Classroom Management Teaching Strategies for a Kids Yoga Class (or Music or Art!)

Classroom management for kids yoga teachers is hard, Just as it can be challenging for Specialist teachers, small group educators, or folks who see different kids frequently.

Classroom management is hard for public school teachers, it’s hard in a studio with kids, it’s hard in camp settings.  Managing large groups of kids is just tough.

When I first started teaching yoga to kids, I had NO experience teaching in a general public school classroom environment.

I was thrown into a public charter school with some BIG behaviors. I’m talking: throwing chairs, abusive swearing, chucking yoga mats out the window, fist fights, you name it.

Not ZEN.

I was terrified at times, and I lost my cool many times, but I stuck to it, I learned as much as I could from other teachers and professional development, and I slowly figured out what it really takes to start teaching yoga to kids professionally.

Consulting with experienced teachers provided me with practical insights and real-world strategies for classroom management. Novice teachers and new teachers often face similar challenges, and seeking mentorship or guidance can make a significant difference in developing effective classroom management teaching strategies.

I tried Googling “classroom management for specialist yoga teachers” 5 years ago and found NOTHING useful.

But I kept trying.

Five years later it’s still not a walk in the park every day but it is SO much better.

I am the veteran Specialist teacher at my school (the others teach Music, PE, Spanish, and Art) and they come to me for advice frequently.

Over the course of my teaching career, I’ve learned that classroom management skills develop over time—from managing individual behaviors as a new teacher to understanding the classroom as a dynamic system.

My kids come in silently, they do almost all the poses all the time, they discuss the benefits of yoga with each other in respectful debate, they lead the Yoga Flow, they create their own poses and make sequences.

They clean up after themselves and help each other. They challenge themselves and talk about bodies in a positive way. It took me a while to get here, but it sure feels like success.

So, I decided to write out some advice for you here in case you have been needing some tips and tricks for teaching kids yoga as well!

Tips for general classroom management in specialist and kids yoga classes

1. Set classroom rules from the very beginning and STICK TO THEM.

Have a consequence for rule-breakers after the second reminder and be consistent. Establishing rules and setting clear classroom expectations from the start helps create a positive and productive learning environment.

Examples of rules for kids yoga classes:

1. Raise your hand to talk
2. Stay in your own spot
3. Be kind
4. Try your best

Involving students in setting classroom expectations and discussing appropriate behavior can help reinforce these routines. Let students raise their hand to share what rules THEY think are important, and write them down, no matter how specific they are! Then, you can pare down the rules and combine multiple exapmles together to come up with a few general positive behavior based rules.

After you’ve talked about the rules and why they are important, let kids know what might happen if they don’t follow the rule.

Someone might get hurt, they might not be able to learn, class will be less fun..

ALSO. What are the consequences? Take a break? Step away from the group? Lose a privilege?

Decide on the consequence and tell them so they know.

Here’s a good idea of what might happen if a kid doesn’t raise their hand:

• The first time breaking the raise your hand rule, the student gets ignored and sent a private reminder. Addressing student misbehavior privately can prevent embarrassment and power struggles.
• (Raise your own hand to show the example, point to a visual of someone raising their hand, or just approach the child and whisper the rule).
• The second time breaking the rule is a consequence. They can take a break away from their mat or lose a turn at the game.

After reminders and consequences, providing corrective feedback is essential for addressing inappropriate behavior. Reinforcing positive behavior when students follow the rules helps maintain classroom expectations and provide a baseline for what kids should be doing.

Having clear rules and consequences helps kids a lot.

It lets them know the boundaries, it helps give them a sense of order and keeps them safe. Sticking to rules and having clear redirections and reminders helps keep 85% of the class on task and doing what they need to.

When addressing misbehaviors, avoid using punitive measures that affect the entire class; instead, address isolated problems individually to prevent hurting relationships with on-task students.

There will be times when kids can get more than one reminder or a different consequence, of course. It’s good to point this out from the beginning so they aren’t shocked. Just let them know that you try to meet everyone’s needs since we are all different.

Classroom management, especially in a kids yoga class, needs to be adaptable and respectful to all. Involving students in problem-solving can help address ongoing behavioral issues effectively.

