children, anatomy and physiology, and yoga philosophy. I was lucky to be able to take part of this training in person and part of it online. I can attest to the fact that this training is amazing in either modality. Amy and Sedef also helped me begin to formulate my own business plan regarding kids yoga. If you are a classroom teacher, therapist, or parent, I HIGHLY recommend this training. You will be so happy you chose to learn under the guidance of Amy and Sedef.

Jackie

Lotus Yogis

I highly recommend the Ground Kids Yoga Teacher Certification Intensive! Amy and Sedef managed to turn a virtual training into a very personal, connected, safe self-enhancing, and highly engaging experience. Every day of the training was filled with YOGA and included movement, dialogue, meditation, self-reflection, learning, and laughter. There was never a dull moment as we worked our way through the very thorough and well-developed Grounded Kids Curriculum and Step 1 – Step 4 Training Manuals. A great deal of vital material was covered, yet it was presented in an incredibly organized and accessible manner. Amy and Sedef created a space where I felt comfortable being vulnerable and asking questions. They openly and lovingly shared their vast expertise and built confidence in trainees by treating us as part of the Grounded Kids Teacher community from the beginning of the training.

Emiliya

I loved learning all the different aspects of yoga, such as the elements and chakras, mudras and mantras, guided visualizations, meditation and relaxation, as well as the psychology and therapeutic sides of it. The entire course is very comprehensive and covers in detail a lot of different areas that tie into yoga. I feel like it was a very educational experience for me. I sure learned lots of new information and I cannot wait to incorporate all of it into my teachings

Michelle

The grounded kids teacher training was an amazing experience filled with useful information laid out in an organized way. I grew personally and professionally. I gained new insights about myself and direction on how to use these insights as I work with children and families.

Sarah

Unexpectedly empowering. Effortlessly authentic. I left this training ready to find my niche in the yoga industry. I feel ready to teach and have reached out to three different locations so I have a place when our world transitions to it’s new variation. As part of our training, we listened, we watched, we taught and we transformed. I’d definitely recommend.

Heather

You two truly have a gift. Your love and passion explodes in this training. Not a detail was missed in the manuals. I feel we covered everything effectively and you were always open to stop and discuss questions and ideas that arised along the way. I have done a few yoga trainings and this felt safe and warm and I truly looked forward to each day. I loved how well we were taken care of with tune ins, breath, and meditation. Truly grateful for this experience. Excited to be part of the Grounded Kids community

Cathi

The connections you foster through these trainings are priceless. It was an honor and a privilege getting to know both of you, and the fellow trainees.

Najia

The way you guys explained the material, and went over chakras and elements, was just right. The packet of materials and resources that you sent ahead of time is perfect to help us along the way after the training. It helps to have all the tools so well organized to start of a new phase in life without feeling intimidated.

Najia

Your personalities and ways to connect with us even over zoom felt so warm, welcoming and personal. I didn’t feel as if I’d missed out because it wasn’t in person.

Najia

Grounded Kids Yoga is a groundbreaking training on the forefront of Kids Yoga, from 3 to 18 years old. It creates a strong foundation for a lifetime love of yoga and interconnectivity of ALL beings. It has already begun a powerful transformation in the schools where I teach and in my own family. This has been the MOST impactful yoga training of my career and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering teaching kids (of all ages), family and prenatal yoga.

Heather Koz

Very grateful for the training/certification I have earned at Grounded. They are always an email or a phone call away to help or answer questions.

Tara Howe Bott

I attended other kids yoga trainings before completing the 95-hour training with Grounded. What I loved about Grounded is their belief that children are interested in learning about yoga and their focus on the Chakras and on teaching yoga to children in an experiential way.

Betsy Stephens

Excellent materials. Creative names of poses with playful add-on’s. Amazing lesson planning guidance and practice. This was an excellent training incorporating principles of neuroscience, yoga philosophy, anatomy and education. I cannot wait to use what I’ve learned in my clinical practice with children.

Jackie Allen

The Grounded Kids program is a gift. Using accessible language and speaking to children like they are capable helps them to feel confident and self-assured. The poses and foundations build children up in a way not typically found today.

Liz Brown

Love, Love Love this program! What struck me the most was how Amy & Sedef come from the heart. You feel their love for the practice and the passion they carry in sharing yoga with others. They speak as teachers to their students and not as instructors. Two amazing teachers, one amazing program.

Jennifer

This training should be taken by anyone that works with kids. This is not just for yogis. The practice of movement & meditation is in everything we do.

This class has been one of the best experiences in Life. Amy, your clarity and direction definitely shined through. Sedef, you have brought the positive energy that touched all of us. I will recommend this class to others for finding their inner self and voice. I am excited to step out of my box and start teaching. Thank you!

The techniques and skills are things I will take off the mat and use in all my classes! I wish the training was even longer.

I loved the flow of the training. I appreciate the thoughtful design, poses, philosophy, practice, games, lesson planning and support for our part of the GK class. The thoughtful and informative feedback was well balanced and given with love toward our growth by Amy and Sedef. Thank you for your light you are shining into the world.

