What certification do I need to teach yoga to children?

To teach yoga to children, it's recommended—and often required—to complete a specialized kids yoga certification. Grounded Kids Yoga offers a trauma-informed, SEL-aligned certification that prepares you to teach in schools, studios, therapy settings, and community programs. Our training meets professional development standards and includes materials for real-world use.

How do I become a certified kids yoga teacher?

You can become a certified kids yoga teacher by completing a structured training like Grounded Kids Yoga. Our program includes hands-on methodology, classroom tools, and ongoing support. After certification, you'll be equipped to teach confidently and effectively in multiple settings.

Is your training approved for CEUs or continuing education credits?

Yes. Grounded Kids Yoga certification is approved for CEUs and PLUs through various organizations. We also partner with Courses4Teachers to offer graduate-level credit options for educators and therapists. Documentation is available upon request.

Will I be qualified to teach in schools, studios, or after-school programs after certification?

Yes. Our certification prepares you to teach in a variety of settings, including schools, studios, enrichment programs, and therapy spaces. You'll receive curriculum resources, class structures, and modifications to teach different age groups and populations confidently.

How do I start teaching yoga to kids with no prior experience?

Start by grounding yourself first. Grounded Kids Yoga teaches that before you ground others, you must learn to center your own presence. Then, follow our proven rhythm: tune in, theme share, breathwork, movement, integration, and closing. Our templates help you build confidence even if you're new to teaching yoga.

What’s the best way to structure a kids yoga class?

A Grounded Kids Yoga class follows a consistent arc: Theme, Tune In, Warm-Up, Sequence, Cool Down, Rest, and Closing. This rhythm helps students feel safe, focused, and engaged. We use music, stories, and age-appropriate poses to make each class meaningful and effective.

How do I keep kids focused and engaged during a yoga session?

We teach you how to match the group’s energy and lead with presence. Use rhythm, call-and-response, and short pose flows to keep things moving. Kids stay engaged when transitions are smooth and when classes follow a clear beginning, middle, and end.

How do I create a kids yoga lesson plan for different age groups?

Start with our Grounded class arc: Theme, Heart Action, Yoga Philosophy, Alignment Action, Tune In, Warm Up, Sequence, Cool Down, Rest, and Sprinklings. You’ll adjust how you deliver it based on age. Use more visuals and songs with younger kids, and deeper flows and co-leadership with older students.

What are the essential parts of a well-structured children’s yoga class?

Every class follows our 11-part structure that balances movement, regulation, and emotional growth. For young kids, we emphasize repetition and ritual. For tweens and teens, we increase opportunities for choice, reflection, and stillness. This rhythm helps kids feel grounded and safe.

How do I adapt lesson plans for short time blocks like morning meetings or brain breaks?

Use our Focus in Time curriculum, which includes short sequences from 4 to 10 minutes. These are ideal for sensory breaks, transitions, or classroom routines. Each mini-flow includes clear visuals, no props, and repeatable structure to help kids shift states quickly and effectively.

How can yoga help children with anxiety or stress?

Yoga calms the nervous system through breath and movement. We use poses like Child’s Pose, Go To Your Room, and Down Dog along with breathing techniques like Bubble Gum Breath or Just a Sip to help children feel grounded and present. These practices are part of our Earth Element toolkit.

What are the best yoga poses to help kids calm down?

Poses that bring the head below the heart—like Calm Down Pose, Child’s Pose, and Rock and Roll—help soothe the nervous system. We sequence poses intentionally to build toward rest and self-regulation in a way that’s accessible and emotionally safe.

Can yoga help with emotional outbursts or meltdowns?

Yes. Yoga builds emotional awareness and offers proactive tools for self-regulation. We teach children to recognize their energy and practice routines like Twist and Target, Laughter Milkshake, and Resting Pose before or after emotional intensity to return to calm.

How can I learn how to modify poses for individual needs?

