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Yoga for Kids: Free Worksheet and Video with Easy Yoga Poses

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Yoga, breathing exercises, and calming strategies for kids

Helping kids manage their energy and emotions can be a challenge. One effective way to support self-regulation, focus, and stress relief is through yoga for kids. By incorporating simple yoga poses into daily routines, educators, counselors, social workers, and therapists can equip children with powerful mindfulness tools to feel calm and centered.

Free Resources for Teaching Yoga

To help you introduce yoga to students, we’re sharing two resources from our social skills curriculum:

Why Yoga for Kids?

Yoga isn’t just about stretching—it’s a tool for emotional regulation, mindfulness, and movement. Practicing easy yoga poses for kids can help:
  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Improve focus and attention
  • Encourage self-awareness and relaxation
  • Build strength and coordination
When kids have structured ways to move and breathe, they gain strategies to manage big emotions in a healthy way.

Easy Yoga Poses for Kids

Using yoga in schools or therapy settings doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple, effective poses you can introduce:

  • Mountain Pose – Stand tall, feet together, arms at sides. Helps with grounding and focus.
  • Tree Pose – Stand on one foot, place the other on your ankle or thigh, and balance. Builds concentration and stability.
  • Butterfly Pose – Sit with feet together and knees apart, gently flutter knees. Encourages relaxation.
  • Star Pose – Stand with legs wide, arms stretched out. Helps release energy and improve body awareness.
  • Down Dog Pose – Hands and feet on the ground, hips lifted. Strengthens and calms the mind.

Want even more poses? Download the Yoga Pose Library for a full guide!

Strategies for Teaching Yoga in Schools & Therapy

Introducing yoga to kids in educational and therapeutic settings can be a powerful tool for fostering self-regulation, focus, and emotional well-being. Below are practical ways to integrate yoga effectively into different environments, ensuring accessibility and engagement for all students.

In the Classroom

Use yoga as a break-time activity to help students reset and refocus. Short movement sessions throughout the day enhance attention and engagement.

At Home

Encourage parents to integrate yoga at home, giving students tools to manage emotions beyond the classroom. The Yoga Pose Library Worksheet provides an easy starting point.

In Small Groups

Facilitate small group sessions where students practice poses together, promoting teamwork and mindfulness.

Pairing Yoga with Breathing Exercises

Combine yoga poses with breathing exercises to help students calm their bodies and minds. This reinforces mindfulness and enhances relaxation.

Using Engaging Resources

Introduce yoga with visual and interactive tools:

Making Yoga a Routine

Encourage consistency by incorporating short yoga breaks into daily schedules. Even a few minutes can make a difference in focus and regulation.

Want More? Access Additional Free Resources!

We offer a free 30-day trial where you can use our thousands of video lessons, worksheets, and games to teach social skills like mindfulness. Here’s an example video modeling lesson from our curriculum:

Download Free Mindfulness Activities

Yoga, breathing exercises, and calming strategies for kids

Get free social skills materials every week

Sign up for Material Mix Monday – zero prep, ready to use