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.

Practices & Philosophy

Raising Doubts!

ByCheryl Crawford April 26, 2012October 2, 2017

Hey did you know?
or maybe you heard?
Doubts need attention~
Sounds quite absurd!

They seek comfort among shadows,
and tend to grow stale,

Crinkly and dull
craving exhales.

Left all alone~
Doubts suffer from depression,
get stuffed away,
and morph into aggression.

Doubts dwell in our bellies,
Dull, sleepy in this place~
And contract to remind us
when we need more space.

They listen to our blames,
our anger, our fears.~
They need to be seen~
to be heard loud and clear.

How can you find them?
you ask with desire~
Crank up this pose called
‘Playing with Fire”!

From a seated position,
Ground into your seat~
Lift up your legs
Rub the soles of your feet.

Keep rubbing feet together,
add your palms in as well~
Rub feet and hands~
Create friction, that’s swell!

To Generate more heat
scoop your tailbone in strong~
Your low belly will lift~
Now you’re coming along!

Match your breath
to your movements~
Vigorous and fast
Play with the fire!
Fuel your light, at last!

Become aware of your breath~
Follow breath to your belly
Warm up the doubts~
till they feel more like jelly.

Welcome with clarity~
welcome with ease~
Be there with yourself~
Listen, if you please.

Tap into your shadows
by igniting the light!
The sun of your body
is meant to burn bright!~

It’s the source of your power~
your shining gem!
Invite your doubts to play
and get to know them.

Nourish them by listening
and feeding them truth.
Tend to them often
as a faithful sleuth.

You have 2 or 3 Doubts,
Though it feels like a hundred,
Honor and love them
and raise them with wonder.

Notice Your mission, your purpose,
your light~
gets stronger, more potent more accessible
and bright.

Practices & Philosophy

Yoga By Letter: Y

ByCheryl Crawford May 12, 2015November 19, 2020

In Y Out Y Yoga with the Y Yes, Yin, Yang In Y In In Y Out Y Yoga with the Y Yawning, Yucky, Yelling Out Y Out In Y Out Y Yoga with the Y Yippee, Yay, Yoga In Y In Yippee Yeah Yay to all Youth who do the Yogas. P…

Practices & Philosophy | Teaching Tips & Training Quips

Yoga By Letters: K

ByCheryl Crawford December 8, 2014November 19, 2020

In K Out K Yoga with the K Kickstart Kinetic Kindess In K In In K Out K Yoga with the K Kicking, Killing, Kvetching Out K Out We practiced Kindness in our Yoga Club today~first being kind to ourselves and then with partners, and finally with others who are not in our club. We…

Practices & Philosophy

Yoga By Letter: M

ByCheryl Crawford January 16, 2015November 19, 2020

In M Out M Yoga with the M Mindful, Mantras, Mudras In M In In M Out M Yoga with the M Manipulative, Miserable, Mean Out M Out In M Out M Yoga with the M Make Mundane Meaningful In M In In M Out M Yoga with the M Misaligned obstacles, Misplaced and…

Practices & Philosophy

A Grounded Guide for Kids: Inspired by the Wisdom of The Little Prince

ByCheryl Crawford November 29, 2011November 19, 2020

Grown-ups like numbers. When you tell them about a new friend, they never ask questions about what really matters. They never ask: “What does his voice sound like?” “What games does he like best?” “Does he collect butterflies?” They ask: “How old is he?” “How many brothers does he have?” “How much does he weigh?” “How much does his father make?” Only then do they think they know him. If you tell grown-ups, “I saw a beautiful red brick house, with geraniums at the windows and doves on the roof…” They won’t be able to imagine such a house. You have to tell them “I saw a house worth a hundred thousand francs.” Then they exclaim, “What a pretty house!”…That’s the way they are. You must not hold it against them. Children should be very understanding of grown-ups.

— The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupery

So Children, how do you master the art of Grown-up relationships one conversation at a time?

