Fall Yoga Games: Let’s Practice Balancing!

I love practicing balance poses in the Fall with my yoga kids because it’s the perfect opportunity to discuss falling over and getting back up again! (Get it?? The season is FALL!) I plan on using the below balance game in my classes next week to help us work on our balance and discussion about life lessons. 

“Stay on the Log” Balance Game

Materials:

• Yoga mats (one per child)

• Small, lightweight objects (think beanbags, fake leaves, or yoga scarves)

 

Setup:

1. Give each child a yoga mat, which will act as their “log” to balance on.

2. Place the mats on the floor, with enough space around each child so they can move without bumping into others.

How to Play:

1. Tell the children that their mat is a log over a river, and they must stay on it to avoid “falling in the water.”

2. Start with basic balance activities, such as:

• Tippy Toes: Practice keeping your heels in the air as you walk the log on your tippy toes.
• Walking on our heels: Practice keeping your toes in the air as you walk the log on your heels!
• Standing on One Foot: Challenge the kids and see if they can lift one foot for a few seconds.
• Tree Pose: Place one foot on the other leg (ankle, calf, or thigh) and balance like a tree.
• Leaf Pose: This is standing star pose. Practice balancing with one leg in the air, then the other.

3. To make it more challenging, add objects to balance:

• Balancing Objects: Give each child a beanbag or soft toy to place on their head or shoulder as they balance. I love using fake leaves, especially when balancing in tree pose!
• Passing Objects: If they’re in pairs, have them pass a small object back and forth while staying on their mats.
• Twists and Turns: Ask them to twist or squat while holding the object, staying on the mat.

While playing this game, remind children to move slowly and keep their arms out for balance. I also use this game as an opportunity to introduce “drishtis” and “focus friends.” These spots help us focus our eyes and help us balance. Fall Yoga Games: practice balancing! encourages concentration.

This game builds core stability, balance, and coordination, while encouraging children to focus and have fun with imaginative play. Fall Yoga Games: practice balancing! will become a favorite activity.

Do you have a balance game that you love to use in class? I’d love to hear it and share it on my website (with proper credit, of course!)!!

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