• Some kids need more than 2 reminders
• Or, they need a one on one conversation of why what they are doing is harmful to the class or themselves (this may be best done to the whole class if it is happening with several kids)
• They may need a longer time away from the team
• Other kids may need some motivation to join in with encouragement or a small incentive
• Relationship building and time spent with the kids individually helps lots of situations
• Time spent practicing rule-following or situational examples is also a great way to remind everyone of the rules

2. Set routines so kids know what to expect

Get a class routine down. Set up expectations so kids know how to do all things and you don’t have to keep making these decisions every time. This sets you up for success with classroom management in many different scenarios.

Establish procedures and practice routines for daily tasks such as entering the room and going to the appropriate place at the correct volume, especially at the start of the school year. Routines help minimize downtime and maximize productivity in the classroom.

All kids should know:

• how to come into the class
• if their voice should be off or on when they enter
• how do they ask a question
• where to sit and how to get there
• when can they ask to use the bathroom, and how
• what happens if they need a kleenex…  etc!

Assigning classroom jobs is another effective strategy to promote responsibility and support classroom management. These jobs can be adapted for any age, making them relevant whether you teach elementary or high school students.

If there is a problem or something goes awry, you can probably figure out a routine for that problem for next time. This will get easier with practice, and with consistency.

Start each class with a reminder of the rules, preferably with visual aids and a choral response for younger students.

Take time to set up the rules and routines for the first few weeks of the school year.

Then, every day, make sure you go through them again quickly. Just name them at the start, or have a kid read them.

Have visuals up with the rules written to refer back to them when necessary. Kids have a good memory but it can also be short.

Using visual aids like posted rules and schedules reinforces behavioral expectations in the classroom. It’s helpful to have positive ways to remind them of the rules at the start of every class.

3. Keep things fast-paced

Don’t linger over rules too long every day. Yes, name them, but then get started fast and keep the pace up.

Keeping a fast pace supports student engagement and maximizes learning time, which are essential for a safe and effective classroom environment.

Sometimes during teaching, you can pause for “wait time” to catch their attention.  Definitely, pause to make sure kids aren’t talking over you (that’s a terribly hard habit to break!!!!).  BUT keep going quickly and match their energy more often than not.

If they have too much wait time they will find other things to do to distract them, and those things are not usually in your plan!

Managing the classroom setup and routines also contributes to a productive learning environment, helping to minimize distractions and support student success, especially when you thoughtfully set up your kids yoga class for success.

My favorite way to teach a fast paced class is to start with a Yoga Flow.  Using engaging yoga sequences for kids makes it much easier to keep the pace up.

Or grab the 30 pose images for the Kids Yoga Flow here!

Tips for getting and keeping kids’ attention in a kids yoga class

1. Meet them at their level, energetically.

Take a visual scan of the class when enter your space (or when you enter theirs).

I can often sense right away if they just came from a dramatic previous lesson. They are tense, or nervous, they feel bad for a kid who got majorly in trouble, or a couple girls are crying over a “look” someone gave someone else.

It’s important to know how they are feeling to figure out how best to teach them.

Supporting students’ emotional development is a key benefit of proactive classroom management, as it helps foster a positive and supportive learning environment. If it’s absolutely necessary, take a moment to dive in and ask what happened, have a talk session, or a calm down mindful moment from whatever happened before.

One-on-one conversations can help teachers understand individual students’ needs and circumstances, allowing for more effective support and guidance. Tailoring activities to individual students can further support their engagement and emotional growth.

Creating a positive classroom environment leads to improved student learning and engagement.

Then move along and get right into your normal routine.

2. Use a system to quickly ask how they are doing

I have a “fist to five” system that I use frequently.

You can use this instead of asking “how are you doing” and getting tons of answers shouted or grumbled in your direction.

Instead, ask them to show on their hands: Fist to Five.

• A fist is “0,” meaning they are very tired or sleepy or grumpy
• 3 fingers up is: feeling fine, ready to learn
• 5 is: too much energy, anxiety, or pent-up emotions

After glancing at their numbers shown you can still continue with your planned class. But, it’s nice to rationalize what you see to them verbally by saying something like, “Ok, based on what I’m seeing you are feeling, we are going to try **** today to help us feel __****_.”

It will probably be the exact same class plan you already had in mind. However, it helps them get on board with it when they think that you are catering it to them specifically.

Teachers create a positive classroom environment by adapting lessons to students’ needs, which helps teaching students in a way that supports their engagement and behavior.