In Step 2 of our training, we show you how to adapt poses using props, visuals, and simplified instructions. For example, Tree Pose can become Root Tree Rise near a wall. We also guide you through sensory considerations, safety cues, and accessibility adaptations.

Who can benefit from special needs yoga?

Children with cognitive, sensory, physical, or emotional needs all benefit from inclusive yoga. This includes students with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, anxiety, or developmental delays. We design routines to promote regulation, confidence, and connection.

What makes special needs yoga different from typical yoga?

It’s more structured, slower-paced, and focused on sensory safety. We use repeated sequences, visuals, and therapeutic poses like Rock and Roll and Calm Down Pose. The goal is confidence and regulation—not perfection or flexibility.

Can parents or caregivers do yoga with their kids?

Yes. Practicing together supports co-regulation, connection, and shared emotional tools. It doesn’t have to be formal—a 2-minute breath break, a pose before bed, or a 5-minute flow can become a rhythm that helps the whole family reset.

How can we use Grounded Kids Yoga at home?

Use pose cards, printable flows, or short video sequences to create moments of regulation. Try Wake Up Mountain in the morning or Calm Down Pose at bedtime. Short, familiar rituals help kids and caregivers co-regulate through breath and movement.

How can yoga help reduce stress at home?

Yoga creates a shared language for handling stress. Simple poses paired with breath—like Tree Friends and Take Out the Trash—help everyone return to regulation. These tools are portable, repeatable, and build nervous system resilience over time.

What are the best breathing exercises to help kids calm down?

Bubble Gum Breath, Just a Sip, and Take Out the Trash help kids self-regulate. Practiced regularly, these breaths teach the body how to reset. Use visual props or pose cards to support consistency and fun.

How do I teach deep breathing to preschoolers or young children?

Use simple imagery like 'smell the flower, blow the dandelion.' Props like feathers or pinwheels give visual feedback and make breathing concrete and fun.

What are some fun mindfulness games or activities for kids?

Try Breath Freeze Dance, Ground Your Five Senses scavenger hunt, or pose-and-breathe flashcards. These playful practices help build awareness without pressure.

What are the physical benefits of yoga for kids?

Yoga supports balance, coordination, strength, posture, and motor planning. It builds confidence through physical challenge and teaches safe, functional movement. These benefits transfer to daily life.

Can yoga help kids manage stress and anxiety?

Yes. Poses that bring the head below the heart, like Down Dog and Calm Down Pose, regulate the nervous system. Breath techniques like Just a Sip reinforce the mind-body connection and reduce overwhelm.

What emotional skills do kids develop through yoga?

Kids build self-awareness, emotional literacy, and empathy. Poses and mantras help them identify how they feel and choose tools to regulate. Grounded Kids Yoga teaches this through repetition and reflection.

Is there research that proves yoga is effective for children?

Yes. Studies show that yoga improves attention, self-regulation, and emotional well-being. Grounded Kids Yoga aligns with these findings using evidence-informed breath, movement, and SEL-based curriculum.

How does yoga affect children’s behavior, focus, and self-regulation?

Yoga strengthens the brain areas responsible for impulse control and attention. Movement and breath provide kids with tools to shift their internal state and return to focus in classroom and therapy settings.

Can yoga and mindfulness improve academic performance?

Yes. Students who practice yoga often show stronger memory, reduced test anxiety, and better engagement. Teachers use our short sequences during transitions, brain breaks, or SEL time to support learning.

How can I include kids yoga in my homeschool curriculum?

Use short, consistent sequences like those in our Focus in Time deck. These are designed for homeschool schedules and cover SEL, movement, and regulation goals in 5–10 minutes. Many families use them as part of morning warm-ups or sensory resets.

Can yoga count as physical education (PE) for homeschooling?

Yes. Most U.S. states accept yoga as PE. Our lesson plans meet movement benchmarks and include strength, balance, and breath-based regulation. We provide tools to log sessions and track progress.

What are the best yoga poses for homeschool movement breaks?

