Yoga for Different Stages of Speech-Language Development 51Trends in children’s yoga classes
While the structure and content of children’s yoga classes vary
depending on the setting, teacher, age range, and developmental
level, several commonalities exist. Most children’s yoga classes
incorporate a variety of appropriate materials, including recorded
music, musical instruments, art supplies, books, puppets, and
other toys to help children participate in yoga practices. Some
classes allow children to bring their favorite doll or stuffed animal
to practice alongside them on miniature yoga mats. Beginning
playfully and energetically, children’s yoga classes typically
conclude with relaxation. This relaxation time for children often
involves specific activities, such as foot massages from instructors
or caregivers to provide tactile input, aromatherapy (with
essential oils) to harmonize the body, and guided visualizations
to expand imagination.
Most importantly, children’s yoga classes focus on enjoyment
and exploration rather than proper alignment and breath
coordination. Optimal learning occurs in conjunction with
positive emotional states (Willis 2006). The light, playful nature
of children’s yoga classes evokes these positive emotions, and
consequently facilitates brain development, especially long-term
memory of learned skills.
Summary
The literature, while limited, suggests that yoga helps children in
the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains. Because of
its growing popularity and emerging evidence-base, yoga classes
can be increasingly found in local communities for infants and
their caregivers, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children,
and families. Yoga classes can be conducted on an individual or
group basis in a variety of settings—at home, in yoga studios,