Over the past five weeks, I had the joy of guiding a group of amazing kids through a special in-person yoga series. We explored movement, breath, and mindfulness in fun and engaging ways, all while building confidence and supporting each child's emotional well-being. One of the highlights was our kids' yoga dance to the song Superhero, where each child got to move like their favorite hero and express their own unique strengths. Here’s a look at what we did, how the children felt afterward, and the benefits of this joyful journey:

**Nike Community Ambassador**

”All kids need play for communities to thrive. That’s why we’re partnering across the globe to change the game, especially for women and girls”.

A Collaboration with Nike

One of the highlights of this five-week kids yoga series was partnering with the team from Nike Leeds. Rachel from the Nike Leeds store reached out to me, and we were thrilled to have one of their incredible Nike Community Ambassadors, Caitlin, join us in the classes. Her support was truly invaluable, bringing an extra pair of hands to guide, encourage, and cheer on the children throughout each session.

**Proud women!**

Caitlin, Zoe and Rachel following our 5-week Kids Yoga classes

The kids absolutely loved having Caitlin with us—her enthusiasm and energy made every class even more fun and engaging. With her help, the kids felt even more confident as they learned new poses, tried out balance challenges on the yoga bricks, and shared their feelings during our check-in circle.

We are deeply grateful to Nike for joining forces with us to bring yoga into the community for children in Leeds. Their support helped make this series extra special, and we can't wait for more opportunities to work together in the future.

Find out more about the Nike Community Ambassador programme here.

Week-by-Week Breakdown: What We Did

1. Check-In Circles with an Emotions Chart
At the start of each session, we gathered in a circle and used an emotions chart to check in with how we were feeling. This simple yet powerful practice helped children recognize and express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. It was beautiful to see the kids grow more comfortable sharing with each other over the weeks.

2. Dancing to Superhero
One of the most fun parts of our series was creating a yoga dance to the song Superhero. We combined yoga poses with dance moves, encouraging the kids to embody their inner superheroes. The dance was a perfect blend of movement and mindfulness, allowing the kids to release energy while focusing on their breath and bodies.

3. Breathing with the Breathing Ball
We learned how to use a breathing ball to practice deep, mindful breathing. This simple tool helps children visualize their breath as they open and close the ball, making it easier for them to focus on slow, calming breaths. The kids found this exercise especially helpful for managing stress and anxiety.

4. Mantra Chanting and Oms
In our sessions, we also explored the power of sound through mantra chanting and Oms. The kids learned simple, positive mantras to repeat, like "I am strong" and "I am calm." They loved feeling the vibrations in their chest as they chanted, and it helped them focus and find a sense of calm.

5. Yoga Freeze Games and Balancing on Stepping Stones
To add a playful element, we played yoga freeze games where the kids had to hold a pose when the music stopped. This game encouraged concentration, quick thinking, and balance. We also practiced balancing on stepping stone yoga bricks, which built strength, focus, and confidence as the kids challenged themselves with more complex poses.

6. Learning a Range of Yoga Poses
Throughout the series, the children learned foundational yoga poses like Tree Pose, Warrior, and Child's Pose. We practiced flowing through sequences and learning how each pose helps the body and mind in different ways—from building strength to calming the mind.

7. Crafting Self-Belief Jars
In our final week, we made self-belief jars—a craft activity where each child filled a jar with personal notes and affirmations about their strengths, dreams, and positive qualities. This activity was all about encouraging self-love and resilience, and the kids left with a tangible reminder of their inner strength.

How the Children Felt Afterwards

At the end of each class, it was heartwarming to see the children relax into a peaceful state during our guided relaxation. Many of them shared how much they looked forward to our time together each week. Parents noticed their kids feeling calmer, more focused, and more confident. Some children even started using their breathing techniques at home to help them sleep better or calm down after a busy day.

The Benefits of Kids Yoga: What We Covered and Why It Matters

Our kids’ yoga series offered so much more than just physical exercise. Here are some of the key benefits that emerged over the five weeks:

Relaxation: Through breathing exercises and guided relaxation, the kids learned to calm their minds and bodies, which helped them unwind after school and reduce anxiety.
Concentration and Focus: Practices like balancing on yoga bricks and playing freeze games encouraged the children to focus on their movements and stay present in the moment.
Emotional Awareness: The check-in circles helped the kids recognize and express their feelings, building emotional intelligence and empathy.
Confidence and Self-Belief: Dancing to Superhero and creating self-belief jars helped the children embrace their strengths and recognize their unique qualities.
Connection and Community: The series fostered a sense of belonging as the children shared their experiences, supported each other, and enjoyed practicing together.

Want More Mindful Moments for Your Kids?

If you’d like to introduce more mindfulness and movement into your child’s life, I’ve got you covered! Sign up for a range of free resources, including guided meditations, yoga pose guides, and mindfulness activities, at kidsandteensyoga.com/free. Let’s continue the journey of helping our children thrive—one mindful breath at a time.

Kids Foundations Online Yoga Course

We are delighted to let you know that our online Kids Foundations Yoga and Mindfulness course is launching in January 2025.

It is our mission to bring yoga to kids and teens all over the world to equip them with tools that will support them throughout their lives. If you would like to be the first to hear more about the course join the waitlist here.