Online Kids Yoga Teacher Training

Certified Self-Paced Kids Yoga Teacher Training Curriculum

Course Title: Little Yogis, Big Hearts: Certified Self-Paced Kids Yoga Teacher Training (Ages 3–12)

Format: Self-Paced Online Learning (Thinkific Platform)

Certification: Certified Kids Yoga Teacher (Upon completion of all modules, quizzes, and final assessment)

Total Course Hours: 100

Module 1: Foundations of Kids Yoga 🤸

Goal: To establish the philosophical and ethical groundwork for teaching yoga to children.

• Lesson 1.1: What is Kids Yoga? Moving beyond adult practice, the goal is play, connection, and self-regulation, not perfection.
• Lesson 1.2: The Benefits: Exploring the physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits of yoga for children.
• Lesson 1.3: The Role of the Teacher: Ethical guidelines, creating a safe and non-competitive space, and the importance of being a role model.
• Lesson 1.4: Trauma-Informed Teaching: Basic principles of creating a supportive environment for all students.
• Activity: Reflective journaling on your personal intention for teaching children.

Module 2: Child Anatomy & Physiology (The Growing Body) 🦴

Goal: To understand the physical structure of children to ensure a safe, supportive, and age-appropriate practice.

• Lesson 2.1: Skeletal Differences: Understanding bone growth plates, flexible joints, and why deep stretching is contraindicated in young children. Focus: Safe joint loading and axial vs. appendicular skeleton (brief, kid-friendly overview). * Lesson 2.2: Muscular Development: The importance of core strength and gross motor skills. How yoga supports muscle coordination and balance.
• Lesson 2.3: The Nervous System (Simplified): Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). How breathwork and Savasana (relaxation) activate the Parasympathetic Nervous System (Rest & Digest) to aid in regulation.
• Lesson 2.4: Common Injuries & Contraindications: Identifying poses or actions to avoid (e.g., deep inversions, extreme backbends, overstretching) for safety.
• Quiz: Understanding safe movement principles for kids.

Module 3: Child Development & Psychology (The Developing Mind) 🧠

Goal: To gain insight into how children learn, process emotions, and interact with the world at different stages.

• Lesson 3.1: Cognitive Development (Piaget’s Stages): Focusing on Pre-operational (3-7 years) and Concrete Operational (7-11 years) stages to tailor language and instruction.
  • Example: Using imagination and stories for younger kids (Pre-operational) vs. discussing anatomy and function for older kids (Concrete Operational).
• Lesson 3.2: Emotional Intelligence (EQ) & Regulation: Tools for helping children name, understand, and manage their emotions through movement and breath.
• Lesson 3.3: The Power of Play: Understanding play as a child’s natural learning method. Integrating yoga seamlessly into games and stories.
• Lesson 3.4: Group Dynamics: Understanding attention spans, energy levels, and managing behavioral challenges with positive reinforcement.

Module 4: Developmental Milestones & Age-Appropriate Practice

Goal: To apply developmental knowledge to practical class planning based on specific age groups and their capabilities.

• Lesson 4.1: Mapping Milestones to Poses: Specific pose recommendations for fine and gross motor development (e.g., Tree Pose for balance).
• Lesson 4.2: Safety and Milestones: Recognising when a child is physically ready for certain poses versus when modifications are needed

Module 5: Creating an Engaging Class Plan 📝

Goal: To learn the structure, elements, and flow necessary to design a successful kids yoga class for any age group.

• Lesson 5.1: The 8-Part Class Blueprint:
  1. Centering/Opening: Setting the intention (3 min)
  2. Warm-up: Waking up the joints (5 min)
  3. Theme/Story Introduction: Weaving the lesson (10 min)
  4. Active Yoga Flow: The core sequence (15 min)
  5. Games/Partner Poses: Fun and connection (10 min)
  6. Breathwork (Pranayama): Simple techniques (3 min)
  7. Relaxation (Savasana): Guided imagery or quiet time (5 min)
  8. Closing: Gratitude and farewell (2 min)
• Lesson 5.2: Thematic Planning: Developing classes around seasons, animals, feelings, or stories.
• Lesson 5.3: Prop Power: How to use scarves, bean bags, puppets, and books to enhance the experience.
• Assignment: Develop a 45-minute class plan for one specific age group (3-5 or 9-12).

Module 6: Yoga Tools for the Classroom 🦁

Goal: Practical training on teaching foundational yoga techniques to children.

• Lesson 6.1: Asana Modifications: Adapting 20 core adult poses into their playful kids’ equivalents (e.g., Warrior I becomes Superhero Pose).
• Lesson 6.2: Simplified Pranayama: Teaching essential breath techniques like Bumblebee Breath (Bhramari), Bunny Breath (Dirgha/3-Part), and Volcano Breath for emotional release.
• Lesson 6.3: Guided Meditation & Savasana: Creating effective, short (2-5 min) guided visualisations to help children relax and use their imagination.
• Lesson 6.4: Songs, Chants, and Mantras: Using rhythm and repetition to anchor learning and promote calm.

Module 7: Practical Teaching & Business Setup 🍎

Goal: To prepare the teacher for the reality of running classes in various settings.

• Lesson 7.1: Setting Up Shop: Teaching in schools, studios, libraries, and at home. Logistics, space requirements, and liability.
• Lesson 7.2: Marketing Your Niche: Identifying your target audience (parents, school administrators, etc.) and effective communication.
• Lesson 7.3: Boundaries and Communication: Working with parents and guardians; communicating the benefits of your class.
• Final Assessment: Submitting a video of you teaching a short 10-minute sequence (or a comprehensive written final exam).