This training was absolutely amazing. It was so comprehensive, fun,, organic and detailed. Sedef and Amy were extremely knowledgeable, constructive and authentic. I would highly recommend this training for anyone wanting to do yoga with kids. I am so grateful for this experience.

Erin Richardson

The program is SO well executed and the supporting materials are absolutely stunning and far beyond what I expected to receive as part of Step 1.. I also loved the group teaching, the only way to learn this is to practice and knowing the weekend was leading to the class tied the entire weekend together. Finally, it was FUN playing the very unique yoga games.

Sarah P.

This training was superb!! As a total novice who has only taken a few yoga classes in my local community, I had no idea what to expect. I almost talked myself out of even registering out of the fear of the unknown.. But, I am so glad that I came. Amy’s energy is amazing (kind, warm, sincere) and it helped calm my nerves many times. The materials and. illustrations are amazing. I think all the creativity that went into the drawings, the names of the poses, etc…. will really resonate with children and I can ‘t wait to become a real yoga teacher, not instructor per Ms. S. 🙂 Sedef is amazing and adorable. I really enjoyed the laughter yoga teachings she provided, I didn’t know that was a thing! This has been an amazing experience for me – one I am sure to grow from. I wish to see Grounded Kids Yoga in schools across the nation. Thank you so much for this experience!!

Dedria J.

What a great program! The materials are well thought out and very useful to teachers and students.

Corina B.

I learned so much about yoga, my body, children, and how to teach them. The flow of the training was good and the instructors are very knowledgeable and informative. I enjoyed this experience. Thanks for this life gift.

One Sunday in May after a Kundalini yoga class I overheard a discussion between the yoga teacher and other students about an upcoming Grounded kids teacher training. It got my attention when I heard that one section of the training covers Special needs kids & teens. I thought the learning may be helpful to my own nephew who has different abilities. I decided to take the training regardless of not being a school teacher nor a yoga teacher. What an amazing and life changing journey it has been during the 10 days attending a Grounded Kids Teacher Training Intensive.

Rez K.

We were given opportunities to practice our own teaching with kids at a studio, kids and their families, and at a daycare center which was very helpful. We also observed and assisted a class for children with special needs that was a phenomenal learning experience.

“Loving, safe and secure learning environment with phenomenal instructors!”

I have been a part of the Grounded Kids community since November 2010 and I have watched it flourish from a bulb into a garden of beautiful bountiful flowers. I LOVE the Grounded Kids Yoga trainings and truly believe they prepare and ground teachers along the way. They offer the Yogavator Pass, an online resource for teachers that is jam packed with helpful resources and much more. The Grounded Kids community as a whole is like a family. The teachers are always there to offer help through the private online Facebook page and I am extremely grateful. Grounded Kids is the BEST yoga training for kids out there! Sat Nam.

Kelly Sue Hardin

I traveled from California to attend the summer intensive in Georgia in 2019. Amy was wonderful about answering all my questions over the phone and email about the training and also the logistics of getting there. I loved how this training made it accessible to teach kids real yoga beyond just the poses and also blended different styles of yoga. The intensive was well planned out and the energy and heart that Amy and Sedef brought made me feel supported and inspired throughout the two weeks. I would definitely recommend this training to anyone considering teaching kids. Not only did it make me feel prepared to teach real yoga to kids, but it was a great addition to my 200hr and 300hr trainings and I’ve brought some of the things I’ve learned through Grounded Kids into my adult classes as well.

Brittany Tonks

Grounded Kids 95 training was the perfect addition to my 200 hr YTT. Not only did I learn so much, but so many aspects of the training enhanced what I’ve already learned, giving me a fresh perspective. I am so grateful for the time, energy, dedication, knowledge and love that you have poured into the content.

Molly Moore

I think the intensive was very informative, very well planned, and very fun. The information was presented in a non-threatening format that was relatable and easy to understand. Sedef was an awesome teacher guiding us to work with younger children and special needs students. Amy was phenomenal teaching concepts that were sometimes difficult to understand. Her style of providing examples and allowing us to develop our own examples allowed us to own our own learning and make it a part of our own lives. Cheryl did an awesome job teaching us the poses along with alternative poses. Her style of teaching allowed us to learn in a very relaxed, non-threatening environment.

Dawn Blackwell, Principal

Bob Mathis Elementary

Grounded Kids Yoga is one of the best teacher trainings that I’ve completed. Children learn to connect their mind, heart, and body through yoga asanas, breath, chants, mudras, games, and art. The program goes into so much depth but on a fundamental level that children can connect and understand. I hope their passion for bringing this program into schools and communities continues to spread. I’m very excited to be a part of this movement. On a final note, I feel by completing this program I also improved my teaching skills for working with adults.

