My April & May yoga classes are always focused on sunshine, rainbows and baby animals. These themes create a dynamic energy in the classroom and my students get so excited about these topics. The gloomy dreary weather we have been having in NJ needs this energy! April and May are perfect times to theme children’s yoga classes that celebrate the beauty of transformation and the magical wonders of spring. Below are some exciting themes to explore:
Rainbows and Chakras
Introduce children to the concept of chakras through the colors of the rainbow. Start with a discussion about what chakras are and how we each have a rainbow inside of us. (Chakras are energy centers along our spine – more information about Chakras can be found on the Yogapedia link!).
Each color of the rainbow corresponds to a different chakra, making it a fun and visual way to teach about balance and energy. I have an entire lesson called “Our Bodies are Rainbows” and describe the different colors linked with each chakra. Then we move on to the different yoga poses that are connected to each chakra and their purpose. Certain poses help us gain access to specific chakras and move energy within our bodies. This theme is especially powerful for middle school and high school students.
Incorporate poses that represent each chakra color, like Triangle Pose for blue or Cobra Pose for green. Many poses are linked to several chakras and colors. My younger students love to sing songs about Rainbows.
Weather Wonders
April is known for its varied weather, from gentle showers to sunny days. This theme provides endless options to discuss the ever changing weather. Create a Thunderstorm in the classroom with this idea from Science World. Teach a Sun Salutation using Kira Willey’s “Dance for the Sun” or have your students create their own. Another song I LOVE to use when discussing the weather is “If All of the Raindrops“. There are different versions of this song. This one is my favorite.
Encourage kids to share what they love about the changing weather and let them express how they feel through movement.
Blooms & Blossoms
Flowers are beginning to bloom all around us. My students LOVE a Garden themed class. There are so many options and varieties for this type of class. You can teach kids about different flowers and their colors while transitioning through flowery poses, like Flower Pose and Lotus Pose. I know some instructors love to incorporate arts and crafts, letting them create their own flower headbands to add a special touch to the class.
I use this class to focus on growth – and the time it takes to nurture and grow flowers. My students also love a Tree yoga flow when we grow from a tiny seed into a big tree. Child’s Pose -> Tree!
Baby Animals
Spring heralds the birth of adorable baby animals! Create an animal-themed yoga class where each pose is a different baby animal. Picture this: Frog Pose for little, bouncing frogs, Kitten Pose to stretch and play, and Cow pose to MOOOOO! Discuss the importance of caring for our animal friends and how each is special in its own way.
This class is probably one of my most loved classes among preschool and lower elementary aged children. Who doesn’t love talking about baby animals??
Unity with Nature
Teach the kids about the connection of all living beings. Another idea, is a yoga class that combines poses with breathing exercises while talking about nature. Do you love all of these topics? Create a class that includes all of them! Discuss how baby animals, blooming flowers, and even rainbows all have their place in the circle of life.
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Interested in classes or more ideas? Let’s Connect!
Nice article on yoga for kids. You have explained so beautifully about the yoga sequence and benefits of yoga for kids. I have a 4 year old kid, will definitely make my kid practice this.
Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy practicing with your four year old!