When I first started teaching, I read and absorbed as much information as I could about children’s yoga. I loved my training with YogaKids international, but I wanted to expand my knowledge with a variety of instructors and teachers. Along the way, I have found that by reading, training and taking classes with different instructors my teaching improves. I enjoy learning from different backgrounds and specialities and always walk away with new ideas and/or things to consider for my classes. I’ve read a ton of books at this point and below are my top recommendations for anyone looking for the best books for teaching children’s yoga. These books are perfect for new children’s instructors and/or seasoned instructors. Every time I read them, they help me build upon my current foundation. I have returned back to these resources several time over the years.
Yoga for Children, by Lisa Flynn E-RYT, RCYT
This book was the first one to supplement my children’s teaching certification and I found it very easy to read and follow. The first part of the book starts debunks some myths about yoga and then describes the benefits of practicing yoga with children. It then moves through meditation, breathing techniques and poses and delivers the information in a concise manner – describing the body benefits, what you can say and what you can practice to make it accessible to children. I still revisit this book from time to time as a resource and to help inspire new ideas. It is one of the best books for teaching children’s yoga.
Sensory Yoga for Kids: Therapeutic Movement for Children of all Abilities by Britt Collins MS, OTR/L
This book captured my attention during my early teaching days. This book starts with an introduction on sensory processing. After I began reading it, I immediately started brainstorming new ideas on how I should lead my yoga classes. As a TBI survivor2, I am very sensitive to sensory processing – and I never want my students to shy away from my classes because the way I teach does not make yoga accessible to them. This book has specific chapters dedicated to children with different needs. They are focused on sensory challenges, autism spectrum disorder, physical challenges- you get the idea! This book gave me the opportunity to INCLUDE ALL and EVERY one of my students. It allowed me to meet them where they are at and make yoga accessible to them. Truly, one of the best books for teaching children’s yoga.
The below aren’t books, but my kids/students love these card decks:
Yoga Pretzels, by Tara Guber, Leah Kalish, and Sophie Fetus
This is my favorite card deck for yoga classes in the studio and/or outside of the classroom. The illustrations are adorable and poses are easy to recreate. The colors are bright and engaging and the description of the poses and benefits are spot on.
Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards, by Sara J. Weis
An inexpensive deck – and easy to follow. Some of my students will play around with these cards independently while waiting for class to start. A bit more basic than the card deck mentioned above, so they may be easier to mimic for some students.
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