How to Handle Chatty Kids in Your Kids' Yoga Classes

As kids' yoga teachers and well-being professionals, we want our classes to be a safe and welcoming space where children feel free to be themselves. We aim to create an environment where they can express themselves fully and be accepted just as they are. However, sometimes, the way one child behaves can negatively impact the experience for others—especially when it comes to excessive chatting.

This is a common challenge that many children's yoga teachers face, and it can be frustrating when a chatty child disrupts the flow of your session. So, how do you balance being an approachable, compassionate teacher while maintaining the structure needed for all children to learn effectively?

Here are some tried-and-tested strategies that I’ve developed over my 20+ years in education and my 8 years as a kids' yoga teacher.

1. Be Positive and Firm Establishing and referring back to ground rules is essential in helping children understand boundaries while feeling secure in your class. I recommend using a simple rule like: "We respect ourselves and each other."

If a child is talking over others or preventing their peers from learning, they aren’t respecting themselves or those around them. Gently bringing their attention back to this rule can help set expectations without being overly strict or negative. If you'd like support in setting clear boundaries, my "Get Real with Rules" freebie includes a rules poster and guide to help you implement effective class agreements.

2. Involve Children in the Lesson Sometimes, excessive chatting happens because children are struggling to focus or stay engaged. Try incorporating more opportunities for interaction, such as:

• Partner or group discussions
• Call-and-response activities
• Short moments to share thoughts aloud

The key is to set clear expectations about when talking is encouraged and when it’s time to listen. Using a signal like ringing a bell or clapping a rhythm can help children understand when to refocus. Practising this signal as a game can make it fun and effective.

3. Praise Positive Behaviour First A simple but powerful strategy is to give three positives before addressing a negative. Before asking a child to stop chatting, acknowledge three children who are sitting quietly and listening. This positive reinforcement often leads other children to self-correct without needing a direct reprimand.
If some children are still talking, a friendly smile and a gentle look in their direction can serve as a subtle reminder.

4. Offer Choices and Encourage Self-Regulation Sometimes, children chat because they’re distracted by their friends. I like to have a few spare yoga mats available and let children know they are free to move if they feel distracted. If I notice persistent chatting, I remind everyone about the option:

"If you're finding it hard to concentrate, feel free to move to another mat so you can focus better."

This approach gives children autonomy and encourages self-awareness rather than making them feel singled out.

5. Address Chatting Privately If a child continues to chat despite multiple reminders, I take a moment to speak with them privately while the rest of the class is engaged in an activity. Rather than reprimanding, I approach with curiosity:

"Hey, I noticed you've been chatting a lot today. Is everything okay? Do you need any help?"

This makes children feel respected rather than shamed. If needed, I remind them gently:

"Remember, our rule is that we respect ourselves and each other. If I see you chatting again during teaching time, I’ll need to ask you to move."

Giving children a clear warning and explaining why helps them take responsibility for their actions.

6. Repair the Relationship If you’ve had to address a child’s behaviour, take a moment later to rebuild a positive connection. Find an opportunity to praise them for something they’re doing well:

"I love how focused you are now—great job!"

Acknowledging their efforts after correction ensures they don’t feel embarrassed or singled out.

Final Thoughts Chatty kids can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that their talking might be due to various reasons. They may simply be naturally talkative, they could be neurodivergent and struggling with social cues, or they might need extra validation due to circumstances we aren’t aware of. Approaching behaviour management with compassion and curiosity ensures that all children feel valued and respected while maintaining a positive learning environment.

If you'd like more support in managing behaviour in your classes, check out my free video: "Boost Behaviour in Your Kids' Yoga Classes". This free poster and guide may also be useful to you!

You might also find "Tame the Crowd Without Being Loud" helpful—an e-course designed to help you handle class behaviour with kindness and confidence.

Need personalised support? I offer one-off mentoring sessions and packages for kids' yoga teachers looking to refine their teaching approach. Get in touch, and let’s find the best solutions for you!

What strategies do you use to manage chatty kids in your classes? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!