It is important that the classes remain fun, whilst still focusing on yoga. This can be done through stories and games. Mix them up throughout a term, using partner work, games, props and stories but always remember that the poses should form the basis of the class and these other parts are a way to use them.

Animal bag/masks

Using masks or animal beanbags/toys get children to pick one and replicate a posture relating to the animal.  You can use a bag so it’s a surprise pick.  Move around the room as the animal.  You can also get them to get the animal through the posture.

Lycra Bands

Using the bands to stretch but adding the extra resistance.  Caution must be considered in the way of children placing it around each other and necks.  Use the bands in sitting and standing postures.

Bean bag balance

Using bean bags place them on heads of feet or anywhere that will allow the child to practice balancing.  Slow walking can also be done with bean bag on the head.  Great tool to help concentration.

Emotion ball

Get the children in a circle pass around the ball they must do a posture to relate to the emotion.

Bean Bag Throwing

Using hops and bean bags in partners practice throwing the bags into the centre of the hoops.  Helps coordination and concentration.  You can move the hoops further away if the child gets it inside.

Butterfly Skittles

Arrange the children to find a space in the hall sitting in butterfly position.  Choose a thrower! The aim is to use the big ball navigating it to knock down the butterflies! Like ten pin bowling.  If the butterfly I hit they must fall ball and lie down.  To win all butterflies must be down.

Giant dice to pick a pose

Using a giant dice get the children to roll it in turn and when a number correlates with a posture get the child to do it and hold it for the number on dice as length of seconds.  You can also buy an emotion’s dice and with the same principle use postures to represent the emotions.

Book

Telling a story using visualising props adds extra stimulation.  Use postures to rein act the story, chose a theme relating to the term.

Hula Hoop challenge

The idea is to place the children in a circle and pass a hoop around the circle so they step in the hoop without breaking the chain!

Yoga blocks

Use blocks in class for balancing and sitting on when in postures.  Block balancing on heads and on feet when in relaxing inversion.  They can also be used for balancing on in tree pose.

Yoga balls small

Used between the feet when children on their backs lift ball from the floor lifting it up to their hands.  This can also be done on a line so the child passes the ball from their hands to the next child’s feet like a conveyer belt.  The ball can be used for belly balancing too.

Toga

Same principles as we use in toddlers using a hoop place the small pompoms inside the hoop ask the children to take out the pomp oms using their toes! Improves concentration and good for cool down.