How can yoga help children with anxiety or stress?

Yoga helps calm the nervous system by guiding children into physical shapes, breath patterns, and sequences that activate the parasympathetic branch — responsible for rest, digestion, and emotional regulation. Grounded Kids Yoga integrates element-based movement with breath and mantra to support this shift. For anxiety or heightened stress, we begin with movement that discharges excess energy and transitions into grounding poses like Down Dog, Go To Your Room, Child’s Pose, Calm Down Pose, and Resting Pose. These are drawn directly from our Earth Element toolkit. Breathing techniques such as Just Breathe, Bubble Gum Breath, and Breath of Joy help children settle their thoughts and feel present. Focus in Time routines provide structured visual tools to guide this process in short, repeatable sequences.

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

Grounded Kids Yoga uses poses that bring the head below the heart, encourage stillness, and integrate the tactile, vestibular, and proprioception senses. These include Child’s Pose, Down Dog, Go To Your Room, Rock and Roll, and Calm Down Pose. Calm Down Pose offers grounding through weight-bearing and proprioceptive input. When combined with steady breath, it teaches the nervous system how to settle. We always close with Resting Pose, which allows the body and brain to integrate and restore. Poses are sequenced intentionally and their effect deepens when taught with rhythm, consistency, and student-friendly breath cues.

What breathing techniques help kids who feel overwhelmed?

Breathing techniques that support the parasympathetic nervous system are essential for calming overwhelmed children. In Grounded Kids Yoga, we use Bubble Gum Breath, Just a Sip, Lotus Breath, and Left Breath Right — each with distinct regulatory benefits. Bubble Gum Breath is energizing and organizing. Lotus Breath promotes focus and whole-brain integration. Just a Sip cools and grounds. Left Breath Right balances both hemispheres of the brain. These are practiced sitting or standing and taught with visual and kinesthetic cues for accessibility.

Can yoga help with emotional outbursts or meltdowns?

Yes — yoga gives children sensory-informed, emotionally safe tools they can learn before they reach a state of overload. Grounded Kids Yoga includes poses like Twist and Target, Rock and Roll, Laughter Milkshake, and Calm Down Pose to support nervous system reset during emotional build-up or recovery. Our method does not expect a child to stop a meltdown on demand. Instead, it builds emotional literacy and state awareness by giving kids agency over their body’s responses. Routines that move from high to low intensity help kids learn how to return to regulation through movement, sound, or stillness.

What are some short yoga routines to help kids self-regulate?

Short regulation flows are at the core of our Focus in Time curriculum. These 5–10 minute mini-sequences are designed to help kids move from dysregulation into calm using rhythm, repetition, and breath. Each routine follows the Grounded arc: movement → transition → rest. A sample flow might begin with Down Dog, shift to Just a Sip for breath, and end in Resting Pose. These routines are ideal for classroom transitions, brain breaks, or behavior support plans — especially when practiced consistently using visuals or pose chips.

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

Start with our lesson plan template, which includes the full Grounded class arc: Theme, Heart Action, Yoga Philosophy, Alignment Action, Tune In, Warm Up, Sequence, Cool Down, Rest, Elevate, and Sprinklings. This arc applies across age groups — you just adjust how it’s delivered. For preschoolers and young kids, use more repetition, songs, and visual cues. Keep pose instructions short and playful, and limit sequences to 4–6 poses. For elementary students, add longer flows and integration projects. With tweens and teens, increase complexity, emotional reflection, and opportunities to co-lead. The structure stays consistent — the rhythm, pacing, and tone evolve with the child.

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

Every Grounded Kids Yoga class follows a clear rhythm that creates safety, consistency, and flow. We use a structured 11-part format that includes: Theme, Heart Action, Yoga Philosophy, Alignment Action, Tune In, Warm Up, Sequence, Cool Down, Rest, Elevate, and Sprinklings. The sequence is flexible, but the flow matters. You start by setting the energetic tone, then layer in poses, transitions, stories, breathwork, and activities that match your group and theme. For younger kids, you might emphasize repetition and ritual. For older students, you can expand into co-creation, reflection, and stillness. What makes the structure 'essential' is how it helps children feel safe enough to explore and elevate.

Where can I find printable or downloadable yoga lesson plans for kids?

