Row of yellow rubber ducks in a line, illustrating Grounded, Grounded, GO!, a kids yoga circle game.

Kids Yoga Game – How to get your ducks in a row with Grounded, Grounded, GO!

Overview

Grounded, Grounded, GO! is a circle game that builds focus, self regulation, and community through movement and mindfulness. It works with mixed ages and any skill level. Use a round mat or two yoga mats in the center and a set of pose cards such as Mini Pose Cards. It is a detective duck duck goose game played with a purpose.

Set Up

Place Grounded Pose Crackers face down in a circle with a large yoga mat in the middle. Use poses that the students are familiar with. Everyone sits in a circle behind the Pose Crackers. The students must sit Grounded Style (cross legged) in order to be touched and potentially get picked. This encourages students to stay grounded and focused at all times.

How to Play

  1. The chooser quietly picks one face down card without showing it.
  2. They walk the circle, gently touching the top of each person’s head with the whole palm and fingers while saying “Grounded.”
  3. When ready, the chooser taps one person and calls the pose name.
  4. The chooser bunny hops around the circle back to their spot. The tapped student tries to tag them before they sit.
  5. If the chooser gets back without being tagged, the tapped student goes to the center to hold the pose. If the chooser is tagged, both students go to the center and shape the pose together as a partner pose.
  6. Classmates act as detectives. First, they name what is working well. Then they offer one cue to help the pose feel better.
  7. The tapped student becomes the next chooser.

Variations

There are many ways to change up this game according to the age and experience of the students or the amount of students and the location.

  • Large groups: Keep a stacked pile of pose cards in the center and pick from the top.
  • Beginners: Teach a small set of poses first. Use only those poses in the game. Add more each week.
  • Detective turns: Choose one or two detectives per round and rotate so every student gets a turn.
  • Silent round: Play without words. Detectives use hand signals for cues.
  • Theme round: Use a theme such as balance, twists, or animal poses.
  • Time limit: Use a soft chime to keep center poses to 10–20 seconds.

Why it works

Students practice impulse control, turn taking, and positive peer feedback. The center pose builds body awareness and confidence. Detective roles strengthen observation, verbal cueing, and classroom leadership.

Teacher tips

Use clear boundaries around touching. The tap is gentle and uses the full palm on the top of the head. If touch is not appropriate for your group, swap the tap for a scarf or a soft tag to the shoulder.

Model feedback language: “I noticed your feet were strong.” “Try pressing through your big toes.” Keep cues short and kind.

Offer visual tools such as Mini Pose Cards for reference. Add reflection time to notice how hearts and minds feel after a few rounds.

Ready, Set, Go!

Ready to play this kids yoga game in your classroom or club? Use Mini Pose Cards and other kids yoga visuals from the shop.

Learn how to create your own kids yoga affirmation card deck.

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