Yoga for Children

Yoga is an ancient practice that helps create health and well-being, building awareness, strength, and flexibility in both the mind and body. Originating in India, the word yoga means 'union'—first union with oneself (the child encounters themselves, learns to know themselves), and then with others (children learn to relate and communicate with their environment).

The practice of yoga for children is generally divided by age groups, adapting activities to the capabilities and needs of each stage.

Classes are tailored to the age and development of the children, using different games, exercises, and yoga sequences to maintain their interest and motivation. For the youngest, games and exercises adapted to their age are often inspired by the animal world or stories, while for older children more complex concepts and practices are introduced, focusing on balance, strength, and breath control, with activities that foster concentration and relaxation.

The duration of classes is also adapted: shorter sessions (30 minutes) for children aged 4 to 6, and longer sessions (45 minutes) for children aged 7 to 12

In yoga classes there is a balance between spontaneity and structure, so children learn to listen to each other while also learning to express themselves creatively. Children learn best when they are having fun, so classes include a mix of stories, songs, games, and postures, allowing them to learn in a multisensory environment. Yoga is a fun way for children to develop important skills in a positive, non-competitive environment.

Beyond the immense physical and mental benefits, a central principle of the practice is respect and honor: for ourselves, for others, and for our environment.

From a young age, children often feel pressure at school, both socially and academically, in addition to the pressure of organized competitive sports. It is very easy for them to become self-critical and lose confidence in themselves as they change and grow. Yoga is a great remedy: no opinions are formed in a yoga class about how a child performs a posture or a game. Doing a posture 'perfectly' is not the goal of yoga, which nurtures children's inner strength and self-acceptance. This nurturing atmosphere encourages children to relax and have fun while developing not only strength, coordination, flexibility, and balance, but also body awareness, better attention and focus, and self-confidence.

Benefits

The practice of yoga and mindfulness is important for children for many reasons. It helps them relax, relieve stress and anxiety, sleep better, and improve emotional control and moods. It teaches children to be more aware—observing situations, thoughts, and emotions from a broader perspective.
• Improves memory and cognitive function: practicing yoga helps children focus on the task at hand, which translates into greater concentration and improved cognitive performance in school, leading to better academic results.
• Fosters social relationships, promoting values and companionship. Practicing yoga encourages children to move together and learn from each other, creating a positive and engaging environment where children can have fun, talk, and learn to trust one another.
• Helps cultivate greater self-esteem, self-confidence, and empathy in children, leading to more positive and open relationships.
• Regulates emotions: calm in stressful situations and energy in moments of sadness.
• Promotes patience.
• Teaches breathing and concentration techniques in moments of tension—a powerful relaxation tool.
• Strengthens attention, concentration, and imagination.
• Improves self-regulation skills.
• Helps children solve problems and adapt to new challenges, as well as achieve goals. • Reduces stress and anxiety. It helps release negative thoughts and feelings, generate mental clarity, and feel better about themselves. Physical exercise releases endorphins, creating a sense of calm and happiness.
• Improves posture and supports the balanced growth of muscles, bones, and joints.
• Helps improve physical balance.
• Builds strength and flexibility.
• Provides agility and control of movement strength.

Class Structure
1. Greeting + Opening Ritual: Games to connect with the group. Upon entering the room, we remove our shoes and sit in a circle, passing a bell or instruments to capture attention through the senses.
2. Warm-up: Exercises (Sun Salutation) and activities to start connecting with the body. We put on Yoga glasses (chin mudra) and begin moving slowly, usually in a circle.
3. Fun Games and Posture Practice (Asanas): A wide variety of games are selected for posture practice. We start with high-movement games to release and balance energy, preparing for the more relaxing part of the class.
4. Relaxation Games, Massages, and Meditation: Emotional games, stories, breathing practices, and guided relaxations. We use background music and soft lighting.
5. Closing + Ritual: The class ends by sharing what we liked most about the session, repeating a mantra, drawing, etc. Always ending in a circle singing the proposed song or mantra. Upon leaving the room, we 'cleanse our Aura' by passing through a hoop, adding incense, or ringing a bell.

Yoga is an excellent discipline to balance body and mind through physical postures, breathing, meditation, and other techniques. It is the art of personal balance and spiritual harmony. It is one of the most effective tools to care for the body and calm/relax the mind, offering the possibility of achieving a state of well-being, inner peace, and deep self-respect and self-knowledge.

It is highly valuable for children to begin practicing from an early age to establish healthy and respectful habits toward themselves and their environment. The main goal of this project is to help children grow happily and boost their self-esteem while maintaining physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance (independent of each individual’s beliefs and religion), for the sake of a better humanity.