Setting Up the Class (Via Zoom & In-Person): A Guide for Kids’ Yoga Teachers
Over the years, yoga has continued growing in popularity among children. Through kids' yoga, the young ones are able to cultivate self-awareness and inner calmness, while also getting physically active in a fun way. Kids can greatly benefit from yoga through various activities, whether they are in a yoga studio or even in their own homes.
As children, it is important for them to have a well-structured class. A kids' yoga teacher needs to overcome the challenge of keeping these little ones engaged for the entire session as well as teaching them new poses effectively and safely. Kids' yoga instructor training courses can help in developing the skills necessary to overcome such a challenge.
In this blog, we’ll share helpful tips on how you can set up an effective children’s yoga session, whether via online or via in-person.
General Tips for Setting Up Zoom Sessions
Zoom sessions are really popular at this time due to convenience. So, here are some general tips on how to prepare the Zoom session as a certified kids’ yoga instructor:
1. Use the chat box to set parameters.
Depending on the age group of the participants, It’s important to establish the rules beforehand. Use the Zoom chat box to lay down these rules.
2. Use the mute button as necessary.
Younger children can be very vocal during sessions. So make sure to use the mute button to your advantage. Zoom has a feature that allows you to mute participants.
3. Pin/spotlight yourself.
You don’t want the kids to get distracted. Be sure to pin or put the spotlight on yourself so they can focus on you and your instructions.
4. Use emojis as applicable.
Kids love fun. Using emojis during sessions can help make instructions more fun for them.
5. Use things that can be found in their homes.
When performing the online games or activities, be sure to incorporate various things that the young ones can easily find in their homes or easily within their reach. By doing so, you can keep them engaged and not have them wander around looking for such things.
General Tips for In-Person Classes
If you are thinking of setting up in-person classes, these are general tips that most kids’ yoga teacher training programs will advise:
Keep distractions at a minimum.
Children can easily get distracted, especially in the younger age groups. Remove items that are not needed in the session. If you’re unable to physically remove these items, cover them up. Kids won’t be distracted with things they can’t see.
Know the layout of the studio.
Whether it’s your own studio or you’re renting one, it’s important to know where the bathrooms are. Younger participants tend to need the bathrooms often.
Designate a quiet corner.
In relation to the previous tip, you also need to designate a quiet corner. There are certain situations where children may need to take a pause, especially spirited ones.
Ensure even class temperature.
Make sure that the studio is not too hot nor too cold. If possible, ensure that there is bright lighting for the entire area.
Bring props.
Props can keep the attention of the participants in your session. Make sure that these props are helpful and safe.
Be flexible.
Children, depending on the age group, might be very vocal about their preferences. For instance, they might not want to use yoga mats. They might not want to take off their shoes. So, it’s important to have the willingness to be flexible in these situations.
Conclusion
Setting up a fun and effective kids’ yoga session, whether via Zoom or live in-person, can be achievable when you keep these tips in mind. A kids’ yoga teacher training program can also help you set up a complete session for your participants.
Interested in training to become a Yoga Alliance Certified Kids Yoga Teacher? Our Yoga Alliance-approved Kids’ Inclusive Yoga Teacher Training course is online, and focuses on sharing yoga with all kids! Please check out all the information HERE.
