Kids Yoga and Mindfulness Training: Module 1 Overview
Teaching kid’s yoga and mindfulness requires more than just knowing the poses. It demands an understanding of how young bodies and minds work, and how to create an environment where kids feel safe, engaged, and empowered.
Our first module of our kid’s yoga and mindfulness teacher training in Prairie Village is designed to give you exactly that foundation. Whether you’re a seasoned yoga instructor looking to specialize in children’s classes or a teacher, parent, or caregiver hoping to bring mindfulness into your work with kids, this course will equip you with the knowledge and practical tools you need. Our courses are approved through Yoga Alliance to earn your 95-hour Children’s Yoga Teacher Training certification.
Over the course of this module, you’ll explore the connection between the body, brain, and nervous system. You’ll discover how yoga and mindfulness support self-regulation in children, and learn creative, developmentally appropriate ways to teach these practices. By the end, you’ll be ready to lead engaging, effective classes that help kids build focus, confidence, and calm.
Understanding the Body-Brain-Nervous System Connection
Children experience the world through their bodies. When they’re anxious, excited, or overwhelmed, their nervous system responds before they even have time to think. That’s why teaching kids yoga isn’t just about flexibility or strength—it’s about helping them understand and regulate their internal states.
This module dives into the science behind that process. You’ll learn how the nervous system operates, what happens in the brain during stress, and how breathwork and movement can shift a child from a state of reactivity to one of calm. This knowledge is essential for creating classes that aren’t just fun, but genuinely supportive of children’s emotional and mental health.
Understanding these fundamentals allows you to tailor your teaching to each child’s developmental stage and individual needs. You’ll be able to recognize when a child is dysregulated and know which tools to offer in response.
Teaching Self-Regulation Through Breathing
Breathing is one of the most powerful tools children can use to manage their emotions. But most kids don’t know how to use their breath intentionally—until someone teaches them.
In this module, you’ll learn a variety of breathing exercises specifically designed to help children reduce stress and anxiety. These techniques are simple enough for young children to grasp, yet effective enough to make a real difference in how they feel.
You’ll explore practices like belly breathing, balloon breaths, and counting breaths, along with guidance on when and how to introduce each one. You’ll also learn how to make breathwork playful and engaging, so kids stay interested and motivated to practice.
Teaching children to use their breath as an anchor is a gift that extends far beyond the yoga mat. It’s a skill they can carry with them into the classroom, the playground, and their daily lives.
Building Focus, Concentration, and Self-Confidence
Yoga offers children more than physical benefits. It builds mental strength, too. Through mindful movement and intentional practice, kids learn to focus their attention, stay present, and believe in their own abilities.
This module teaches you how to use yoga to cultivate those qualities in your students. You’ll discover poses and sequences that challenge children to concentrate, balance, and persist—even when things feel difficult. You’ll also learn how to create a supportive atmosphere where effort is celebrated and mistakes are seen as part of the learning process.
Building self-confidence in children isn’t about pushing them to achieve perfect poses. It’s about helping them recognize their own progress, trust their bodies, and develop a positive relationship with movement. This module shows you how to do that in a way that feels natural and empowering for kids.
Creative and Engaging Teaching Methods
Children learn best when they’re having fun. That’s why this course emphasizes creative, playful approaches to teaching yoga and mindfulness.
You’ll explore a range of activities, games, and storytelling techniques that make classes engaging and memorable. From yoga adventures that transport kids to imaginary worlds, to mindfulness games that teach presence through play, you’ll leave with a toolkit full of ideas you can use immediately.
These methods aren’t just about keeping kids entertained—they’re about meeting them where they are developmentally and inviting them into the practice in ways that feel accessible and exciting. When kids enjoy their yoga classes, they’re more likely to absorb the lessons and continue practicing on their own.
What You’ll Learn in This Module
By the end of this kid’s yoga and mindfulness training, you’ll have gained practical skills and insights that will transform the way you teach children. Here’s what you can expect to walk away with:
Safe and Developmentally Appropriate Instruction
You’ll learn how to teach yoga in a way that respects each child’s developmental stage. This includes understanding the physical capabilities and limitations of different age groups, as well as how to modify poses and practices to keep kids safe and engaged.
Basic Poses and Mindful Practices
The course covers essential yoga poses for children, along with mindful movement practices that support self-regulation and self-esteem. You’ll learn how to instruct kids and teens with clarity and confidence, making sure they understand not just what to do, but why they’re doing it.
Breathing Exercises for Stress and Anxiety
You’ll gain a collection of breathing techniques specifically designed to help children manage stress and anxiety. These exercises are easy to teach, simple to remember, and highly effective.
Lesson Planning Best Practices
Creating a successful yoga class for kids requires thoughtful planning. You’ll learn how to structure lessons that flow smoothly, keep children engaged, and deliver real value. From warm-ups to cool-downs, you’ll understand how to design classes that feel cohesive and purposeful.
Mindfulness Techniques for Reducing Tension
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for helping children manage stress, but it needs to be taught in an age-appropriate way. This module introduces you to engaging methods for teaching mindfulness that resonate with kids and help them build lasting habits.
Creative Yoga and Mindfulness Games
Games are a fantastic way to introduce yoga and mindfulness concepts without making them feel like work. You’ll learn a variety of games that teach important skills while keeping kids excited and involved.
Who This Module Is For
This training is ideal for anyone who works with children and wants to integrate yoga and mindfulness into their teaching or caregiving. That includes:
- Yoga instructors looking to specialize in children’s classes
- Teachers who want to bring mindfulness into the classroom
- Parents and caregivers interested in supporting their children’s emotional well-being
- Childcare providers, counselors, and therapists
No prior experience teaching kids yoga is required. All you need is a willingness to learn and a passion for helping children thrive.
Why This Training Matters
Children face more stress and distraction than ever before. Between academic pressure, social challenges, and constant screen time, many kids struggle to focus, regulate their emotions, and feel confident in themselves.
Yoga and mindfulness offer a way forward. These practices give children practical tools for managing stress, staying present, and building resilience. But they need skilled, compassionate instructors to guide them.
This module prepares you to be that guide. It equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to create classes that genuinely support children’s well-being. And it does so in a way that’s grounded in both science and creativity, ensuring your teaching is effective and engaging.
Take the First Step Toward Kids Yoga and Mindfulness Training
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, this module is your starting point. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how kids learn and grow, along with a wealth of practical tools you can use right away.
Teaching yoga to children is rewarding work. It’s an opportunity to help them develop skills that will serve them for a lifetime, all while fostering a love of movement, mindfulness, and self-care.
Join us in Prairie Village for Module 1 and discover how you can bring the transformative power of yoga and mindfulness to the children in your life.