Kids Yoga
A closing activity working flexibility through calm, supporting the transition back to the rest of the school day.
How to play
- Ask the group to sit or lie down in the gym or classroom in silence.
- Distribute mats to each student or pair.
- Guide Kids Yoga with a calm voice for 8 minutes.
- Ensure all follow instructions without forcing uncomfortable poses.
- End with a shared deep breath before returning to the classroom.
Rules
- Maintain silence and respect for each other's pace.
- Never force a pose that causes discomfort or pain.
- Stay in the assigned space until the end is signaled.
Variations
Easier
Cut time in half and simplify cues for younger students.
Standard
8 minutes following the guided sequence as described.
Harder
Add a final reflection phase spoken aloud about how they feel after exercise.
Adaptations
- Sensory difficulties: reduce auditory or visual stimuli during the activity.
- Restless groups: shorten the initial silence period and gradually increase it session by session.
Learning goals
- Healthy Habits
- Rhythmic Expression
PatioLab has "Kids Yoga" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More cool-downs for Elementary
4-7-8 Guided Breathing
Guided 4-7-8 breathing: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 7 and breathe out for 8 to calm the group.
5-Senses Mindfulness
5-senses mindfulness: students notice 5 things they see, 4 they hear, 3 they can touch, 2 they smell and 1 they taste.
Back Drawing with Partner
In pairs, one student uses a finger to draw a shape, letter or number on a partner's back, and the partner has to guess it.
Balloon Belly Breathing
Balloon belly breathing: students imagine a balloon in their belly that fills when they breathe in and empties when they breathe out.
Balloon Stretching
Balloon stretching: a cool-down with balloons — gentle stretches while keeping the balloon in the air or holding it with different body parts.
Body Journal
Body journal: students note how their body feels after class (energy, tiredness, mood).
