YOGA FOR CHILDREN

Unit 1: Introduction to Yoga for Children

Theory

• Introduction to Yoga and its basic principles
• Importance of age-appropriate Yoga practice
• Benefits of movement, stretching and relaxation
• Basic body awareness and posture
• Creating a safe and child-friendly practice environment
• Role of fun, games and creativity in children's Yoga
• Basic safety precautions and instructor responsibilities

Practical

• Fun warm-up activities
• Gentle stretching exercises
• Body awareness games
• Simple standing and sitting postures
• Breathing awareness activities
• Relaxation through guided activities

Unit 2: Basic Yoga Asanas for Children

Theory

• Introduction to beginner-friendly Asanas
• Standing, sitting and lying postures
• Balance, flexibility and coordination
• Correct posture and simple alignment
• Using stories, animals and games to teach Asanas
• Basic modifications and precautions

Practical

• Tadasana
• Vrikshasana
• Trikonasana
• Vajrasana
• Balasana
• Bhujangasana
• Setu Bandhasana
• Pawanmuktasana
• Simple Surya Namaskar
• Animal-themed Yoga poses and movement games

Unit 3: Breathing, Relaxation & Mindfulness

Theory

• Introduction to breathing awareness
• Importance of calm and controlled breathing
• Basic Pranayama concepts suitable for children
• Relaxation and mindfulness activities
• Concentration and listening skills
• Importance of age-appropriate practice and supervision

Practical

• Natural breathing awareness
• Belly breathing
• Simple deep breathing
• Gentle alternate-nostril breathing awareness
• Humming/Bhramari-style breathing
• Guided relaxation
• Mindful listening games
• Simple concentration exercises
• Short guided meditation

Unit 4: Yoga Games, Stories & Creative Movement

Theory

• Teaching Yoga through play and storytelling
• Designing age-appropriate Yoga activities
• Creative movement and imagination
• Group participation and positive communication
• Building confidence, coordination and concentration
• Managing a children's Yoga session
• Safe use of props and classroom space

Practical

• Yoga storytelling
• Animal Yoga games
• Balance and coordination games
• Partner/group Yoga activities
• Breathing games
• Mindfulness games
• Music and movement activities
• Creative Yoga sequences
• 20–30 minute children's Yoga routine

Unit 5: Children's Yoga Teaching Skills & Final Project

Theory

• Planning a children's Yoga session
• Structuring warm-up, Asanas, breathing, games and relaxation
• Age-appropriate communication and demonstrations
• Encouraging participation without pressure
• Group management and classroom safety
• Basic observation and feedback
• Professional conduct and responsible teaching

Practical

• Prepare an age-appropriate lesson plan
• Demonstrate children's Yoga Asanas
• Conduct warm-up and movement games
• Guide breathing and relaxation activities
• Conduct a Yoga story/activity
• Lead a short mindfulness practice
• Manage a small group session
• Conduct a supervised 30–40 minute children's Yoga session

Final Practical Project

Children's Yoga Session Demonstration

Students prepare and conduct a fun, safe and age-appropriate session including:

• Welcome and warm-up
• Stretching
• Basic Yoga Asanas
• Animal Yoga/game activity
• Simple breathing practice
• Creative movement or storytelling
• Mindfulness/concentration activity
• Guided relaxation
• Closing activity