Try Mountain, Rock and Roll, or Tree for energy shifts. Use pose cards or 2-pose mini-flows to reset between subjects. Even 2–3 minutes of movement improves focus and regulation.

How does yoga help support emotional regulation in teens?

It helps teens tune into how they feel and use breath or movement to reset. We teach teens how to track tension, reflect on emotional patterns, and build internal tools for regulation using consistent sequences and journaling options.

What are the best yoga poses to release anger or frustration?

Try Go To Your Room, Rock and Roll, Warrior II Decide, and Take Out the Trash. These poses help teens release strong energy safely and build body awareness. Grounding flows with strength and stillness offer structured outlets for frustration.

How can I use yoga to help my teenager feel safe in their body?

Teens need choice and consistency. Use soft lighting, minimal correction, and repeated routines to help them build comfort and trust. Props, journaling, and breath support safety and ownership in the practice.

How do I introduce yoga into a classroom or school setting?

Start with short breath practices or 5-minute mini-flows from our Focus in Time kit. No mats or props needed—just clear visuals and repeatable structure. Great for morning meetings, transitions, and sensory breaks.

What are good yoga activities for brain breaks or short class times?

Try Bubble Gum Breath, Rock and Roll, or Go to Your Room. These short sequences reset energy, improve focus, and help with transitions. Use them after recess or between subjects.

What are the benefits of using yoga in schools for focus and behavior?

Yoga improves classroom climate, reduces outbursts, and increases focus. Students learn how to shift their energy using tools that are consistent, predictable, and developmentally appropriate.

What are the best yoga cards or printables to use with kids?

Our 84-pose card deck includes illustrations, cues, and chakra-based sequences. Great for classrooms, therapy sessions, or home practice. Coloring books and printable games support creative expression and emotional learning.

How do I use pose cards to guide a kids yoga class or home routine?

Use the cards to build a sequence or let students draw at random. Our Focus in Time deck includes mini-flows, and the standard deck supports full class planning. Each card includes clear visuals and alignment tips.

Are there printable yoga activities or games I can download?

Yes. We offer printable coloring books, bingo games, journaling prompts, and chakra boards. These are ideal for transitions, calm corners, and reflective learning. Most resources are instant downloads.

What’s the best way to introduce yoga to kids using videos?

Start with short, calming sequences. Our 6 Essential Lesson Plans and Videos use real instructors, real kids, and real flows—no cartoons or gimmicks. They're designed to support nervous system regulation and consistent practice.

Can I use yoga videos as part of my classroom or therapy sessions?

Absolutely. Many schools and therapists use our video bundles like Focus in Time and Grounded in the 5 Elements to support transitions, emotional processing, and group regulation.

How long should kids yoga videos be?

5–10 minutes is ideal for younger kids. Older students may benefit from 10–15 minute sequences. Our video bundles are organized by age, setting, and theme for easy use in short sessions.

How long do I have access to the training and materials?

You have lifetime access to all downloadable materials and ongoing access to online training content, provided your account remains in good standing. We want you to be able to revisit, review, and reuse what you’ve learned whenever you need it.

Are your courses and products refundable?

Refunds are available for events canceled within 3 days (minus transaction fees). After that, credit is applied for up to 2 years. Digital products are non-refundable once delivered. Training cancellations receive a 2-year credit. Yoga club credits can be transferred to store items or special events.

Can I request CEU documentation after completing the course?

Yes. We provide documentation for CEUs and graduate-level credit through our partner institutions. Email Amy directly with your request after completing your course.

Can I transfer my enrollment to someone else?

Yes, as long as the course hasn’t been started. Email us to request a transfer. Once access to materials begins, enrollment is considered active and non-transferable.

Do I receive physical copies or digital materials?

Most of our training materials are printed and shipped to you. We also offer digital versions upon request, and many of our products are available in both formats depending on your preference.

What makes Grounded Kids Yoga different from other trainings?

