In this article, I share my journey of teaching kids yoga, highlighting the essential steps to becoming a successful kids yoga teacher. From obtaining the right certification and understanding the rewards and challenges to effective marketing strategies, class management tips, and ways to expand your reach, I cover it all. Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your practice, you’ll find practical advice grounded in my 15 years of experience and supported by scientific evidence.
Introduction
Teaching yoga to kids has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. As someone in the field for over 15 years, I can confidently say that it benefits the kids and enriches the teacher’s life. I’m Charlie Stewart-Brown, founder of Indiv Yoga and the voice behind the British Airways Yoga and Mindfulness On Board Program. In this article, I highlight my insights and experiences, offering practical advice on becoming a successful kids yoga teacher. Join me as I delve into the business of teaching kids yoga or you can watch the full video on YouTube:
Getting Certified: Why Yoga Alliance RCYT Matters
Before I started teaching yoga to kids, I knew I needed the right certification. The Yoga Alliance 95-hour RCYT (Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher) certification stood out as the most comprehensive and recognized course available. This certification ensures that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to teach kids yoga effectively. Unlike shorter courses, the RCYT certification is widely accepted and often required by schools and institutions.
Why It Matters:
- Credibility: The Yoga Alliance RCYT certification is the gold standard for kids yoga teachers.
- Future-Proofing: As regulations become more stringent, having the highest level of certification keeps you ahead.
- Insurance: Most insurance providers and employers require a recognized certification to cover accidents and liability.
In my experience, teachers with non-Yoga Alliance RCYT certifications have often struggled to secure jobs. Investing in a comprehensive course not only boosts your credibility but also opens up more opportunities.
[FREE] Guide: Why Certify As A Kids Yoga Teacher
The Rewards and Challenges of Teaching Yoga To Kids
Teaching kids yoga has brought immense joy and satisfaction into my life. Watching the positive impact on children’s lives, from improved posture to better breathing techniques, is incredibly fulfilling. In my experience with teaching yoga to kids, I’ve had students come back years later to tell me how the yoga skills they learned in my classes have continued to benefit them.
Rewards
- Impact on Development: Yoga enhances children’s cognitive, physical, and emotional growth.
- Long-Term Benefits: Skills learned in yoga, like correct posture and breathing techniques, can benefit children throughout their lives.
- Personal Fulfillment: Teaching kids yoga offers a unique sense of satisfaction that comes from making a difference in young lives.
However, it’s not without its challenges. When teaching yoga to kids, the classes require more preparation, props, and flexibility than adult classes. As a teacher, you must be ready to engage fully, demonstrate poses, and handle the unpredictability of children’s behavior.
Challenges
- Exhausting: Classes are physically and mentally demanding.
- Unpredictable: Requires constant engagement and adaptability.
- More Planning: Necessitates detailed class plans and backup ideas.
Effective Marketing Strategies for Kids Yoga Classes
Marketing myself effectively has been crucial to building my career as a kid’s yoga teacher. Here are some practical strategies that I highly recommend.
Online Presence
- Website: Create a dedicated website for kids yoga classes if you can, or at least add a specific kid’s yoga section to your existing site.
- Social Media: Maintain separate social media pages for your kid’s yoga classes to gather kids yoga specific reviews and feedback.
- Facebook Advertising: Utilize Facebook ads to target specific demographics in my local area.
Offline Presence
- Flyers and Business Cards: I designed colorful and engaging marketing materials that reflect the fun nature of my classes.
- Local Businesses: I would leave flyers and cards at local businesses, such as kindergartens, libraries, child clothes or toys stores, beauty salons, and child therapists’ offices.
- Networking: I build relationships with local business owners and offer reciprocal marketing opportunities.
Tips
- Use Stock Photos: Start with good stock photos and gradually replace them with real photos (with permission).
- Stand Out: Make your marketing materials fun and colorful to attract attention.
- Be Approachable: Engage with local business owners to explain the benefits of kids’ yoga and encourage them to recommend you.
Managing Kids Yoga Classes
Managing kid’s yoga classes involves careful consideration of class sizes, age groups, and safety. I started with smaller groups and gradually increased the size as I gained confidence and experience.
Class Size and Age Groups
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- Start Small: Begin with a small group and increase the size as you become more comfortable.
- Age Appropriateness: Tailor your classes to the specific age group you are teaching to ensure the activities are beneficial and engaging.
Safety Measures
- First Aid: I took a first aid course (certificate needs to be renewed every 3 years) and always have a first aid kit handy.
- Parental Consent: I have parents fill out consent forms and questionnaires to disclose any medical conditions or allergies.
- Safe Environment: I ensure the class space is free of hazards, especially for younger children.
Practical Tips
- Disinfectant and Tissues: Keep disinfectant and tissues on hand, especially during the cold season.
- Props: Use a variety of props to keep classes interesting and engaging.
- Backup Plans: Always have backup activities in case your initial plan doesn’t hold the kids’ interest.
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Building Professional and Ethical Standards
As a kid’s yoga teacher, maintaining high professional and ethical standards is crucial. I see myself not as a babysitter but as a qualified professional who can significantly impact children’s development.
Professionalism
- Patience and Dedication: Show patience and commitment, especially with challenging students.
- Ongoing Learning: Continuously update your skills and knowledge to provide the best possible classes.
Ethical Considerations
- Non-Competitive Environment: Avoid making classes too competitive and show no favoritism.
- Parental Involvement: Involve parents in the learning process by providing regular feedback and end-of-term reports.
Tips
- Stay Healthy: Maintain your health to handle the physical and mental demands of teaching.
- Respect and Care: Treat each child with respect and care, understanding that you might be the positive influence they need.
Expanding Your Reach: Opportunities Beyond Regular Classes
There are numerous opportunities to expand your reach beyond regular group classes when teaching yoga to kids. Here are some ideas to increase your impact and income.
Private Classes
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- One-on-One: Offer private classes tailored to individual children or siblings.
- Special Needs: Collaborate with psychologists, physiotherapists, and language therapists to provide yoga for children with special needs.
Collaborations
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- Local Businesses: Partner with local businesses like hairdressers or libraries to offer classes in their spaces.
- Schools and Organizations: Approach schools and other child-related organizations to offer extracurricular yoga classes.
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Summer Camps
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- Yoga Camps: Consider setting up yoga summer camps to keep children engaged and active during the holidays.
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Marketing Strategies
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- Free Trial Classes: Offer free trial classes to attract new students and build your client base.
- Regular Communication: Keep in touch with parents and schools to update them on the benefits of yoga and your latest offerings.
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Conclusion
Teaching kids yoga has been a rewarding and impactful journey for me. With the right certification, effective marketing, and a deep commitment to professional and ethical standards, you too can navigate the challenges and enjoy the many rewards of the fulfilling path of teaching yoga to kids.
By teaching yoga to children, you have the unique opportunity to positively influence children’s lives, helping them develop into healthier, happier adults. If you’re ready to take the next step, consider enrolling in my Yoga Alliance RCYT 95-hour kids yoga teacher training course.
Embrace the journey and make a difference in the lives of young yogis!