Grounded Kids Yoga offers printable lesson plans and visual class templates in our trainings, products, and downloads. Our 11-part lesson plan format is used across all age groups, and you’ll find themed sequences in our Pose Cards, Superheroes Curriculum, and training manuals. Use our templates to build custom flows or pull ready-made plans like 'Inner Fire,' 'My Breath Flow,' or 'Charlie and the Chakra Factory.' These are ideal for teachers, therapists, and parents who want to guide meaningful classes using real methodology.

What are fun and effective yoga themes to use with children?

Children learn best through themes that feel familiar, fun, and meaningful. Our Grounded Kids Yoga themes combine movement, story, and emotional growth in ways kids remember and love. Examples include: Charlie and the Chakra Factory – explore energy centers through character development and chocolate-factory-style wonder; Pizza Party – layer poses and breath like ingredients to build focus, connection, and body awareness; Superhero Alignment – embody grounded strength, flexibility, and compassion through themed flows tied to the chakras; Inner Fire – ignite confidence and personal power through breath, balance, and movement; My Breath Flow – use visualization and rhythmic movement to build awareness and regulation. Each theme is mapped to alignment actions, heart virtues, and developmental goals — making them ideal for school settings, enrichment programs, or therapy-based sessions.

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

Use short yoga sequences that follow the Grounded rhythm: Theme → Movement → Rest. Just compress the arc. These micro-flows are ideal for classroom transitions, sensory breaks, and behavior resets — especially when repeated daily. Our Focus in Time curriculum was specifically created for this. It includes 4-, 5-, 8-, 9-, and 10-minute sequences that are easy to teach with no props and no prior yoga experience required. Lessons like 'Prepare to Thrive,' 'Time & Again,' and 'Strengthen Your Spine' use clear visuals and repeated rhythm to help kids shift state quickly and sustainably. These can be used in schools, therapy sessions, or at home.

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

Start with our lesson plan template, which includes the full Grounded class arc: Theme, Heart Action, Yoga Philosophy, Alignment Action, Tune In, Warm Up, Sequence, Cool Down, Rest, Elevate, and Sprinklings. This arc applies across age groups — you just adjust how it’s delivered. For preschoolers and young kids, use more repetition, songs, and visual cues. Keep pose instructions short and playful, and limit sequences to 4–6 poses. For elementary students, add longer flows and integration projects. With tweens and teens, increase complexity, emotional reflection, and opportunities to co-lead. The structure stays consistent — the rhythm, pacing, and tone evolve with the child.

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

Every Grounded Kids Yoga class follows a clear rhythm that creates safety, consistency, and flow. We use a structured 11-part format that includes: Theme, Heart Action, Yoga Philosophy, Alignment Action, Tune In, Warm Up, Sequence, Cool Down, Rest, Elevate, and Sprinklings. The sequence is flexible, but the flow matters. You start by setting the energetic tone, then layer in poses, transitions, stories, breathwork, and activities that match your group and theme. For younger kids, you might emphasize repetition and ritual. For older students, you can expand into co-creation, reflection, and stillness. What makes the structure 'essential' is how it helps children feel safe enough to explore and elevate.

Where can I find printable or downloadable yoga lesson plans for kids?

Grounded Kids Yoga offers printable lesson plans and visual class templates in our trainings, products, and downloads. Our 11-part lesson plan format is used across all age groups, and you’ll find themed sequences in our Pose Cards, Superheroes Curriculum, and training manuals. Use our templates to build custom flows or pull ready-made plans like 'Inner Fire,' 'My Breath Flow,' or 'Charlie and the Chakra Factory.' These are ideal for teachers, therapists, and parents who want to guide meaningful classes using real methodology.

How do I build a weekly or monthly yoga curriculum for children?

Use Grounded’s 5 Elements or 7 Chakras as your structure. Choose a theme (like Trust, Power, Compassion), then design a class for each based on poses, breathwork, and heart action. For weekly series, rotate through elements or chakras, repeating mini-flows and adding complexity. For monthly planning, align each class with a season, SEL goal, or developmental milestone. The Pose Cards and Superheroes Curriculum make it easy to organize class arcs around purpose—not just movement.

What are fun and effective yoga themes to use with children?