We offer a comprehensive, trauma-informed, SEL-aligned certification backed by years of classroom experience, educational psychology, and energetic principles. Our method blends structure with creativity and includes full materials to support every stage of teaching.

Do you offer real yoga or just playful movement?

We teach real yoga—integrating alignment, breath, sequencing, and mindfulness in ways that are developmentally appropriate for kids. Our approach includes serious teacher prep, not just entertainment-based content.

What’s included in your certification that I won’t find elsewhere?

We give you a complete framework, 84 custom pose illustrations, training manuals, sample lesson plans, digital resources, and a method to adapt for age, setting, and student needs. You’ll walk away with confidence, tools, and a flexible teaching structure.

About Grounded Kids Yoga

Grounded Kids Yoga is where heart, creativity, and science meet to help all children and the grown-ups who nurture them truly thrive. Our classes blend the universal wisdom of yoga with evidence-based mindfulness and real-world teaching experience, always taught with an open heart, playful spirit and deep respect for each child’s story.

As one of the first Registered Schools of Children’s Yoga with Yoga Alliance, we offer both in-person and online teacher trainings, along with a curriculum that’s comprehensive but never complicated. Whether you’re just getting started, deepening your practice, or exploring new ways to share yoga in your career or family life, you’ll find resources and support here to help you make a real difference.

Our Purpose

At Grounded Kids Yoga, we believe yoga and meditation can profoundly benefit people of all ages and abilities Our purpose is to inspire belonging, champion inner wisdom, and build mind-body intelligence through emotionally fluent yoga practices.

We equip children with practical tools to navigate real life—embracing both light (joy, love, laughter, success, peace) and shadow (sadness, fear, anger, loneliness, anxiety) as part of being whole. Our structured program creates a secure, inclusive space for self-expression and lifelong habits that promote growth mindset, awareness, and connection.

Our Story

Grounded Kids Yoga was originally created by Amy & Cheryl, two newly former classroom teachers and young moms who teamed up in 2005 during their first of many children’s yoga certifications. We taught all of our classes together for over a year because it was wildly fun. After a while, the kids in our classes wanted more than to play yoga. They were, as described by my life and now business partner, Sedef,” hungry for knowledge.” Their curiosity became the foundation for what has become a thriving Children’s Yoga company with Grounded Kids teachers across the globe.

Most days, you’ll find Amy & Sedef right where it counts: in the yoga studio, on a mat, at the schools, on Zoom—teaching actual children. Every class, every age group, every setting is a new chance to teach, refine, create and even let go. We’re not removed from our own curriculum; we’re living it, learning from the real experts (the kids), and sharing in real time. That’s why Grounded Kids Yoga never feels stuck or scripted—it moves and breathes, just like the students who show up and inspire us, every single day.

We’re also running a successful company; one that refuses to gate keep. That’s why, in Step 4 of our teacher training, we pull back the curtain on the business side of this work. We share practical resources, honest conversations about what’s effective (and what isn’t), and flexible models for making this work personally and professionally valuable. That means giving you tools you’ll actually use, support that fits your real life, and the kind of clarity that helps you show up with confidence—not just as a teacher, but as yourself.

Our Approach

Our approach is playful but purposeful, blending social-emotional learning, practical tools for building focus and reducing stress, and grounded connection so every child feels seen, heard, safe, and supported. When you choose Grounded Kids Yoga, you join a community that meets you where you are, then elevates you to become your best self.

Our one of a kind style features 84 yoga poses, age appropriate breathing techniques, mantras and mudras creatively organized around the 7 chakras and 5 elements. Grounded Kids Yoga teachers are highly trained to deliver these practices authentically, blending our methodology with their own wisdom and personality to best serve their students.

Meet the team that makes Grounded Elevation a reality

Our Leaders

Amy Haysman

Founder & Owner

I am Amy Haysman, M.Ed., E-RYT 500, RCYT and in 2006 i was interviewed by CNN at an Elementary school where i taught yoga. After explaining what we do in kids yoga, they asked what i hope for in the future.

