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.

Find A Teacher

Welcome to our Grounded Kids Teacher Directory. All listed teachers have completed at least Step 1 – Get Grounded In Children’s Yoga and are qualified to skillfully teach using our methodology. Those with the distinction of Certified Grounded Kids Teacher have complete 95 hours of comprehensive training to earn their certification. Use Categories for this selection. In the Search bar, find a teacher by entering any of the following fields.:

Location (Zip or City or State or Country)
Name
Specialty such as Pre-Grounded, Birthday Parties, Girl Scouts, Teens, Trauma Sensitive, Special Needs, Family Yoga, Personalized Yoga, Summer Camp

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Jennifer Hall

Personal Email: wraavsre.unyy@oenqsbeqcercfpubby.bet

gro.loohcsperpdrofdarb@llah.refinnej

Kathleen Hall

Memphis, Tennessee Work Email: xnguyrraqbhyn@lnubb.pbz

Tara Hall

Personal Email: gnen.unyy1210@tznvy.pbz

Brianna Hamill

Personal Email: oevunz@oretra.bet

Brianna Hamill

Personal Email: oevunz@oretra.bet

Arlene Hamilton

Personal Email: neyrarunzvygba@vpybhq.pbz

Tavares Hampton

Fitness/Youth yoga Professional Generation FitHealth & Fitness Cell Phone: 404-901-5689 Personal Email: unzcgba.gninerf@tznvy.pbz

Biography

Casey Hardigan

Personal Email: puneqvtna@fhmhxvfpubby.pbz

Kelley Sue Hardin

Newnan, Georgia Work Email: xfcubgbtencul@oryyfbhgu.arg Website: Mommy Mantra

Biography

Kelley Sue, Certified Elevated Grounder, Mother of two, Photographer, B.F.A Art Educator, teaches Grounded Yoga and Mindful Meditation to individuals ages 3 to 83. She also photographs children and families. If Kelley Sue is not on her mat practicing yoga, she is homeschooling, cuddled up reading to her children, photographing or creating art.

Kelley Sue enjoys teaching a balance of artful alignment, mindful meditation and playfulness while embracing the joys and benefits of yoga. She is passionate about embracing life in all forms and feels that love is one of the most powerful forces on this planet. Through motherhood, yoga and art she strives to make this world a better place.

Denisse Harris

, Georgia Work Email: qravffryu@lnubb.pbz

Biography

Nia Harris

Personal Email: nrfgurgvpoernguvat@tznvy.pbz

Hannah Harrison

Personal Email: unaanuocubgbtencul@tznvy.pbz

Marybeth Hart

Personal Email: zuneg@havfbaou.pbz

Courtney Hartnett

Personal Email: punegargg@pfqrpnghe.arg

Debi Hawkins

Matthews, North Carolina Work Phone: 704.684.9642 Work Email: qnapvatlbtn@tznvy.pbz Website: http://www.yogadancer.biz|*|Yoga with Debi

Biography

Debi Hawkins is a Certified Yoga Teacher, Yoga Alliance Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher, Align and Refine Yoga Teacher, Certified Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Teacher, Certified Itsy Bitsy Yoga® Facilitator for babies and tots, and Grounded Yoga Teacher for kids, teens and families.

She has been teaching grown-ups since 2003 and kids since 2011.

Eileen Hayes

Personal Email: ynqlohtfvtaf@tznvy.pbz

Rebecca Hayes

Personal Email: erorppn.unlrf@pubn.bet

Amy Haysman

Founder and owner of Grounded Kids, E-RYT 500, RCYT, M.Ed.Alpharetta, Georgia 30022 Cell Phone: 678-362-9990 Work Email: nzl@tebhaqrqxvqf.pbz Anniversary: November 11, 2005

Biography

Amy Haysman, E-RYT 500, RCYT, M.Ed

Founder & Owner, Grounded Kids Yoga

Amy Haysman is the founder and owner of Grounded Kids Yoga, LLC. She began her professional journey teaching Middle School Literature—at an age when she was often mistaken for one of her own students. After realizing (with a laugh) that it’s generally unprofessional to bring a baby to school, Amy took a break to raise her children and earn a Masters in Middle Grades Education.

Searching for purpose, Amy walked into her first yoga class and—just three minutes in—became captivated by the idea of making yoga accessible for all kids. By Savasana, her path was sealed. She earned certifications with YogaKids and Radiant Child, followed by decades of experience teaching children. Amy went on to complete laughter yoga certification, multiple 200-hour adult yoga teacher trainings, a 300-hour certification from Bhakti Yogshala in India, and specialized trauma-informed training.

