How to Run a Successful Sports Day Yoga Session in Schools | Top Tips for Kids Yoga Teachers

If you’re thinking about offering yoga or well-being sessions as part of a school’s Sports Day, Activity Week or Health Week, this blog is for you. It’s packed full of practical advice to help you navigate the school system, run a smooth session, and get invited back again and again.

This is the fourth blog in the series, if you haven't already done so, you might want to check out the previous ones:
1️⃣Why Kids Yoga Deserves a Place in Sports and Activity Weeks
2️⃣Teaching Yoga in Schools for Sporting Events: What Should We Actually Teach?
3️⃣How to Organise a Successful Kids Yoga Day in Schools

Let's get straight in to the tips!

1. Discover What the School Needs
I know we’ve all got our favourite breathing games, postures or yoga philosophies to share – and that’s wonderful – but your number one job is to meet the school’s needs.
What do they want the children to experience? Is this a calm-down session after a busy sports circuit? A high-energy movement break? A ‘mindful PE’ lesson for a specific key stage?

The key is to ask clear questions and tailor your offering. If you miss the mark, schools may simply not re-book – and you may never know why. They’re not being unkind; schools are just incredibly busy. So the more we can show we’re meeting their goals, the more likely we are to build a lasting relationship.

Also, be mindful of the language you use. Some schools (especially religious ones) may be sensitive about the word “yoga” – even some community schools can be too. You might want to call it “movement and mindfulness”, “stretch and relax”, or simply “a well-being session”. I share a “Yoga and Religion” letter in my Document Bundle resource that’s really helpful for these situations.


2. Communicate Clearly and Professionally
Having worked in many different schools (large and small), in many different roles: classroom teacher, a PE coordinator, a science lead, PSHE lead, a senior leader, specialist group teacher etc etc. I can say this with certainty: communication in schools is hard.

Even the best intentions can get lost between the many different people in a school. So, it’s essential to:

• Confirm all the key details (times, group sizes, venue, expectations).
• Be super clear about your pricing and what’s included (and what's not!).
• Check if you're expected to move between classrooms, or if a space will be set up for you.
• Put everything in writing, so nothing gets forgotten or misunderstood. This is also important for you to refer back to as well!

I like to send teachers who are involved in the event a short letter or email in advance to let them know what to expect. Included in the Document Bundle resource is a Frequently Asked Questions letter that I use for this purpose- so that everyone understands what the lesson will entail (and what it won't!) and it helps staff to know how they can best support the children within the lesson. I find this so useful, as we are all on the same page.


3. Financial Clarity
Let’s talk money for a second. If you’re doing a one-off workshop, I highly recommend requesting a deposit. After an experience I had where I was chasing payment for a last-minute cancellation, I learnt to ask for 50% up front – and the workshop isn’t confirmed until that’s paid.
For regular termly work, I invoice at the beginning of each term, but for one-offs, I ensure that I’m paid at least some of the amount before teaching. Schools are happy with these terms when they are explained clearly and professionally.


4. Prepare Like a Pro!
On the day, arrive early and be ready for the unexpected.
Here are some practical prep tips that I've discovered are vital for me!

• Know the parking rules (especially if you’ve got a boot full of yoga mats).
• Bring water and high-protein snacks – you're going to need them!
• Check where you're teaching and what the layout is- plan ahead how you will transport your equipment.
• Bring printed plans/cards for different age groups just in case the timetable changes (it often does!). I’ve had days where I prepared a session for Year 4 and Year 1 turned up instead! So now I bring everything and simply switch plans when needed.

5. Expect the Unexpected – and Go With the Flow
Timetables change. Classes swap. Rooms double-book. It’s not personal, it’s just school life. One class might need to swap because a child has a SEND observation. Another might be running late because assembly overran.

Instead of stressing (easier said than done!), try to be the flexible, friendly professional so that they want to invite you back. I keep my props and themes consistent across the day, so I can adapt quickly if needed. A sense of humour helps too! 😊

6. Maximise the Opportunity
When you are in the school, with all of these new people, don’t forget to let people know what else you offer!
If you run:

• After-school clubs
• Community workshops
• Adult or parent sessions
• Holiday clubs

… bring leaflets (if allowed) or simply chat to staff about what you offer. You never know what it might lead to. I've found that personalised stickers for the children (with a website link) are a great way to grow 'brand awareness' while also giving the children a real boost.

Final Thoughts
Working in schools can be incredibly rewarding, but it does take preparation and flexibility. I hope these tips help you feel more confident, clear and excited about offering your yoga or well-being sessions during Sports Week or any other school activity day.

Here are some resources that you may find helpful:
📃Free Key Stage One Sports Day Plan: See the kind of lesson that I teach and adapt it to make it your own.

📂Document Bundle Resource: Get lots of useful documents and letters that I have created and use in my own business.

🧠Tame the Crowd without being Loud: E-course to support you to understand and manage children positively in all of your classes (including large groups)

💫Personalised Support: Book a call with me and I can help you with whatever it is you are struggling with right now in your business.

Am I new to you?
Hi! I’m Julia Hankins, children’s well-being consultant, founder of Well-Being Adventurers, and someone who works in schools a lot! I also support other kids’ yoga teachers to thrive in their work, it's great to connect with you!
Why not join the free community of yoga teachers working in schools.