Practices & Philosophy

LOVE as an ACTION in Middle School

ByCheryl Crawford February 14, 2018October 23, 2023

“LOVE has two polarities-conditional and unconditional. Conditional LOVE has expectations, which give us pain and joy. Unconditional LOVE gives us ecstasy, self-fulfillment, self-respect, self-esteem, and knowledge of our higher selves.” We connected to our lineage of teachings at Renfroe Middle, our training ground. Our Step 2 teachers led the way…. We rooted into our legs…

Practices & Philosophy | Teaching Tips & Training Quips

when something horrible happens

ByChelsea OHalloran November 10, 2011October 2, 2017

how do you teach yoga to teens? you start by teaching Truth. speak to the highest in them. they will get it when you tell them that they are a spiritual being in a physical body and that they are immeasurably powerful. when they root their feet into their mat, into the earth in Mountain pose they will feel steady and strong; a steadiness they themselves create becomes a thing they can rely upon. when their feet are rooted into the earth, they will become rooted in their integrity. when they are faced with difficult situations they can breathe into steadiness, root into their integrity and make grounded choices.

2 Comments

Chelsea says:
April 27, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Thanks Cheryl! For making inner work playful.
Reply
Kelley Sue Hardin says:
June 3, 2012 at 4:02 am
I love this, Cheryl! Thank you so much for sharing. Doubts can be so scary, but also they let us know something great is just around the corner.
Reply

Hey did you know?or maybe you heard?Doubts need attention~Sounds quite absurd!

They seek comfort among shadows,and tend to grow stale,

Crinkly and dull craving exhales.

Left all alone~Doubts suffer from depression,get stuffed away,and morph into aggression.

Doubts dwell in our bellies,Dull, sleepy in this place~And contract to remind uswhen we need more space.

They listen to our blames,our anger, our fears.~ They need to be seen~to be heard loud and clear.

How can you find them?you ask with desire~Crank up this pose called‘Playing with Fire”!

From a seated position,Ground into your seat~Lift up your legs Rub the soles of your feet.

Keep rubbing feet together,add your palms in as well~Rub feet and hands~Create friction, that’s swell!

To Generate more heat scoop your tailbone in strong~Your low belly will lift~Now you’re coming along!

Match your breathto your movements~Vigorous and fastPlay with the fire!Fuel your light, at last!

Become aware of your breath~Follow breath to your bellyWarm up the doubts~till they feel more like jelly.

Welcome with clarity~welcome with ease~Be there with yourself~Listen, if you please.

Tap into your shadowsby igniting the light!The sun of your bodyis meant to burn bright!~

It’s the source of your power~your shining gem!Invite your doubts to playand get to know them.

Nourish them by listeningand feeding them truth.Tend to them often as a faithful sleuth.

You have 2 or 3 Doubts,Though it feels like a hundred,Honor and love themand raise them with wonder.

Notice Your mission, your purpose, your light~gets stronger, more potent more accessibleand bright.

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Hey did you know?
or maybe you heard?
Doubts need attention~
Sounds quite absurd!

They seek comfort among shadows,
and tend to grow stale,

Crinkly and dull
craving exhales.

Left all alone~
Doubts suffer from depression,
get stuffed away,
and morph into aggression.

Doubts dwell in our bellies,
Dull, sleepy in this place~
And contract to remind us
when we need more space.

They listen to our blames,
our anger, our fears.~
They need to be seen~
to be heard loud and clear.

How can you find them?
you ask with desire~
Crank up this pose called
‘Playing with Fire”!

From a seated position,
Ground into your seat~
Lift up your legs
Rub the soles of your feet.

Keep rubbing feet together,
add your palms in as well~
Rub feet and hands~
Create friction, that’s swell!

To Generate more heat
scoop your tailbone in strong~
Your low belly will lift~
Now you’re coming along!

Match your breath
to your movements~
Vigorous and fast
Play with the fire!
Fuel your light, at last!

Become aware of your breath~
Follow breath to your belly
Warm up the doubts~
till they feel more like jelly.

Welcome with clarity~
welcome with ease~
Be there with yourself~
Listen, if you please.

Tap into your shadows
by igniting the light!
The sun of your body
is meant to burn bright!~

It’s the source of your power~
your shining gem!
Invite your doubts to play
and get to know them.

Nourish them by listening
and feeding them truth.
Tend to them often
as a faithful sleuth.

You have 2 or 3 Doubts,
Though it feels like a hundred,
Honor and love them
and raise them with wonder.

Notice Your mission, your purpose,
your light~
gets stronger, more potent more accessible
and bright.