Today, Amy’s greatest joy is teaching yoga to children and training grown-ups to do the same—whether it’s leading trauma-informed classes, hosting Girl Scout workshops, or creating birthday parties that help kids feel seen and celebrated. Grounded Kids Yoga is built on her conviction that every child deserves the chance to express who they truly are. Helping kids (and their grownups) find grounding, confidence, and joy is not just Amy’s purpose—it’s exactly where she’s meant to be found.

Notes

Amy teaches at yoga clubs and studios in Alpharetta & Johns Creek. Email amy@groundedkids.com for a schedule.

Grace Heatherington

Sydney, Work Email: tenpr@xvqmlbtn-nfvn.pbz

Leah Hegstrom

Stockton, New Jersey Work Email: yrnuurtfgebz@tznvy.pbz

Tracy Heifetz

Narberth, Pennsylvania Work Email: genplurvs@lnubb.pbz

Shenise Nicole Henderson

Personal Email: furavfravpbyrypfj@tznvy.pbz

Amanda Hendricks

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Work Email: xvqfbsznanlhaxlbtn@tznvy.pbz

Biography

Amanda’s yoga classes for kids and teens are literacy-infused, integrating stories, words, letters, alliteration, music, art-making, laughter, and games with yoga to empower students along their own path towards deeper self-knowledge and awareness. They focus on helping children cultivate mindfulness and nurturing their physical, emotional, and social needs through grounding structure, yoga movement, and creativity. Amanda’s intention is to give children the chance to discover their own worthiness and inner light—so that they will shine brightly wherever they go.

E-mail kidsofmanayunkyoga@gmail.com for more information about local classes and yoga in schools in Manayunk/Roxborough, Philadelphia.

Notes

Silvia Herstik

Roswell, Georgia Work Email: fvyivnurefgvx@vpybhq.pbz

Marilyn Hildebrandt

Suwanee, Georgia 30024 Cell Phone: 678-558-5670 Work Email: gbyvsrlbtn@lnubb.pbz

Tamera Hill

Atlanta, Georgia Work Email: gnzrenutn@lnubb.pbz

Stephanie Hiltz

, North Carolina Personal Email: fuvygm@yhyhyrzba.pbz

Erin Hodge

Atlanta, Georgia Work Email: phcpnxrf@xvqfrznvy.bet Website: https://groundedkids.com/cb-profile/registers|*|groundedkids.com/cb-profile/registers

Biography

Judy Hoffman

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Work Email: wefubsszna@ubgznvy.pbz

Adam Holcomb

Personal Email: nqnzubypbzo@znp.pbz

Heidi Holland

Loganville, Georgia Work Email: ibyubyynaq4@lnubb.pbz

Biography

Felicia Holtz

Pleasant, Pennsylvania Work Email: sryvpvnybz@tznvy.pbz

Biography

Felicia Holtz, M. Ed; E-RYT 500

Felicia spent the earlier part of her career in the field of education. She taught from Nursery School through most grades and was tenured teaching a Middle School Gifted and Talented and Schoolwide Enrichment Programs in Livingston, NJ.

Felicia completed the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Certification in 2009 and the 300 hour advanced teacher training in 2010 with AmarJyothi in Frenchtown, NJ with an emphasis on Structural Yoga Therapy, Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy and an integrated vinyasa practice. She continues her yoga studies in philosophy, music and meditation through multi-yearly retreats to Ananda Ashram in Monroe, NY and with yoga teachers Sue Elkind and Naime Jezzany. In 2013, Felicia was inspired to train with Grounded Kids to teach yoga to kids and teens bringing her teaching path full circle. Felicia delights in teaching kids, teens and adults of all ages.

Felicia marvels at the energy yoga brings to her life. She lives Point Pleasant, PA with her husband, two sons, one dog, two cats and flock of chickens. She is most appreciative for each chance she receives to learn with and to teach her friends in the Delaware River Valley and beyond.

Neda Honarvar

Atlanta, Georgia Work Email: arqn@gbhtuybirlbtn.pbz Website: http://www.toughloveyoga.com|*|Tough%20Love%20Yoga%20Atlanta

Mary Hooks

IB PYP Coordinator Weddington Hills Elementary School Concord, North Carolina 28027 Personal Email: zpgrnpure@yvir.pbz

Biography

I have over 20 years experience in education and have a passion for meeting the needs of the whole child. I am just beginning my journey in Grounded Kids Yoga and am engaging staff and students at my school in poses and practices to support mindfulness.

Heather Heather Hopkins

Personal Email: ugjvyrf@tznvy.pbz

Biography

I specialize in pre-grounded, elementary age and personalized yoga.

Biography

I am a Grounded Kids Yoga Teacher in Charlotte, NC.

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Amy Haysman, E-RYT 500, RCYT, M.Ed

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