Every yoga teacher needs a few good yoga games when teaching classes for kids and teens. Here is a list of useful and fun yoga games for you to add to your instructor’s bag o’ tricks. Some take only a few minutes and are great to use at the beginning of class, during the last few minutes, or if attention spans are short. Others are longer and can fill an entire class period. I’ve even done classes which consist entirely of games. Be sure to get in there and play with the kids, allowing them to take on the role of ‘teacher’ whenever possible.
A yoga memory game perfect when using The Pet Store yoga adventure story – be sure to download your FREE copy today.
Develop core strength and co-operation with a ball and only your feet. A fun sensory and adaptive game for children with special needs.
Floating Feather uses the power of the breath while Find the Feather is an intuition game. Both provide great fun with a simple prop during kids yoga class.
Crank the tunes and get your grove on, then freeze in a yoga pose. A great way to see how may poses your students know.
Increase intuition, awareness, and sensitivity to others and the environment with this quiet version of hide ’n seek. Great for development listening skills.
Pass the Hoop, Over Under and Walk, Hop, Hoop are great ways of incorporating Hula Hoops in class. This simple prop is a classic to bring into class and will result in hours of creative fun.
Learn observation skills while mimicking your partner’s every move. Lots of variations to this fun activity including a video example.
Cooperative and interactive Popcorn, Mushroom, Cat & Mouse, Shark Attack and The Grand Ole Duke of York will keep kids in top form physically and mentally.
Explore the meaning of opposites and develop personal creativity with this simple game. Each child expresses what they view as the opposite pose: active/passive, forward/backward, right side up/upside down, etc.
Practise listening skills and build leadership with this simple but effective game. It really works the core muscles too.
Take any three related words and you have a great yoga game that kids will ask for again and again. Kids LOVE to take on the tole of ‘teacher’ in this game so be sure to play a few rounds.
Shark Attack (video)
A yoga activity song great for teaching turn taking skills along with an addictive song that is tons of fun for kids and adults alike.
Stick Art (video)
A creative meditation and mindfulness activity which develops focus and attention in kids. Added bonus is it develops the pincer grasp and is a SILENT cooperative game. Bliss!
Like the playground favourite ‘Simon Says’, however this time the Swami is in charge. This games teaches listening skills, improves self-control, and builds leadership skills while having loads of fun.
Take a classic Jenga game and add a yoga twist. Combines mental and physical skill while teaching patience and turn taking. Great fun for any size group with endless variety.
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