Parents everywhere are scheduling activities for their kids this summer to avoid the dreaded “I’m bored” complaint. Remember to add YOGA to the list because kids love it, and I’ve got a summer-themed lesson plan to help!
In case you missed my previous blogs on children’s yoga:
Summer themed kids yoga class
So much of what I teach on here is about using themes and sequencing. For adults. Yoga for children is a whole different game (and crafts, books, and other fun activities).
While there are differences, there are also some strong similarities like themes and sequencing 
.
First, you can see what a basic breakdown of a kids yoga class might look like. The rest of the blog discusses those individual sections in more detail using the theme of Summer Vibes.
The basic sequence:
Welcome/intro of theme or lesson
Centering + breathing
Warmup (postures or movement activity)
Activity (games or crafts)
Working (postures or movement activity)
Calm down (a great time to color)
Final relaxation
WELCOME + INTRO OF THEME OR LESSON
As the children enter, say hello and welcome them to class. Invite them to choose a spot in the room. You might have might have mats or you can also use these clever Sit Spots if space is an issue.
Next, introduce yourself and the class theme (or lesson) of Summer Vibes.
Ask them if they’re excited for school to get out and what plans they have for the summer? Make note of what they said, and if possible, weave their responses into one of the activities.
Older kids/tweens/teens might enjoy hearing inspirational quotes throughout class.
Here area few that correspond to our theme:
- Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink in the wild air. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Cause a little bit of summer is what the whole year is about. -John Mayer
- Summer should get a speeding ticket. -Unknown
- It’s cool to be kind. -Unknown
Younger children like make-believe and that brings a magical element to yoga because they can be anything they want, like a life guard or a marine animal.
Their imaginations can transport them to anywhere in the world like a beach vacation on a faraway island or something more local like a summer camp with s’mores.
centering + breathing
Just like adults, kids need that all important centering, a time for them to go quiet and block out distractions.
With the theme of Summer Vibes have the kids sit in criss-cross-applesauce and close their eyes. Then let them pretend they feel the sun’s warmth on their faces.
Continue “soaking in the sun” while you transition to pranayama. In this lesson, have them focus on simple, deep breathing.
To encourage full breaths in younger children, ask them to breathe in the sun until they feel it poke out their bellies. With older children, maybe you guide them to imagine shifting from the busyness of school to the lazy days of summer.
warm up movement or postures
You can choose to do some yoga asanas or another type of movement activity. Be sure to check out the next section for more ideas about kids yoga activities.
Sun salutations are a perfect way to warm up and support our theme of Summer Vibes.
- Mountain- hello sun
- Forward bend- look to your toes
- Halfway lift- shine your inner sun
- Plank- jump back, lower to floor
- Cobra- look to the sky
- Downdog- dive into the pool
kids yoga activities
- Theme appropriate coloring sheet
- Theme appropriate craft
- Reading a book that ties into the theme (there are some recommendations at the end)
- Sun salutation drawing sheet like the one at Breathe.Flow.Grow
main set of postures
Now let’s introduce some yoga asanas if you haven’t already in the warmup.
Keeping with the Summer Vibes theme, we’re going to use a blow-up beach ball to help us with the main set of postures.
Inflate the ball (you can grab one at the dollar store) and write the names of several postures on the ball.
The kids take turns throwing it at each other. When the child catches/gets the ball they have to do the posture they’re looking at. You could also have the group do the selected postures together.
If time permits, make sure every one gets a chance to participate.
wrap up
FINAL TIPS FOR summer vibes kids yoga
I hope you and some kiddos get a chance to practice the Summer Vibes yoga class! This is a small taste of what’s inside the Teach Kids Yoga Now course.
When you’re ready to share the power of yoga with kids, you’ll get both the know-how and the resources so you can confidently teach yoga to kids.
👉 You can also check out more children’s yoga themes on Pinterest
👉 If you’re looking for some Summer Vibe-themed books, check out the ones below.
enjoyed this post? pin it, please!