"I want it to not be newsworthy enough for a news organization to send a camera crew and reporter to a school because they have yoga." I replied. I think that day has come but it hasn't slowed me down. Since my days as a middle school teacher, I’ve become known for breaking down complex ideas into what is essential, practical, and usable, and for leading with a spirit of generosity and substance. My greatest satisfaction comes from mentoring others as they grow into their own gifts and shine from within, and I value the honest, lasting progress that emerges from meaningful work and genuine connection. The letters after my name represent four years of earning a Masters degree in Education while having two baby boys, multiple 200 hour adult yoga teacher trainings with Anusara in the Hatha Yoga lineage, thousands of yoga teaching and training hours, and over 300 hours in specialty trainings for adults and children.

Sedef Dion

Lead Trainer

I am Sedef Dion, E-RYT 500, RCYT and I love what I do! Co-creating Pre-Grounded for ages 3–6 was a labor of love, born from my belief that even the youngest children deserve real yoga, not just entertainment.

I’ve been part of Grounded Kids Yoga from the very beginning, and I worked hard for my certification. Yoga has been a part of my life for over thirty years, and I took my first 200-hour training at Peachtree Yoga Center in 1999. Not long after, I fell for Kundalini Yoga and completed my certification in 2004, studying with Mukta Kaur Khalsa. I’m proud to be a member of Yoga Alliance and the Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association (IKYTA), and I continued my studies with a 500-hour training at Bhakti Yogshala and Pankajyogpeeth, along with many children’s yoga certifications. One of the highlights of my journey was becoming a certified Laughter Yoga Leader—yes, leading Laughter Yoga classes and workshops really is as joyful as it sounds. I’m especially passionate about my work with the Special Needs community, where teaching is one of my greatest joys. These days, my calendar is filled with one-on-one sessions for both kids and adults, as well as group classes, public workshops, and Grounded Kids teacher trainings across Atlanta and beyond. I have two wonderful adult children who continue to inspire me, even if I occasionally embarrass them by doing yoga poses in public. I share my life and my work with my partner, Amy Haysman, founder of Grounded Kids. She keeps me striving for excellence and growth, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Our Artists

Dylan & Hanlee Laakmann

Pose Illustrator & Momager

Dylan Laakman is an original Grounded Kid and his mom, Hanlee, is one of our earliest Certified Grounded Kids Teachers.

At just 11 years old, Dylan agreed to be our illustrator, bringing to life all 84 poses with nothing but the names—no artistic direction, only his own imagination and very creative, supportive mom. Hanlee Laakman, truly the embodiment of artistry, encouraged and helped Dylan as he took on this enormous project. Today, Dylan creates art in his birthplace of Germany, while Hanlee has returned to South Africa, where she continues to share her love of yoga, art, and cats.

Ruth Meagher

Mandala Artist & CGKY Trainer

Ruth Meagher is the artist extraordinaire behind our elemental mantra and mandala affirmation card set. After Amy was dazzled by her her intricate designs, she knew her work belonged at the heart of this project.

Ruth created more than 65 completely original, hand-drawn mandalas, each one deeply aligned with the elements and emotional tone of the cards. Her artistry brought a level of beauty, and intentionality that continues to resonate with everyone who uses them. Ruth’s work is more than visual—it’s visceral.

Pia Orellana

Bandana Designer

We have Pia Orellana to thank for the stunning mandala design or our Quest for Elevation bandanas.

During her Step 4 teacher training, we mentioned wanting to move away from 7 colored bandanas with chakra symbols to imprinting our 7 signature pose series on white bandanas with their associated color. Pia had an idea and went on to graphically design our poses into a gorgeous mandala that is a testament to the powerful energy each of these bandanas posses.

About Grounded Kids Yoga

Our Purpose

Our Story

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Meet the team that makes Grounded Elevation a reality

Our Leaders

Our Artists

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