Susan McVicar

www.allworldspediatrics.com/susan-mcvicar

This training blew me away with its authenticity and depth of content! I was impressed by the solid foundation of yogic philosophy and the seamless integration of traditional yogic practice into an accessible and thorough curriculum for kids.

Lee M.

The Grounded Kids Yoga Teacher Training Program gave me all of the tools to work with diverse populations of kids and teens. The instruction was clear, generous and enthusiastic. The curriculum is intelligent and beyond my expectations. It is a real career builder and there is a great need for teachers who have trained with Grounded.

Felicia Ruth

Grounded Kids is an excellent program for the kids involved, and also a wonderful program to teach. I love it.

A Happy Teacher

FAQ

How can I continue to improve my skills as a kids yoga instructor and stay up-to-date with industry trends?

Train with us and you will forever be connected to the latest and greatest! After training we have multiple avenues to stay connected and continued support to help you thrive in the business.

What are some important safety considerations when teaching yoga to kids?

Teaching yoga to kids can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to ensure their safety throughout the practice.

Prepare Mind and Body: Our classes begin with a tuning in to help children connect to how they are feeling so they are aware of their abilities and limitations. We begin and end the practice with warm-up and cool-down poses along with resting pose to allow time for integration and to transition back into their day.
Physical Limitations: Children have different physical abilities and limitations than adults, so it’s important to adjust the practice accordingly. Encourage children to listen to their bodies. Learn how to recognize when a child is at their edge both mentally and physically.
Proper Alignment: Teach children proper alignment in each pose to prevent injury and receive optimal benefit. We have 11 essential alignment actions to focus on with kids and teens.
Breathing: Teach children how to breathe properly for the various yoga poses and discourage holding their breath during the practice.
Modifications: Offer modifications and props to accommodate children’s abilities and limitations. Encourage children to use blocks, blankets, and straps to help them achieve proper alignment.
Supervision: Keep a close eye on children throughout the practice to ensure their safety.
Don’t close your eyes or demonstrate a pose that inhibits your ability to see the kids. Learn how to read the energy of the room and teach accordingly.
Mindfulness: Emphasize the importance of mindfulness and listening to their bodies throughout the practice. Encourage children to tune into their sensations, thoughts and emotions during the practice.

Can kids yoga be adapted for children with special needs or disabilities?

Yes, our Step 2: Special Needs and neurodiversity training will teach you how.

What are some fun and engaging games that can be incorporated into kids yoga lessons?

We’ve created an entire book of yoga games available in our online store. Some are brand new and others are popular children’s games such as Simon Says, Musical Chairs, Duck Duck Goose and others adapted for yoga.

How can I find resources for creating effective kids yoga lesson plans and games?

We offer a variety of lesson plans and games in our online store. If you want to learn how to create effective plans, take our Step 1: Get Grounded in Children’s Yoga training either live or online. After this training, you are eligible for our Yogavator pass which is our online vault of lesson plans, games, and so much more to support your teaching.

What are popular online certifications for teaching children’s yoga?

The most popular is our 95-hour certification that is approved by yoga alliance.

How can I get certified in children’s yoga online?

All of our trainings are now offered live online with Zoom. Check out our training schedule. Step 1 is also offered as a self-paced online training. Reach out to amy@groundedkids.com for more info or to set up a training date that works for you.

What are the benefits of children practicing yoga?

Yoga can provide many benefits for children, both physically and mentally. Some of the key benefits of yoga for children include:

Promotes physical fitness: Yoga is a great form of exercise that can help children develop strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.
Boosts immunity: Yoga can help boost children’s immunity by increasing the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, which helps to flush out toxins from the body.
Enhances concentration and focus: Yoga involves focusing on breathing and movements, which can help improve children’s concentration and focus.
Reduces stress and anxiety: Yoga can help children learn how to manage stress and anxiety through breathing and relaxation techniques.
Improves emotional well-being: Practicing yoga can help children develop a sense of calm and emotional stability, which can improve their overall well-being.
Develops self-awareness and self-esteem: Yoga can help children develop self-awareness and self-esteem by teaching them to listen to their bodies and respect their own limits.
Enhances social skills: Yoga classes provide a non-competitive environment where children can learn to work together and respect each other’s differences.
Promotes better sleep: Practicing yoga before bedtime can help children relax and sleep better.
Provides opportunities for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Yoga can be practiced in groups or with partners, which can help children develop social skills such as communication, cooperation, and empathy.

Boosts confidence and courage: Practicing yoga can help children feel more confident in their abilities and open to learning new skills.

What age group is best suited for kids yoga?

Kids yoga is suitable for children of all ages. We offer Pre-Grounded classes for ages three to six years old with modified poses and age appropriate meditations and mindfulness activities. These classes last between 15 and 45 minutes and include special music, yoga flows and games to keep them engaged. For tweens and teens, we offer age-appropriate themed classes and include opportunities for self-reflection, peer interactions, challenging sequences, and longer periods for relaxation and rest. All of our poses have suggestions for modifications and enhancements so each child can practice according to their developmental needs and abilities.