I typically start my children’s yoga classes with a connecting activity and then jump into the rules of our time together. This is an integral part of my class and allows me to set expectations to create a safe, inclusive environment for all of my students. It’s also one of the main differences I highlight when talking about teaching children versus adults. I don’t typically kick off my adult classes with, “We listen with our ears and watch with our eyes!”
Below is a list of majority of the rules I emphasize with my students each time we meet. I have found that my students need this repetition week to week and it allows me to teach a large number of students at one time while keeping everyone safe and engaged.
Rules about our body and movement
- We watch with our eyes and listen with our ears.
- We stay on our mats. (Unless there is a pose or game that requires us to come off of our mats.)
- Our mats stay flat. (Unless we are rolling ourselves up).
- Our body, our rules. We respect our bodies – we do what feels best for us.
Rules to respect others
- We don’t touch our friends (Exception: partner poses and only if our partner is willing!)
- We encourage others.
- We respect each other
- We don’t compare – all of our bodies have different abilities.
- We have FUN!
I have found that sharing these children’s yoga class rules at the beginning of class sets expectations for our time together. It also allows me the opportunity to redirect the class/a student when they aren’t being followed.
I found this adorable poster (It’s free, with an account!) on twinkl, that gives students a great visual of some rules you may have in class.
Would love to hear how you kick off class and if you use any rules in your classes!