Popular Grounded themes include 'Pizza Party,' 'Chakra Quest,' 'Superhero Alignment,' 'Charlie and the Chakra Factory,' and 'Power in Your Belly.' Each theme supports alignment, emotional development, and class structure. Fun doesn't mean fluff. Our themes are layered with story, music, breath, and visual cues so that children engage their whole selves—not just their muscles. Use our template to match each theme to an alignment action and heart virtue.

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

You can start by grounding yourself — literally and energetically. The Grounded Kids method teaches that before you ground others, you must first learn to center your own presence. This is the first step. From there, we guide you to lead engaging, developmentally appropriate classes using our proven rhythm: tuning in, theme sharing, breathwork, movement, integration, and closing. Even if you've never taught yoga before, you’ll learn how to use clear, confident instructions, give safe pose cues, and create a welcoming environment. Begin with our foundational lesson templates, repetition-based sequences, and signature poses like Dark Seed Light and Washing Machine. You don’t need to know everything — you need to be open, grounded, and willing to practice teaching by teaching.

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

A Grounded Kids Yoga class follows a consistent rhythm that helps students feel safe, focused, and successful. Start by gathering the group and introducing your theme, then guide them through a Tune In ritual like chanting OM or a bija mantra. From there, lead warm-ups, a sequence of theme-aligned poses, cool-downs, and a resting pose. Every class ends with a closing ritual that brings the experience full circle. We emphasize repetition, play, and heart-based instruction. Pose flows can be built around adventure, stillness, laughter, or storytelling. Include chants, games, partner work, or projects as time allows. Music choices should support the class energy, from calming to energizing. Whether you teach in a classroom, studio, or outside, this structure helps your students—and you—stay grounded.

How do I teach yoga to toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary students?

Young children thrive on rhythm, repetition, and reverence. Our Pre-Grounded methodology teaches you to model behavior and poses while engaging multiple intelligences—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. With toddlers and preschoolers, use songs, clapping games, and clear spatial cues like colored carpets or lines on the floor. Take turns for movement and speak from eye level. For elementary students, follow a consistent class rhythm: Opening → Adventure Flow or Solid Ground Flow → Rest → Closing. Blend creative themes, familiar rituals, and story-based flows. Whether indoors or outdoors, your structure, presence, and confidence guide their experience.

What are the most effective warm-up and cool-down activities for children?

Effective warm-ups include rhythmic mini flows (like Shimmy, Play with Fire, and Just Breathe), animal movements, and call-and-response sequences that engage the breath and body. Start with repetition, build into flow, and focus on fun. Cool-downs can include partner games like Ball Breath, visualization such as 'Be the Bubble,' gentle breath-based movement, and Resting Pose with guided imagery. Children thrive when transitions between energetic peaks and quiet grounding are deliberate and consistent.

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

Grounded Kids Yoga teaches you to tune into student energy and lead from presence. Use name plates, music cues, visual aids, and call-and-response patterns to maintain rhythm. Alternate between movement and stillness, and always make eye contact when giving directions. Elemental Conduct helps you respond to each child’s unique constitution—Fire children crave precision, Water children need comfort, Air children want movement, and so on. Balance structure with creativity, and redirect energy instead of fighting it.

What certification do I need to teach yoga to children?

To teach yoga to children, it's recommended — and in many schools, required — to complete a specialized kids yoga teacher training. Grounded Kids Yoga offers a certification that prepares you to teach in schools, studios, therapy settings, and enrichment programs. Our program is trauma-informed, SEL-aligned, and developmentally appropriate for kids of all ages.

How do I become a certified kids yoga teacher?

You can become a certified kids yoga teacher by completing a comprehensive training program like the one offered by Grounded Kids Yoga. Our certification includes instructional hours, practice teaching, alignment techniques, and a full curriculum kit. You can train online or in person, and start teaching right away upon completion.

Is your training approved for CEUs or continuing education credits?

Yes. Our kids yoga certification training is approved for CEUs (Continuing Education Units) and PLUs for educators, therapists, and professionals depending on your state or licensing board. We also partner with organizations like Courses4Teachers to offer graduate-level credit options.

Can I take the kids yoga certification course online?

Absolutely. Our certification can be completed 100% online through a self-paced course platform. You’ll receive lifetime access to training videos, teaching manuals, and downloadable resources. We also offer live office hours and coaching support to guide you every step of the way.

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.

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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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