Introduction

Superhero Yoga is a fun and engaging way for students in special education to develop their social-emotional skills. By practicing yoga, students can stretch, breathe, and move their bodies while exercising their brains. This activity is designed to help students build strength, bravery, and confidence in a calming and supportive environment. It also encourages mindfulness and self-awareness, which are essential for developing healthy relationships and coping with everyday challenges.

No-Prep Activity

Superhero Yoga is a simple activity that requires no preparation or materials from the educator. To begin, have your students find a comfortable space on the floor, ensuring they have enough room to move without bumping into others. Encourage students to stand up tall and picture themselves as superheroes who can do anything. Guide them through the following yoga poses, each with an empowering affirmation:

1. Mountain Pose: Stand up straight with arms reaching up to the sky. Take a deep breath and repeat, “I am strong!” Hold for 5 seconds.
2. Tree Pose: Stand up tall, lift one leg up, and extend arms like tree branches. Take a deep breath and say, “I am brave!” Hold for 5 seconds.
3. Chair Pose: Bend down as if sitting in an invisible chair. Say, “I am smart!” Hold for 5 seconds.
4. Star Pose: Spread feet out wide and extend arms to the sides. Count the five points of a star while reaching out wide and say, “I am kind!”

Discussion Questions

After completing the Superhero Yoga activity, use these discussion questions to facilitate further conversations with your students:

1. How did you feel during the Superhero Yoga activity? Did you notice any changes in your body or emotions?
2. Which superhero pose was your favorite? Why?
3. How can practicing yoga help you develop social-emotional skills like self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy?
4. What other activities or strategies can you use to feel calm and centered when facing challenges?
5. How can you use the affirmations from the Superhero Yoga activity in your daily life to remind yourself of your strengths?

Related Skills

In addition to the social-emotional skills developed through Superhero Yoga, students may benefit from practicing other related skills, such as:

• Mindfulness and meditation techniques for stress reduction and increased focus.
• Deep breathing exercises to improve self-regulation and emotional control.
• Role-playing activities to enhance communication, problem-solving, and empathy.
• Gratitude practices to boost positivity and resilience.

Next Steps

Interested in incorporating more social-emotional learning activities into your special education classroom? Sign up for free sample materials from Everyday Speech to access a variety of resources designed to support your students’ growth and development. Explore additional activities, videos, and games that can help your students build essential life skills and thrive both in and out of the classroom.