When teachers build excitement for content and lesson plans, students learn better and develop positive relationships. They like feeling that there is a purpose to the lesson if it is specific to them.

3. Start class in a way that meets their needs

This is especially true when you’re working with very young students, and many of the most effective ideas come from approaches designed specifically for teaching yoga to kindergarten kids.

I almost always start class in the same way with each of my 15 different classes. It took practice, though, to know what worked best for that group of kids and at that specific time of day.

Engaging teaching strategies can be adapted for different grade levels, including elementary school, middle school, and older students, to ensure that routines and expectations are developmentally appropriate.

Teachers can benefit from learning specific approaches tailored to the needs of each grade level, making the classroom experience more satisfying for both students and themselves.

Classroom management in a kids yoga class means you fit the structure of the class to the age, abilities, and general emotional state of the kids in your group.

Here are some options for how to start the first 5 minutes:

• P.E.-like warm-ups that a particular student will call out (especially good on testing days)
• Breathing exercises with the breathing ball (great for a class with some really high energy kids and some really low energy kids)
• A short picture book (good for very tired out brains or little ones)
• Fun, creative ways to teach kids yoga in a class such as storytelling flows or call-and-response poses
• A Go Noodle video (good for when you are tired from teaching 5 classes already)
• Everybody in child’s pose and I walk around and gently rub their backs (if they consent)

4. Be aware of your tone of voice

An effective teacher sets the tone for the classroom by modeling enthusiasm and respect.

The way you speak to students—your tone, volume, and word choice—can either invite participation or shut it down. After all, students are more likely to engage when they feel respected and encouraged.

Effective teachers use positive feedback and reinforcement to encourage student participation and good behavior. Teachers reinforce positive behavior through consistent praise and feedback, which improves academic and behavioral performance.

Providing positive feedback, such as highlighting effort or improvement in academic work or behavior, can also motivate students and foster a supportive classroom environment.

Make sure you are using a calm tone, engaging your kiddos, and not exacerbating them.

Speak with energy and enthusiasm and use lots of ups and downs in your voice levels.

However…

I hate fake teaching. I really don’t like pretending to be all bubbly and energized with a high pitched voice when that’s not who I am.

So try to find a nice middle ground.

Talk with a little more emphasis and melody in your voice. Speak a bit more slowly, use pauses for emphasis, and generally vary your tone quite a bit.

If you really do love Yoga and Mindfulness, it helps get the kiddos interested in it too when you are at least showing them how much you enjoy it.

Have fun and show them you are passionate about it!

Also, if you vary your tone, volume, and pitch you can quickly catch the attention of kids who are drifting off or not quite with you.

5. Be flexible, and adaptable

I know, I know, I said it’s imperative to be consistent.  It is.

But it’s also important to be able to adapt in little ways to the needs of your kids or students. Yes, they need routine and they need to know what to expect. But life is constantly changing, and so are they.

Understanding classroom dynamics helps teachers respond to changing situations and manage evolving student behaviors and relationships, especially when they recognize that many common myths about teaching yoga to kids simply aren’t true.

Classroom management practices encompass all the tools and skills teachers use to establish a positive and harmonious classroom environment that is conducive to learning, improving the educational process for both students and teachers.

Notice when they are having big changes or feelings, take it into account, and change little things if you think it will benefit everyone.

While new teachers may focus primarily on controlling student behavior, experienced teachers use a range of specific classroom management techniques, such as establishing rules and routines, maximizing learning time, reinforcing positive behavior, redirecting off-task behavior, and responding to serious misbehavior.

Have a backup lesson plan.

Let them talk about whatever was said at the lunch table for 3 minutes if it helps them release their emotions and be able to focus again.

Then get back into it.  Notice life, take it into account, and keep going where you can.

Demonstrating this type of empathy, adaptability, and resilience will be a huge way to teach your kids a little about life in the most real way.

Building Positive Relationships in Kids Yoga Classes

One of the most powerful classroom management strategies in a kids yoga class is building positive relationships with your students. When students feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more likely to engage in appropriate behavior and participate fully in class activities.

Effective classroom management starts with taking the time to get to know each child—not just their names, but their interests, strengths, and even their worries.

Try greeting each student by name as they enter the classroom, and ask about their day or their favorite yoga pose.

