Helping Kids Work Together in Yoga Classes: Roots and Wings

Group and Partner Work in Kids' Yoga Classes

Group and partner work in kids' yoga classes can be a fantastic way to build connection, confidence, and creativity. However, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to manage, and some teachers may worry about behaviour or organisation challenges.

From speaking with other kids' yoga teachers, I know these concerns can be a barrier to including group work—which is a real shame, as it’s often children’s favourite part of my classes!

I thought I’d share some strategies I use to help keep group work manageable, safe, and fun.

Roots and Wings: Finding the Balance

I like to think of the metaphor of Roots and Wings when guiding children to work together or independently. This means providing the structure (roots) they need to feel secure while also allowing for the freedom (wings) to explore and be creative.

Roots: Creating Stability and Structure

Giving Clear Instructions
Before children begin working in partners or groups, it’s vital that they fully understand the task. Provide step-by-step explanations and model what you expect. For example, if you're asking them to create a pose flow:

1. Explain the task – “You’re going to create a short flow of three to five yoga poses.”
2. Demonstrate an example – Show them a simple sequence.
3. Practise together – Do one as a whole group before they try it on their own.

Use Pose Banks for Guidance
Pose banks (collections of visual pose cards) can offer children a helpful reference. Make sure the poses included are ones they have already learned and can safely practise. You can create different pose banks for various age groups or ability levels. Why not save yourself a lot of time and get the ones I’ve created:
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Provide Boundaries
Boundaries help create a sense of safety and clarity. A few I use include:

• Time limits – Let children know how much time they have and give a warning before time is up. E.g., “You have one more minute to finish your flow.”
• Pose limits – Encourage creativity within set parameters. E.g., “Your flow should include at least three but no more than five poses.”
• Safety guidelines – Be clear about what is and isn’t allowed. In my classes, I always set the boundary that there’s no gymnastics in yoga.

Wings: Encouraging Creativity and Independence

Give Choices
Giving children choices allows them to feel ownership of their learning. You might let them choose:

• Who they work with – Encourage them to pick a partner or group where they feel comfortable but won’t be distracted.
• Where they work – Keeping mats in a circle can help with organisation, but if time allows, you might let them spread out.
• Group size – Some children prefer working alone, while others enjoy small group collaboration.
• What they create – With a variety of poses available, children can design flows that reflect their own creativity.

Encourage Responsibility Giving children autonomy fosters responsibility. When we trust them to make choices, they often rise to the occasion. If challenges arise, you can always adjust accordingly.
It’s better to give children the opportunity to work with friends and separate them only if needed rather than forcing them to work with someone they aren’t comfortable with.
I like to use the phrase:

“Work with someone you feel comfortable with but won’t be distracted by.”

Support Social Inclusion
If a child is alone and seems unsure, ask them:

“Who do you feel safe with?” rather than “Who are your friends?”

This opens up options without making them feel left out. Some children don't feel that they have any friends, but will know who makes them feel safe.

Celebrating Their Work
In my classes, sharing is optional but encouraged. You can explore different ways of sharing, such as:

• Two groups showing their flows to each other.
• The whole class performing their sequences at the same time.
• Groups demonstrating their creations to the whole class.

Acknowledge teamwork and effort with specific praise, like:

• “I love how in sync you two were!”
• “This group worked really well together despite having lots of different ideas.”

Final Thoughts
By balancing structure with freedom, you create a space where children feel supported and empowered to express themselves. Group work can be a positive experience for everyone, and I hope these ideas inspire you in your own classes.

How do you approach group work in your classes or clubs? I’d love to hear your thoughts!