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.

Benefits of Yoga for Kids: Enhancing Wellness

Kids Warm to Yoga

Article by Maria Smith | Originally featured in John’s Creek Lifestyle Magazine
Featuring Amy Haysman, Founder of Grounded Kids Yoga

Many kids today spend most of their time bouncing from one activity to the next, juggling multiple pieces of technology and tackling hours of homework every night. The thought of adding one more thing to their schedule may seem overwhelming—but when that extra activity is yoga, it might just be what they need most.

Johns Creek Yoga believes that yoga can be a powerful tool for the transformation of mind, body, and spirit. Their children’s yoga sessions are led by skilled instructors from Grounded Kids Yoga, a program co-founded by Amy Haysman, who brings a deeply empowering and holistic approach to youth wellness.

What Are the Benefits of Yoga for Kids?

According to Haysman, children who practice yoga learn how to direct their attention and manage their energy.Instead of constantly responding to external stimuli—friends, teachers, parents, devices—yoga teaches kids to focus inward. By starting with their own breath, they connect to their inner teacher, personal power, and the goodness in their own heart.

“It is this light inside that will always guide them toward being their best and unique self,” Haysman says.

This self-awareness fosters:

A deep sense of well-being
The ability to focus and self-regulate
A natural desire to connect with others
Greater physical strength, flexibility, and relaxation
Emotional tools to navigate stress, anxiety, and the ups and downs of life

Can Anyone Practice Yoga?

“Yes,” says Haysman. “Yoga will meet a person where they are—but not leave them there.”

Certified children’s yoga instructors are trained to recognize both what a child wants and what they need, and to offer both in ways that are engaging and well-received.

Children with mild to severe special needs also benefit tremendously from yoga. These benefits include:

Enhanced body and breath awareness
Improved motor planning and communication
Sensory integration and nervous system regulation
Core strength, impulse control, and anxiety management

Why Should Children Be Taught Yoga?

“Children should be taught that they are worthy, exceptional beings here on Earth for the purpose of sharing their gifts and talents with the world—as only they can,” Haysman says.

Yoga builds a solid foundation of:

Awareness
Perseverance
Self-love
Compassion

These are the tools that empower children to grow into mindful, balanced, and resilient adults.

Yoga helps kids calm down, center themselves, and find focus and balance in their lives.

Kids Warm to Yoga: How Grounded Kids Yoga Helps Children Thrive Mentally, Physically & Emotionally