Incorporate their interests into your lesson plans—if a student loves animals, include animal-themed yoga poses; if another enjoys music, add a rhythmic element to your flow. These small gestures help foster trust and rapport, making students feel comfortable and connected.

When students trust their teacher and feel part of a positive classroom community, they are more likely to follow classroom rules and contribute to a respectful, supportive environment. This foundation of positive relationships is essential for successful classroom management and helps create a classroom where every student can thrive.

Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Environment

A supportive and inclusive classroom environment is the backbone of effective classroom management, especially in kids yoga classes.

Establishing clear expectations and classroom rules from the start helps students understand what is expected of them, reducing disruptive behavior and promoting a positive classroom culture.

Use visual aids, such as a colorful “yoga rules” chart with both pictures and words, to reinforce these expectations and help all students—regardless of reading level—stay on track.

Positive reinforcement is another key classroom management technique. Celebrate desirable behaviors by offering specific praise, stickers, or even a special classroom job. For example, you might say, “I noticed how you helped your friend roll up their mat—thank you for showing kindness!”

This not only reinforces positive behavior but also encourages other students to follow suit.

To make your classroom truly inclusive, incorporate diverse themes and activities that reflect your students’ backgrounds and needs.

Consider lessons on self-esteem, mindfulness for anxiety, or cultural yoga stories. When students feel represented and respected, they are more likely to engage, participate, and feel a sense of belonging.

By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, you help students feel confident, motivated, and ready to learn, and comprehensive kids yoga lesson plan bundles can make it easier to plan inclusive, engaging classes for diverse groups.

Using Restorative Practices for Conflict and Disruption

Even in the most well managed classroom, conflicts and disruptions can arise. Instead of relying solely on consequences or rewards, consider using restorative practices as a specific classroom management strategy.

Restorative practices focus on repairing relationships, building empathy, and fostering a sense of community among students.

When a conflict occurs—such as a disagreement between students or a classroom disruption—try holding a restorative circle. Invite the students involved to sit in a circle and share their feelings and perspectives in a respectful manner as a whole classroom discussion.

As the teacher, guide the discussion with open-ended questions and encourage active listening. This approach helps students feel heard and understood, and teaches them valuable skills for resolving conflicts peacefully.

Restorative practices not only address the immediate issue but also strengthen positive relationships within the classroom. When students feel that their voices matter and that they are part of a caring community, they are more likely to demonstrate appropriate behavior and contribute to a positive classroom environment.

Implementing Trauma-Informed Practices in Kids Yoga

In today’s classrooms, it’s important for teachers to recognize that some students may have experienced trauma or ongoing stress. Implementing trauma-informed practices is a vital part of effective classroom management, ensuring that all students feel safe, supported, and empowered to participate.

Start by incorporating mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or a gentle body scan, at the beginning of class. These activities help students regulate their emotions and prepare for learning.

Offer choices in participation—allow students to opt out of certain poses or take a quiet break if needed—so they feel a sense of control and safety.

Encourage students to express themselves through creative outlets like drawing, journaling, or sharing in a morning meeting. This gives them space to process emotions in a supportive environment.

Always approach student behavior with empathy and patience, understanding that inappropriate behavior may be a sign of underlying stress or trauma.

By using trauma-informed classroom management techniques, you help students feel secure and respected, laying the groundwork for a positive learning environment where every child can succeed.

Ready for more tips on classroom management for kids’ yoga classes?

If you want videos on classroom management, tons of tips on mindful language, more examples of routines, rules, and dealing with big behaviors, check out my Ultimate Kids Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher Training!

Developing strong classroom management skills is essential for teachers to create positive and organized classroom environments. The training includes 3 modules on classroom management for kids’ yoga classes, TONS of lessons, videos, printables, and so much more! You’ll learn effective classroom management strategies that can lead to improved student outcomes.

Research shows that improving teachers’ classroom management skills has a positive effect on students’ academic outcomes.

My graduates say that it is the ONLY kids yoga teacher training that they have taken with actually useful advice on managing behaviors in a kids yoga class.

“I absolutely LOVE this course. You have really provided so much information and so many valuable resources. It’s put together in such an easy to understand format. It blows away the other kid’s training I took by leaps and bounds and I wish my 200hr training was half as organized. Well worth every penny spent!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are truly an inspiration!!”

-Briana A.

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