Have you ever wondered what a kids yoga class looks like? Probably not, but I'll tell you anyway.  A yoga class usually lasts anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour.  Usually in the beginning, the instructor will start out with some sort of sharing activity, where everyone gets to introduce themselves and something special about themselves.  "What's your favorite animal?"  Then, there are a few breathing exercises that everyone does.  This may sound hokey, but the kids truly enjoy this moment. 

Some instructors revolve their yoga class around a story, using animal poses or poses that represent objects, such as rocks, boats, mountains, and stars.  A story is a great way to get the children involved and who doesn't like a good story?  Poses are both sitting poses, standing poses, poses on bellies, and poses on backs.  The idea is to get all of the muscles and body parts moving and stretching, always remembering to breath along the way. 

Songs, chants, and games are incorporated into the class to add variety.  We all know that kids get restless, and with all of the variety, there's no time to get bored or disengage for very long. 

All children enjoy routine or familiarity, as well as challenges.  So, along with some familiar poses, stories, and/or songs (such as row, row, row your boat), there are usually some new yoga moves added to each class. 

At the end of a kids yoga class, the instructor will have the kids take a yoga nap or shavasana.  Kids lie on their backs in relaxed manner, while the instructor either tells a relaxing, happy story or plays soft music.  This moment of "silence" is amazing, and usually the older the kids, the more they need it and love it. 

Whether you are a yoga master or someone who just thought yoga was another brand of fancy yogurt, you must check out a kids yoga class one day and see for yourself that it will bring out the kid in you.