This is a guest post by Bernardette Kalyan-Salgado and is part of our My Favourite Props series.
Scarves are a typical prop for dance classes however I have found them to be very useful in yoga as well.
Body Awareness
Use the scarves during warm up. Waking up the body placing the scarf over the toes, knees, etc. Younger children and those with special needs in particular love the idea of “waking up” the body parts.
Asana
Use the scarves as a prop to hold with several asanas/poses, it is a challenge for older students. Poses such as Warrior (arms up holding the scarf open looking up, focusing on the scarf), Dancer and for balancing poses such as Crow it can be used as a focal point.
Games
Common games such as freeze dance become fun and different with a scarf in hand. It also gives a difference sense of spatial awareness for the child. Playing games such as “Yogi Says” is also fun, ex. “Yogi Says, place your scarf on your head.”
Scarf Breathing
Laying down placing the scarf on the belly creating awareness for deep belly breaths. Placing them over the face and blowing them upward attempting for lift off.
I find scarves to be such a handy prop. It is easy to be creative with them they can become water, clouds etc. in a story or movement experience. Most importantly they are light in weight if you have to carry them around. Having a set in two different types of material is also very interesting to see the children explore the texture and how it moves differently.
Bernardette is a RYT 200 instructor based in Florida. She combines her background in dance with yoga to create fun Movement Yoga for Children classes.
If you enjoyed this post be sure to check out all the ideas on the our My Favourite Prop page. Learn how to use feathers, hula hoops, stones and stuffed animals to name a few.









